Bañado la Estrella: Seven Reasons for Considering one of Argentina’s Seven Wonders

It is the second-largest wetland in Argentina, and the magnificent Formosa is the province that houses it. You can expect pure air that will fill your lungs up, nature at its best, and getting immersed in the heart of the Gran Chaco region. With more than 400,000 hectares, Bañado la Estrella is a must when it comes to nature tours that enhance travellers’ experiences and make them dive into an environment painted in green, red, yellow, and light blue. Most of the year, it is filled up by the Pilcomayo River overflowing, adding a touch of unique charm that is best experienced first-hand by sailing down the waters and discovering its gradient of colours. The subtropical climate is marked by its location, which crosses the Tropic of Capricorn.

The landscape potential of Formosa’s gem was revealed: on May 7th, 2019 it was chosen as one of the seven natural wonders of Argentina. Do you want to know why? We list the reasons in this note.

1. Its Amazing Flora and Fauna 

A true wildlife sanctuary —of all sizes and colours; aquatic, flying, and terrestrial... The diversity of animals and plants that have found their home in Bañado is endless. They walk its paths, navigate its waters, fly over the treetops, and cling to the land they call home.

There are more than 500 different bird species, including the jabiru, the Venezuelan tropical (a bird with intense colours ideal for photographing), the South American great horned owl, the jacana, the common potoo, the cocoi and white heron, and the roseate spoonbills. As regards the vegetation, water hyacinths, algae, and water lilies floating on the water offer a typical and beautiful postcard. The caranday palm trees are also the stars of this stage, and other trees showing off their tops are: the carob tree, the vinal, the white and red quebracho, and Bursera graveolens. Of course, fishes, yellow anacondas, caimans, neotropical otters, capybaras, southern vizcachas, anteaters, and maned wolves abound.

2. The Sunsets Sketched on the Water

Waiting for the sun to go down is always a good idea in Bañado la Estrella because the result is a postcard-like view you will never forget. We’re talking about a natural spectacle choreographed with the shadows produced by palm trees. Shades of pink, orange, and red paint the sky and are reflected in infinite mirrors of water, creating the perfect setting for contemplating the landscape and enjoying this wonder.

3. The Peace that Its Vast Nature Brings About 

We have already warned you: Bañado la Estrella means sheer nature. The combination of the wind caressing the groves with the sounds of animals prove that you are stepping on a unique place in the world. It’s a one-of-a-kind area to appreciate everything your eyes take in, where the calm of the environment moves those who visit it to a safe and quiet place, where every moment is magical, and the frames change second by second. Breathing in the peace of this destination is, without a doubt, one of the main reasons why it is at the top of the Argentinian podium.

4. The Charm of La Soledad Small Fort

A dirt road leads to the best-kept secret of the reserve, where 370 people live in a rural area. The views from La Soledad small fort are unbeatable, allowing you to be spellbound by the panoramic outlooks from another angle. Why does it have that name? Because it refers to the old gendarmerie fort that was built there, when people from other provinces settled down to raise livestock. It is 65 kilometres from Las Lomitas, the main access point to Bañado.

5. An Ideal Place for Photo Safaris

Constant visual stimuli flood the camera lenses of enthusiastic photographers who want to capture the charms of South America’s third-largest wetland. Picture this: champales on the water, the textures of mosses and lianas, the tonalities of bird feathers that fly over the area... The combination of nature, details, colours, reflections, animals, and foliage are a true feast for photographic artists, who won’t hesitate to display their talent to record it.

6. The Magic of Sailing on Its Waters by Canoes 

The classic paddles or oars make their way through algae and logs, inviting you to a dreamy ride. Sailing Bañado la Estrella by canoe, crossing submerged trees, and floating plants is the most popular activity. Why? Because it allows you to appreciate first-hand the wonder of its waters, getting close to aquatic animals and contemplating the flight of large and small birds around you. The vastness of the place and the number of water mirrors surrounding the boat arouse a feeling of infinity that translates into silence and peace. The tour guides of the place perfectly know its curves and know how to look after the reserve and approach the animals without disturbing them.

7. The Campo del Cielo Community

A unique intercultural experience. This small indigenous community of the Pilagá ethnic group lives 35 kilometres from Las Lomitas and keeps prevailing ancient customs on a daily basis. Their mother tongue is Pilagá, and their main activity is making craftwork with vegetable fibres, carandillo, chaguar yicas, and wood.