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Where to stay in the Iberá Wetlands (Colonia Carlos Pellegrini): how to get there and what to do

Colonia Carlos Pellegrini is a village of about 1,200 people and sandy streets on the shore of Iberá lagoon, and it is the most developed gateway to the Wetlands. Getting there without a car means combining long-distance buses with the 120 km from Mercedes, but within a few metres of the village you can see capybaras, caimans and marsh deer, and there are now jaguars reintroduced into the wild. There are no hostels with dorms: this guide gathers the cheapest options with good reviews.

🛏️Room for 2from ≈ US$ 80 a night
✈️AirportNone: the nearest are Posadas (PSS) and Corrientes (CNQ), with no direct bus to the village
🚌BusTo Mercedes (Corrientes); from there, Iberá Bus (Mon, Wed and Fri) or a private transfer
🛣️Last stretch120 km from Mercedes: 50 paved and 70 gravel, 2 h 15 to 3 h
🏧ATMThere is one from Banco de Corrientes, with no guarantee of cash: bring cash
🌡️WeatherSummer highs of 32-33 °C; winter days of ≈ 21-23 °C and nights of 11-12 °C
📍Buenos Aires≈ 860 km: bus to Mercedes (≈ 9 h 30), then 2 h 15 to 3 h more
Yacaré tomando sol sobre la vegetación del estero
Yacaré tomando sol sobre la vegetación del estero
Garza caminando entre plantas acuáticas en un estero de Corrientes
Garza caminando entre plantas acuáticas en un estero de Corrientes
Lancha con visitantes navegando entre camalotes y monte
Lancha con visitantes navegando entre camalotes y monte

How to get to Iberá Wetlands

✈️ «Libertador General José de San Martín» International Airport (Posadas) PSS

No direct bus to Colonia Carlos Pellegrini: private transfer only

Getting to the centre and your accommodation
  • There is no public bus from Posadas to the village.
  • The Iberá Tourism Chamber lists private transfers covering Posadas–Iberá: Guayrá Turismo Alternativo, Mbarete Viajes and Traslados Don Prion. They don't publish rates: ask for a quote.
  • The budget option is to take a bus from Posadas to Corrientes (≈ 4 h 30) and from there on to Mercedes.
Direct flights

Aerolíneas Argentinas flies to Buenos Aires (Aeroparque) and Córdoba. JetSMART resumes Posadas–Aeroparque on 1 November 2026.

✈️ «Doctor Fernando Piragine Niveyro» International Airport (Corrientes) CNQ

≈ 12 km east of Corrientes city · Pellegrini is ≈ 356 km away by road

Getting to the centre and your accommodation
  • There is no direct bus to the village: from Corrientes city (terminal at Av. Maipú 2700) there are buses to Mercedes, ≈ 3 h 15, from ≈ US$ 16.
  • From Mercedes you continue on the Iberá Bus or a private transfer to Pellegrini.
Direct flights

Aerolíneas Argentinas flies to Buenos Aires. Check other routes on each airline's website.

🚌 Iberá Bus stop in Colonia Carlos Pellegrini (there is no long-distance bus station)

📍 Timbó and Tuyuyú, one block from the square

🛏️ 0.1 to 0.9 km from the guide's accommodations (the Country house is ≈ 1.3 km from the centre)

Pellegrini has no bus station: the entry point by bus is the Mercedes Bus Station (Terminal de Ómnibus, San Martín and J. A. Ferreyra), 120 km away. From there the Iberá Bus leaves on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays around midday (official sources don't agree on the exact time: call 03773-507189) and returns in the early morning; on other days there are private transfers such as Transporte 2 de Abril and Capybara.

