Parque Nacional Ciervo de los Pantanos protects 2,500 hectares of the Paraná Delta and Islands, Pampa and Espinal ecoregions, as well as internationally significant wetlands. Visitors can choose from a trail through the Pampa grasslands to a five-kilometre cycling route through the wetlands. Viewpoints, opportunities to learn about the cultivation of native plants and a producers’ market add to the different ways of discovering the landscape.
On foot: Choose your time and scenery
Sendero Historias del Pastizal is 1,000 metres long and has a low difficulty level. It takes 20 minutes to walk independently, or one hour with a guide. The different time estimates help with planning: you can set aside either a short window or more time for the guided version of the same trail. The path passes through a depiction of the Pampa grasslands and by cultural features of the former Estancia Otamendi before reaching a viewpoint. From there, panoramic views extend across the wetlands and Laguna Grande.
Sendero Guardianes de la Barranca offers a different landscape. It crosses the Barranca forest and leads to another viewpoint, providing a new perspective on the wetlands. Comparing the two trails reveals different reasons to go for a walk: Sendero Historias del Pastizal combines a depiction of the Pampa with cultural features, while Guardianes de la Barranca passes through the Barranca forest.
Cycle through the wetlands
Camino Islas Malvinas can be travelled by bicycle. The five-kilometre route connects Estación Rómulo Otamendi with the embarcadero de Costa del Paraná and passes through the wetlands. Along the way, you can observe the wildlife that lives there. Compared with the 1,000-metre Sendero Historias del Pastizal, this is the longer of the two routes with specified distances; Camino Islas Malvinas also differs in that it is travelled by bicycle and connects two named endpoints.
Plants and wetland landscapes
Sendero Recuperando lo Nuestro leads to Vivero de Plantas Nativas Don Juan, which includes a greenhouse classroom. The 2,000 m² facility offers a look at the cultivation and production of native species from the Río de la Plata region and the national park. Visiting the plant nursery complements the viewpoints and trails with a look at the production of native plants.
The national park’s landscape can also be explored in its different contexts: the protected ecoregions include the Paraná Delta and Islands, Pampa and Espinal, as well as internationally significant wetlands. The trails reflect these different settings, with distinct focuses ranging from Pampa grasslands and the Barranca forest to wetland wildlife and the cultivation of native species.
EcoFeria and horseback rides
The EcoFeria de Productores locales at Parque Nacional Ciervo de los Pantanos offers handcrafted and sustainable products every second weekend of the month and on long weekends from March to December. Check the specific dates before your trip to make sure your visit coincides with the market date you have in mind.
In the area around the destination, you can book horseback rides with local residents in the communities of Otamendi and Río Luján; excursions around the protected area are offered. As availability should be confirmed locally, it is advisable to enquire before your trip. This gives you the option of horseback rides in the vicinity of the protected area, in addition to trails on foot and by bicycle.
Discover more destinations: Los Cardales, Campana.
Return to the main travel overview: Campana Partido.
