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On April 15, 1983 the Iberá Natural Provincial Reserve was officially created. The reserve contains 1.3 million hectares of wetlands and is known for its embalsados or “floating islands.” The islands, which may be located in one part of the lake one day and in a different part the next, sit in water that is 1-3 meters deep and are not anchored. This area is a photographer’s paradise and contains a variety of flora and fauna for nature lovers of all kinds. Animals common to the lagoon, such as caiman and capybara, mix easily with exotic birds and beautiful flowers. Prior to 1983 hunting was permitted in the area. However, the creation of the reserve led to changes not only for the animals, some of which were in danger of extinction, but also for the hunters. Some of the hunters became provincial park rangers when they were offered a steady paycheck for protecting the animals that they used to hunt.
Colonia Carlos Pellegrini, the town that sits on the banks of the Esteros del Iberá (Iberá Lagoon), seeks to attract tourists who are particularly interested in nature. Visitors to the area can go for hikes through different areas of the reserve, such as the monkey trail near the park rangers’ office, as well as take boat excursions either during the day or night to see the wonders of the area up close and personal. Given the lack of lighting in the area, visitors are treated to a beautiful view of the southern night sky and typically have an excellent view of the Southern Cross. Colonia Carlos Pellegrini and the Esteros del Iberá receive approximately 20,000 visitors a year. These tourists are the lifeblood of the town because nearly 80% of the town’s residents work in jobs related to tourism.