Long-distance buses

LegKmHoursFrequencyCompanies
Mercedes (Corrientes) → Colonia Carlos Pellegrini120 (50 paved + 70 gravel)2 h 15 to 3 hIberá Bus Mon, Wed and Fri; private transfers on other daysIberá Bus; transfers Transporte 2 de Abril and Capybara
Corrientes → Mercedes240-2452 h 45 to 3 h 276 departures/day (from 01:00 to 19:15)Crucero del Norte, Ray Bus, ERSA Urbano
Buenos Aires (Retiro) → Mercedes≈ 7008 h 25 to 11 h9 departures/day (from 06:30 to 21:00)Nuevo Expreso, San José/Rápido Tata, ERSA, Rutatlántica, Flechabus
Mercedes → Buenos Aires (Retiro)≈ 700≈ 9 h 3016 departures/day (from 00:15 to 23:30)Rutatlántica, Flechabus, Nuevo Expreso, ERSA, San José/Rápido Tata
Posadas → Corrientes (to continue to Mercedes)316≈ 4 h 3021 departures/day (from 02:00 to 20:45)Río Uruguay, La Veloz del Norte, Crucero del Sur, La 20 de Junio
Puerto Iguazú → Corrientes (to continue to Mercedes)6129 to 10 h 306 departures/dayRío Uruguay, La 20 de Junio

There is no direct bus from Posadas or Puerto Iguazú to Mercedes: you have to connect via Corrientes.

Map of Iberá Wetlands: bus station, places to stay and sights

The places to stay in this guide, the bus station, the airport and the things to see, all on one map. Tap a point to see its name.

Loading the map…
Places to stayBus stationSights

Off the map (straight-line distance): Aeropuerto Internacional de Posadas (PSS) (≈ 175 km); Aeropuerto Internacional de Corrientes (CNQ) (≈ 198 km); Terminal de Ómnibus de Mercedes (Corrientes), San Martín y J. A. Ferreyra (≈ 114 km); Terminal de Ómnibus de Corrientes (Av. Maipú) (≈ 198 km); Terminal de Ómnibus de Posadas (Av. Santa Catalina) (≈ 177 km); Terminal de Ómnibus de Ituzaingó (≈ 115 km).

Distances from the centre

PlaceDistanceTimeHow
Boat dock (municipal campsite)≈ 1.5 km from the square20 to 35 min on footon foot from the centre
«Iberá Salvaje» Visitor Center≈ 2.6 km from the square30 to 40 min on footon foot or by bike
Provincial Park trails≈ 2.7 km to the trailheadtrails of 400 m to 2 kmon foot
Cemetery of the colourful tombs≈ 1.1 km from the squarepedestrian pathon foot
Cambá Trapo Reserve≈ 5 to 8 kmhalf a daywith local operators
Mercedes (bus station)120 km2 h 15 to 3 hIberá Bus or transfer
Corrientes city≈ 356 km≈ 3 h 15 by bus to Mercedes + 2 h 15 to 3 hbus + Iberá Bus or transfer
Cambyretá Portal (Ituzaingó)176 kmgravel in good conditionno regular public transport

Getting around Iberá Wetlands

The 3 best areas to stay in Iberá Wetlands

1Centre and square No car, everything on foot

🚌 0.1 to 0.6 km from the Iberá Bus stop

Best for anyone arriving on the bus from Mercedes without a car who wants to sort out food and excursions on foot. Here you'll find El Paso (≈ 0.1 km from the stop), Che Cambá, Che Teindy and Aires del Iberá, close to the square and to eateries like Los Amigos and La Cabaña. On the downside: the dock is ≈ 1.1-1.5 km away and the Visitor Center 2.3-2.7 km: for the boat or the trails you walk 20 to 35 minutes.

2West, towards the lagoon Near the dock

🚌 ≈ 0.9 km from the Iberá Bus stop

Best for anyone who wants to be close to the municipal campsite, the boat dock and the Visitor Center, and doesn't mind being away from the square. Hospedaje San Cayetano is ≈ 0.7 km from the dock and ≈ 1.9 km from the Visitor Center. On the downside: the square and the bus stop are ≈ 0.8-0.9 km away (10 to 15 minutes with a backpack) and there are fewer eateries nearby.

