Argentina is home to endless pampas,
Patagonian desert, and the world’s second-largest wetlands, with an indigenous wildlife population that’s been drastically dwindling, until now. Mammals and avians native to Esteros del Iberá—a 3.2 million-acre watery network located in the northeast province of Corrientes—such as giant anteater, giant otter, pampas deer, and red macaw, are at the heart of an intensive repopulation program led by Kristine and Doug Tompkins’
Conservation Land Trust and backed by the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation. The undisputed star of this rewilding is the jaguar, the largest feline in the Americas, and previously wiped out from Corrientes. The first female settled into her new home at the San Alonso reserve last May; a mate will join her by the end of 2015. Key to a healthy ecosystem, the jaguar’s repopulation is great news not only for those eager to see the rare animal but also for conservationists keen to see the reserve attain national park status. Esteros del Iberá recently unveiled three new access routes in its northwestern basin. Guests staying at eco-lodges such as
Puerto Valle can now traverse this northern sector by kayak, horseback, or 4 x 4. On the southwestern basin, wildlife lovers should head to luxury lodge
Rincón del Socorro for the best sightings, while fly-fishing fans should make a beeline to
Pirá Lodge to catch golden dorado.
—Sorrel Moseley-Williams
