Esteros de Farrapos National Park

Esteros de Farrapos protects around twenty-four islands and the marshes behind them on the Uruguay river, a Ramsar wetland of flooded forest, reedbed and open water that floods and drains with the river. It holds one of the longer bird lists in the country, including large numbers of herons, storks and ducks, along with capybara, otter and caiman. Boats go out from Nuevo Berlín and San Javier with local operators.

The landscape

• The river islands - around twenty-four islands of flooded forest and marsh.
• The birdlife - herons, storks, ducks and raptors in large numbers.
• The flooded forest - willow and sarandi woodland along the channels.
• The boat trips - the only practical way into the park.

When to go

September to April is the best season; spring migration is the peak. Water levels vary greatly and determine what is reachable. Mosquitoes are severe in summer.

Good to know

Access is by boat only and trips must be arranged with local operators. There is no visitor centre or trail network. Mosquitoes and biting insects are a real problem.

Nearby

San Javier is north, and Fray Bentos is south.

Key facts