3Outskirts and countryside Peace and quiet

🚌 ≈ 1.3 km from the centre

Best for anyone who wants peace and quiet and can give up some convenience. Casa de campo parque Iberá is on Aguará Street, ≈ 1.3 km from the centre according to its listing, and is rented as a whole. On the downside: it is far from the bus stop, the eateries and the square, so without a car you'll walk a lot. Other cheap options in this area are the municipal campsite and Camba Cuá campsite, on Route 40.

The 7 recommended places to stay in Iberá Wetlands

There are no dorms in Pellegrini: accommodation costs more than in the cities and is split between guesthouses, inns and cabins. «Hostel Che Cambá» has hostel in its name but offers private rooms. The reference price is the room for 2; cabins with a kitchen help you save if you travel in groups of 2 to 4.

Hospedaje San Cayetano

8.9 · 41 reviews
Aguapé between Yacaré and Guazuvirá · ≈ 0.7 km from the dock
🏷️ Guesthouse🚌 ≈ 0.9 km from the Iberá Bus stopBreakfast includedPrivate roomsPoolQuincho (covered BBQ area)Parking
Private room at Hospedaje San Cayetano in Iberá Wetlands
Private room
Swimming pool at Hospedaje San Cayetano in Iberá Wetlands
Swimming pool
Exterior at Hospedaje San Cayetano in Iberá Wetlands
Exterior

Typical country house about 80 years old, run by its owners María and Roque, one block from the lagoon. It has double, triple and quadruple rooms with private bathroom, air conditioning and a patio, plus an outdoor pool. The homemade breakfast changes every day and Roque runs boat trips.

Attentive owners and homemade breakfast
Boat trips with the owner
Weak WiFi according to guests
Rooms side by side: you can hear the neighbours
How much a night costs, month by month
Private room · 2 people
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep

The private room costs around US$ 80. Months marked «·» have no rate loaded yet: the place opens its calendar in stages, it doesn't mean it's closed.

Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 06/10/2026.
See prices and free beds

El Paso Ibera Cabañas

9.0 · 50 reviews
Timbó and Yaguareté · ≈ 0.1 km from the square
🏷️ Cabins🚌 ≈ 0.1 km from the Iberá Bus stopBreakfast includedKitchen in the unitPoolAir conditioning
Cabin at El Paso Ibera Cabañas in Iberá Wetlands
Cabin
Dining room at El Paso Ibera Cabañas in Iberá Wetlands
Dining room
Exterior at El Paso Ibera Cabañas in Iberá Wetlands
Exterior

2-bedroom cabins (3 beds) with equipped kitchen, air conditioning, private bathroom and TV, steps from the square and the bus stop. A good fit for groups of 2-4. Breakfast is simple and they help you plan excursions. Cleanliness, value for money and staff all score above 9 in the reviews.

Attentive staff and good location
Spacious cabins with equipped kitchen
Simple breakfast according to several guests
Once the pool had green water
How much a night costs, month by month
Private room · 2 people
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep

The private room, from US$ 81 to US$ 162.

Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 06/10/2026.
See prices and free beds

El Paso Ibera Posada

9.1 · 14 reviews
Timbó and Yaguareté · ≈ 0.1 km from the square
🏷️ Guesthouse🚌 ≈ 0.1 km from the Iberá Bus stopBreakfast includedPrivate roomsShared kitchenPool
Private room at El Paso Ibera Posada in Iberá Wetlands
Private room
Garden at El Paso Ibera Posada in Iberá Wetlands
Garden
Exterior at El Paso Ibera Posada in Iberá Wetlands
Exterior

Guesthouse of the El Paso Iberá complex, next to the square. Rooms have air conditioning, heating and private bathroom; the one in the listing is a quadruple (3 beds). There is a shared kitchenette, a pool and a homemade breakfast with tortas fritas (fried bread) that guests single out. Its 9.7 for location and staff are the best-rated scores.

Location and staff at 9.7
Homemade breakfast with tortas fritas
Long walk to the reserve
Still few reviews (14)
How much a night costs, month by month
Private room · 2 people
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep

The private room costs around US$ 90. Months marked «·» have no rate loaded yet: the place opens its calendar in stages, it doesn't mean it's closed.

Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 06/10/2026.
See prices and free beds

Casa de campo parque Iberá

9.4 · 42 reviews
Aguará Street · ≈ 1.3 km from the centre
🏷️ Country house🚌 ≈ 1.3 km from the village centreEntire houseKitchenGrillParking
Private room at Casa de campo parque Iberá in Iberá Wetlands
Private room
Living room at Casa de campo parque Iberá in Iberá Wetlands
Living room
Exterior at Casa de campo parque Iberá in Iberá Wetlands
Exterior

Entire house with 2 bedrooms (4 beds), kitchen, grill, stove, terrace and garden. Breakfast and meals are not included: you cook. It is quiet and ≈ 1.3 km from the centre; it suits groups of 3 or 4 who split the cost. In the reviews it scores 9.7 for location and 9.5 for value for money.

Spacious, clean house with grounds
Attentive host and good value for money
No breakfast or meals included
No air conditioning, according to guests
How much a night costs, month by month
Private room · 2 people
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep

The private room, from US$ 96 to US$ 98. Months marked «·» have no rate loaded yet: the place opens its calendar in stages, it doesn't mean it's closed.

Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 06/10/2026.
See prices and free beds

Aires del Ibera

8.4 · 31 reviews
Caraguatá and Tuyuyú · ≈ 0.5 km from the square
🏷️ Guesthouse🚌 ≈ 0.6 km from the Iberá Bus stopBreakfast includedKitchen in the unitPoolGrill
Private room at Aires del Ibera in Iberá Wetlands
Private room
Swimming pool at Aires del Ibera in Iberá Wetlands
Swimming pool
Exterior at Aires del Ibera in Iberá Wetlands
Exterior

Cabins with their own kitchen, grill, air conditioning, pool and garden. The smallest unit sleeps 2 (1 bedroom); there is also a 2-bedroom house with 6 beds. Breakfast includes homemade baked goods and the owner helps with excursions. Check-in at 14:00 and check-out at 10:30.

Quincho and kitchen very well equipped
Excellent WiFi according to guests
Value for money among the lowest (7.8)
Kitchen short on items, according to one guest
How much a night costs, month by month
Private room · 2 people
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep

The private room costs around US$ 100.

Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 06/10/2026.
See prices and free beds

Posada Che Teindy

8.7 · 11 reviews
Mburucuyá between Aguará and Caraguatá · ≈ 0.3 km from the square
🏷️ Guesthouse🚌 ≈ 0.5 km from the Iberá Bus stopBreakfast includedPrivate roomsGrillTransfer service
Private room at Posada Che Teindy in Iberá Wetlands
Private room
Barbecue area at Posada Che Teindy in Iberá Wetlands
Barbecue area
Exterior at Posada Che Teindy in Iberá Wetlands
Exterior

Small, central guesthouse with 7 double, triple or quadruple rooms, with private bathroom and air conditioning, garden, grill and a common room. Breakfast is included and served at the Café de los Pájaros, next to a pond with birds. Gastón, the host, helps arrange jeeps and excursions.

Host Gastón is very helpful
Breakfast at the Café de los Pájaros
Poor internet connectivity
Bathrooms a bit outdated
How much a night costs, month by month
Private room · 2 people
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep

The private room, from US$ 100 to US$ 116. Months marked «·» have no rate loaded yet: the place opens its calendar in stages, it doesn't mean it's closed.

Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 06/10/2026.
See prices and free beds

Hostel Che Camba 1

9.1 · 8 reviews
Tuyuyú and Curupí · ≈ 0.3 km from the square
🏷️ Hostel🚌 ≈ 0.3 km from the Iberá Bus stopBreakfast includedPrivate roomsPoolBar
Private room at Hostel Che Camba 1 in Iberá Wetlands
Private room
Terrace at Hostel Che Camba 1 in Iberá Wetlands
Terrace
Exterior at Hostel Che Camba 1 in Iberá Wetlands
Exterior

Despite the name, there are no dorms: they are private rooms (double and quadruple) with their own bathroom and air conditioning, a garden with birds, a small pool and a bar. The owner, Marcela, runs it and cooks the breakfast. It is ≈ 0.3 km from the square and the bus stop.

Very attentive owner (staff 10)
Location 10, next to the stop
Room finishes could be better
Lower value for money (7.7)
How much a night costs, month by month
Private room · 2 people
OctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSep

The private room, from US$ 108 to US$ 180. Months marked «·» have no rate loaded yet: the place opens its calendar in stages, it doesn't mean it's closed.

Public price per night, before taxes and fees (these are shown at checkout and depend on your country of residence and payment method), for the free-cancellation rate when there is one; quotes are for 2 consecutive nights. Rates change with the date. Updated 06/10/2026.
See prices and free beds

Backpacker tips for Iberá Wetlands

1Bring cash from Mercedes or Corrientes

There is a Banco de Corrientes ATM at the sports centre, but there is no certainty that it works or has cash, and there is no bank branch. Ask your accommodation and the guides beforehand whether they accept cards or Mercado Pago.

2Secure your transfer before setting out

The Iberá Bus runs only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; if you reach Mercedes on another day you need a private transfer. Call 03773-507189 to find out the exact time or ask your accommodation to arrange the transfer.

3Fill up on fuel, medicine and supplies in Mercedes

There is no gas station or pharmacy in the village, and there is no mobile signal on the road. There are eateries, cafés and a grocery shop at the municipal campsite.

4Don't count on cheap full board

The accommodations in this guide include breakfast or have their own kitchen, and the Country house includes no meals. To save money, cook in the cabins or in the shared kitchenette at El Paso Posada.

5Hire excursions separately

Boats leave from the municipal campsite dock and you can hire them from accredited guides, agencies or your accommodation. Comparing before reserving a package can work out cheaper.

6Repellent all year and long sleeves

Mosquitoes are constant, especially at dusk and in summer. In winter add warm clothes and a waterproof jacket for the boat.

7The night walk has fixed days

It runs only on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, with an authorised guide. If you want to do it, plan your trip days around it.

8Arrive by day and check the road conditions

Animals cross the road at night and the last stretch is gravel. If it has rained a lot, check the road conditions at Pellegrini's information centre (3773 462346) or on the park's official website.

Things to do in Iberá Wetlands (and how to get there on your own)

Boat trip on Iberá lagoon

The main excursion: capybaras, caimans, marsh deer and birds are seen almost every time. The reintroduced jaguar is possible but not guaranteed.

Distance
≈ 1.5 km to the dock
How to get there
With an accredited guide, from the municipal campsite

Visitor Center and Provincial Park trails

More than 10 km of short trails (400 m to 2 km) with deer, maned wolf and reintroduced animals. You pay an entrance fee to the Provincial Park, valid for 5 days: ask for the current price.

Distance
≈ 2.6 km
How to get there
On foot or by bike

Night walk with a guide

To see foxes, night birds and other mammals. Only Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

Distance
Leaves from the village
How to get there
With an authorised guide

Kayak and canoe

You paddle on the lagoon and the marsh, a quieter way to see the wildlife.

Distance
From the dock (≈ 1.5 km)
How to get there
Guided excursion

Horseback riding

Rides among the palm groves, through the village and the reserve. There are four local operators: El Pomberito, Los Carros, Ñande-ru and Paiubre.

Distance
Within the village
How to get there
With local operators

Riverside promenade, viewpoints and cemetery

Free stroll along the riverside promenade, the viewpoints and the cemetery of the colourful tombs, on pedestrian paths.

