Paradise Isn’t Always Easy to Reach
The Esteros del Iberá wetlands in Argentina are one of South America’s last great wildlife sanctuaries. Capybaras, caimans, marsh deer, and hundreds of bird species roam freely across 1.3 million hectares of protected land.
But here’s the catch: getting to Esteros del Iberá isn’t straightforward. Limited buses, gravel roads, and long transfers make it seem intimidating. Some travelers on forums even describe it as “Argentina’s most difficult park to reach.”
The good news? With the right planning, accessing Iberá can be smooth — and the effort is part of the adventure. Let’s break down each portal, the pros and cons, and travel tips so you can choose the best route for your Iberá journey.
Main Accessibility Challenges
- 🚍 Limited Public Transport: Most buses only reach Mercedes, requiring onward transfers.
- 🛣 Rural Roads: Colonia Carlos Pellegrini, for example, is connected by long gravel roads that can be muddy in the rainy season.
- 🛫 Distance from Airports: Closest airports are Corrientes City and Posadas (Misiones), 2–4 hours from different portals.
These hurdles deter some travelers — but they also keep Iberá wild and uncrowded.
Choosing Your Portal: The Gateways to Esteros del Iberá
Portal San Antonio (Loreto) – The Strategic Choice
- 🚗 Access: Less than 2 hours by road from Corrientes City or Posadas.
- 🛫 Airports nearby: Two international airports make Loreto the best-connected starting point.
- 🌿 Strategic Location: Close to San Nicolás and Cambyretá portals, allowing easy multi-portal exploration.
- 🦉 Experience: Quieter, less crowded, and perfect for travelers seeking an immersive nature stay.
👉 Why choose it: If you value easy logistics without losing the authentic Iberá feel, Loreto is your best bet.
✨ Extra Convenience: We can organize a private transfer from the airport directly to our lodge in Loreto, as well as to the surrounding portals, making your journey smooth and stress-free.
✨ Ready to book your stay? Contact us directly via WhatsApp for availability and questions:
Colonia Carlos Pellegrini – The Tourism Hub
- 🏘 Infrastructure: The most developed access point, with lodges, restaurants, and organized tours.
- 🚧 Challenge: Reached from Mercedes via long gravel roads — scenic but tough after rain.
- 🦜 Experience: Famous for birdwatching and boat safaris.
👉 Why choose it: If you prefer convenience, a wide range of lodging, and don’t mind a bumpy ride.
Concepción de Yaguareté Corá – Off the Beaten Path
- 🚙 Remote Location: Farther away, requiring long drives compared to other portals.
- 🌄 Offer: Growing activities and excursions.
- 🌳 Experience: Less visited, more intimate, ideal for adventure travelers.
👉 Why choose it: If you want a quieter, cultural approach to Iberá and don’t mind the distance.
Other Portals: San Miguel & Cambyretá
- 🦆 San Miguel: Close to Loreto, offers varied wildlife encounters.
- 🐊 Cambyretá: Very accessible from Posadas — just a short drive to Ituzaingó, followed by 30 km of gravel road. Note that Cambyretá has limited lodging, shops, and restaurants, so the best option is to stay in Ituzaingóand use it as your base.
👉 Why choose them: Combine with San Antonio for a diverse, multi-portal itinerary.
Travel Solutions and Tips
- 🚐 Private Transfers & Lodge Packages: Many eco-lodges arrange pickups from Corrientes, Posadas, or Mercedes.
✨ We can also organize your private transfer directly from the airport to our lodge in Loreto, or to any of the nearby portals for maximum comfort.
📲 Message us on WhatsApp - 🚘 Self-Drive: Rent a car for maximum flexibility, but always check road and weather conditions.
- 🛏 Overnight Stopovers: A great option is to pause your journey in the thermal towns of Entre Ríos (Federación or Chajarí), combining relaxation in hot springs with your Iberá adventure.
- 📅 Best Travel Season: The dry season (May–September) ensures safer roads and cooler weather.
Turning the Journey Into Part of the Adventure
Reaching Iberá isn’t just about the destination — the journey itself is a highlight. Expect shifting landscapes, traditional gaucho culture, and rural charm along the way.
Many visitors who once worried about logistics later describe Iberá as one of the most rewarding travel experiences in Argentina.
FAQs About Access to Esteros del Iberá
What is the easiest way to get to Esteros del Iberá?
The easiest access is via Portal San Antonio in Loreto, only 2 hours from Corrientes or Posadas airports.
Another very convenient option is Portal Cambyretá, especially if you arrive through Posadas. From there, it’s just a short drive to Ituzaingó, plus around 30 km of gravel road to reach the portal. Keep in mind, however, that Cambyretá has fewer lodging options and no shops or restaurants, so the best choice is to stay overnight in Ituzaingó.
Which portal is best for first-time visitors?
For infrastructure: Colonia Carlos Pellegrini. For easier access and quieter stays: San Antonio (Loreto).
Can you drive to Esteros del Iberá?
Yes, self-driving is absolutely possible. In fact, most portals can be reached by car. However, it’s always important to check road conditions in advance, especially if it has rained recently, as gravel sections can become tricky.
For some access points, it’s preferable to have a higher vehicle (like an SUV or pickup) for comfort and safety.
👉 The great advantage of the Portal San Antonio in Loreto is that it’s reached entirely by paved roads, making it the most reliable option for travelers driving in standard cars.
What’s the closest airport to Esteros del Iberá?
Both Corrientes City and Posadas (Misiones) serve as gateways to the Iberá wetlands.
From either airport, Portal San Antonio in Loreto is the most convenient option, thanks to its paved road access and proximity (less than 2 hours).
Another good alternative from Posadas is the Portal Cambyretá. It’s very close to the city of Ituzaingó, and from there only about 30 km of gravel road lead into the wetlands. Keep in mind that Cambyretá has limited lodging, shops, or restaurants, so the best choice is to stay in Ituzaingó.
Final Word of Encouragement
Yes, reaching Esteros del Iberá takes effort — but every kilometer is worth it. Whether you enter through Loreto’s San Antonio, Colonia Carlos Pellegrini, or the remote Yaguareté Corá, each portal opens the door to unforgettable wildlife encounters.
👉 And if you’re looking for the perfect balance of easy access, strategic location, and authentic experience, Loreto is your smartest choice.
Arrive ready for capybaras grazing, caimans basking, and sunsets painting the wetlands — because Iberá rewards those who make the journey.
✨ Make it unforgettable with us: our lodge in Loreto offers comfort, local hospitality, and guided experiences — plus we can organize your transfers from the airport straight to Iberá.
✨ Ready to book your stay? Contact us directly via WhatsApp for availability and questions: