Ibera is in the top eastern corner of Argentina almost bordering Paraguay and not far from the Brazilian border. This was a repeat visit for us from 2008 and we wanted to stay at Posada De Laguna once again. This Posada is right next to the Lake and has a number of comfortable rooms plus a dining/sitting room for guests to enjoy. The staff were all delightful and the cook produced the most delicious meals on a full board basis. We were taken out twice a day either for a bird spotting walk or in a boat on the lake to look for wildlife and there was always plenty to see as the photos hopefully demonstrate. Our young guide didn’t speak English but with the help of a photographic book he was able to point to the birds we were seeing – he knew his wildlife very well.
Since our last visit in 2008, the wetlands have become an SSI and have been set up as a Nature Reserve. Visitors now have to register and pay an entrance fee. The fees are clearly put to good use as sturdy walkways have been constructed with sheltered viewing platforms – these not only encourage visitors but keep them where they should be and not interfering with nature. The small visitors centre doesn’t have bird lists or indeed even sell pamphlets to identify birds seen – there are lost opportunities here, especially to encourage and engage the younger generation. However we must remember where this site is – a long bumpy and dusty road sitting in a pick up for 3 hours was our journey and those coming from other directions probably had the same experience. So, although great for the wildlife, this is never going to be a tourist hot spot ( thankfully). The village where we stayed has seen a few new small hotels and hopefully the community won’t expand too much more as it is important not to upset the local people but to have them supporting the wetlands.
The wildlife was abundant and amazing and apparently January wasn’t the best month!! Boats with guides can be hired as we always shared the lake with 4 or 5 other boats but then the lake is huge and we all had our favourite areas. The joy of wildlife is that every day is different and to see parent birds looking after their young is just so magical. Even the Caiman had young!! There are some photos here that will make you smile hopefully.
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