Distance
0.5 to 1.6 km
How to get there
On foot
Entry
Free

Birdwatching at Cambá Trapo

Private reserve for birdwatching and horseback riding, half a day.

Distance
≈ 5 to 8 km
How to get there
With local operators

Weather and seasons in Iberá Wetlands

There is no published occupancy data: this classification comes from the climate and the holidays. In summer the heat, mosquitoes and rain lead many guides to advise against it, and July and long weekends are trendy getaways. The best conditions for wildlife run from April to November. In high season it pays to reserve accommodation and transfer in advance.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
163 mm78 mm144 mm121 mm226 mm84 mm93 mm72 mm214 mm172 mm344 mm145 mm
max. / min. °CHigh seasonShoulder seasonLow season💧 rain (mm)

Average temperatures and rainfall according to elclimaytiempo.com.

Plan the rest of your trip

There are no flights or long-distance bus station in Pellegrini: you take a bus to Mercedes (Corrientes), 120 km away, and from there the Iberá Bus (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) or a private transfer, a 2 h 15 to 3 h stretch with 70 km of gravel. From Buenos Aires the bus to Mercedes takes ≈ 9 h 30 and costs ≈ US$ 37-50; from Corrientes it takes ≈ 3 h and costs from ≈ US$ 16. Buses reach Mercedes in the early morning, so you wait several hours for the midday departure, and to return the bus leaves Pellegrini in the early morning, in time for the morning buses. If driving, fill up on fuel in Mercedes and don't drive at night on RP 40.

🚕

Airport transfer to where you're staying

Book online: fixed price, door to door
✈️ Flight trackingThe driver tracks your flight and waits if it's delayed.
💵 One clear priceTaxes, tolls and tip included, no cash needed.
🤝 Met on arrivalFree cancellation up to 24 h before.
🚐 Mercedes bus station → Colonia Carlos Pellegrini (transfer)2 h 15 to 3 h🚐 Mercedes bus station → Colonia Carlos Pellegrini (Iberá Bus)≈ 2 h 30🚐 Square → Visitor Center (on foot)30 to 40 min
🚕 Book a transfer

Frequently asked questions

Can you get to Colonia Carlos Pellegrini without a car?
Yes. You take a long-distance bus to Mercedes (Corrientes) and from there the Iberá Bus, which runs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, or a private transfer. It is 120 km, 70 of them gravel, and takes between 2 h 15 and 3 h. Call 03773-507189 before travelling to find out the exact time.
Is there an ATM in the village?
There is a Banco de Corrientes ATM at the sports centre (Tuyuyú and Pehuajó), opened in 2023, but there is no certainty that it works or has cash, and there is no bank branch. Bring all the cash you need from Mercedes or Corrientes and pay in advance whatever you can.
How much does the bus from Buenos Aires cost?
The bus from Retiro to Mercedes takes between 8 h 25 and 11 h and costs ≈ US$ 37-50 depending on semi-sleeper or sleeper. Add the Mercedes–Pellegrini stretch, whose price isn't published, and several hours of waiting at the Mercedes bus station, because buses arrive in the early morning.
Are there hostels with dorms in Pellegrini?
No: no accommodation in this guide has beds in a shared room. «Hostel Che Cambá» has private rooms with their own bathroom and the rest are guesthouses, inns and cabins. It costs more than in the cities; cabins with a kitchen help you save if you travel in groups of 2 to 4.
When is the best time to go, and are there many mosquitoes?
The best time for wildlife runs from April to November, and from May to September it is cooler and drier. From December to March highs are 32-33 °C, with more rain and more mosquitoes. Bring repellent all year, especially for dusk.
How many days do I need?
At least two nights. With two you can do a boat trip, a trail and, on a weekend, the night walk. If you want to add kayaking and horseback riding, add one more night. Also count the travel day there and back: arriving and leaving takes several hours of bus and waiting.
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