Pre-Delta National Park

Pre-Delta protects the upper end of the Paraná delta near Diamante, where the river begins to break into the maze of islands, channels and shallow lagoons that continues for hundreds of kilometres downstream. The park is small but characteristic: gallery forest of willow and ceibo along the banks, floating vegetation mats, and wetlands that flood and drain with the river's rhythm. Wildlife is easy to see, with capybaras grazing at the water's edge, caimans in the quieter channels, and abundant birds including kingfishers, herons, screamers and the ceibo-flower-loving hummingbirds. Short trails run from the visitor area to viewpoints and the shore, and local boatmen run trips into the channels, which is by far the best way to experience the delta.

What you actually see

• The delta channels - the river breaking into islands and quiet waterways.
• The capybaras - large rodents grazing along the banks in the open.
• The gallery forest - willow and ceibo woodland along the water.
• The birdlife - herons, kingfishers, screamers and many wetland species.

When to go

April to November for fewer mosquitoes and comfortable temperatures; the wetlands are at their fullest after summer rain, but that is also when insects are worst. River levels shape everything, and in low water some channels become unnavigable.

Honest expectations

The park is small and its trails short, so the boat trip is what makes the visit worthwhile and needs arranging in Diamante. Mosquitoes can be severe. Facilities are basic and the access road can be rough after rain.

Nearby

Diamante is the base town; Paraná lies north along the river.