Tres Marías places a clear emphasis on water and nature. At the Laguna Oca Biosphere Reserve, you can enjoy the beach and swim in warm water year-round; the surrounding area invites you to experience nature. Photo safaris are also offered in the Reserve. When making your choice, you can weigh your interest in swimming against your interest in a photo safari as distinct priorities.

Laguna Oca: River Landscape and Biosphere Reserve

The Laguna Oca y Herraduras del Río Paraguay Biosphere Reserve was designated by UNESCO in 2001. The Laguna Oca Biosphere Reserve is a wetland fed by the waters of the Río Paraguay. Its designation and landscape offer two different points of reference: the UNESCO designation identifies its connection to the biosphere, while the river supply defines the character of the wetland. When choosing a destination, then, the question is not just whether you want to swim at the beach; the landscape of the wetland fed by the Paraguay is also a distinct attraction.

Experience Nature and Put Biodiversity in Context

A study area focusing on the avifauna of the Río Paraguay wetland extended from the outskirts of the city of Formosa to the town of Tres Marías and included the Laguna Oca del río Paraguay Biosphere Reserve. A total of 260 bird species were recorded in this area. This figure refers to the entire study area; the photo safari, by contrast, is an activity offered in the Reserve. This distinguishes a specific activity available on site from the broader regional avifauna context.

Getting There from Formosa

By private vehicle, the route from the city of Formosa heads south along Ruta Nacional 11. From there, continue along an unpaved road in the town of Tres Marías. Check road conditions before setting out, and factor the unpaved section into your plans.

The Reserve can also be reached from the city of Formosa by a 20-minute boat ride. This time refers to the boat trip from Formosa, not the entire journey. If you plan to take this option, check the specific arrangements in advance. This distinguishes the boat leg, with its stated duration, from the road route via Ruta Nacional 11 and the unpaved road.

Another Highlight in the Departamento Formosa

In the broader destination of Departamento Formosa, Paseo Ferroviario offers a different thematic focus. It includes a railway museum, an open-air dining promenade, and a cultural and sports center. This sets the nature and water of the Laguna Oca Biosphere Reserve against a cultural perspective in Departamento Formosa. When choosing destinations based on the kind of experience you want, you can compare wetlands, beaches, and swimming with a museum, dining promenade, and cultural and sports center as distinct themes.

Discover more destinations: Formosa.

Back to the main travel overview: Departamento Formosa.