Ciervo de los Pantanos National Park

Ciervo de los Pantanos, created as a national park in 2018 from the former Otamendi reserve, protects a strip of the Paraná lowlands near Campana where three environments meet: the tall grass and reed marshes of the river floodplain, remnants of pampas grassland on the higher terrace, and the gallery forest along the watercourses. Its name comes from the marsh deer, the largest deer in South America, whose southernmost population survives here in the wetlands. Trails and boardwalks run from the visitor centre out over the marsh and along the terrace edge, with viewpoints over the reeds, and the bird list exceeds three hundred species including the strange-looking southern screamer and many rails and herons.

What you actually see

• The marsh boardwalks - raised walkways over reed beds and open water.
• The marsh deer - the southernmost population of South America's largest deer.
• The terrace viewpoint - the escarpment looking over the floodplain.
• The birdlife - screamers, rails, herons and more than three hundred species.

When to go

March to November for comfortable walking and fewer mosquitoes; summer is humid and insect-heavy. Early morning is best for deer and birds. Trails can flood after heavy rain, and the park closes on some Mondays.

Honest expectations

Marsh deer are shy and often not seen, especially in the middle of the day. The park is close to industry around Campana, so the setting is not pristine. Mosquitoes in warm months are severe and repellent is essential.

Nearby

Campana is the gateway; the Paraná delta and Tigre lie southeast.