Parks and nature reserves in Buenos Aires: all the details so you can enjoy nature at its best.
Throughout the country, there are 39 national parks, 6 nature reserves, 3 marine parks, 2 marine protected areas and 2 natural monuments. In addition, the National System of Protected Areas groups several categories for preserving nature. Each one sets which activities and uses are permitted and which are prohibited.
Although the province with the most national parks is Santa Cruz, don’t worry: Buenos Aires also has its own spaces to enjoy nature.
Now, let’s see the parks and nature reserves you can enjoy in Buenos Aires:
Ciervo de los Pantanos National Park
Although it is not in the center of the city, it is only 90 km away. Head north to the Delta and the Paraná Islands, where this immense natural space stands.
The park’s name refers to the marsh deer (ciervo de los pantanos). It ranks as one of the most important spaces for sustaining the environmental services of the wetland and for conserving biodiversity. Here, the park cares for and protects more than 50 species of mammals and more than 300 species of birds.
The park covers 5,300 hectares of tall grasslands and natural forests. In addition, it has an interpretation center and a variety of routes where you can learn about the local fauna and flora.
It sits in the Campana district. To get there, take Highway 9 and follow the signs, or take the train from Retiro to Campana. Admission is free, and the park opens every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit the Ciervo de los Pantanos National Park website.
Campos del Tuyú National Park
Although it is farther away than the previous park, it is worth visiting. It sits on the southern coast of Samborombón Bay, about 300 km south of Buenos Aires.
This park protects the last remnants of pampas grasslands that form a wetland of immense conservation value. In turn, it is one of the last refuges of the pampas deer, which still lives there.
You can discover countless natural landscapes, with lagoons, crab-filled mudflats, espartillo grasslands and tala woodlands.
At the moment, the park is closed to visitors. See the Campos del Tuyú National Park website for more information.
Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve
The Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve sits within the city of Buenos Aires, along the Costanera Sur. It brings together an enormous amount of biodiversity across its 350 hectares.
There, you will find landscapes and viewpoints that let you take the best photos. In addition, you can discover countless animal and plant species.
Learn much more in our Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve guide.
Vicente López Ecological Reserve
Head to the municipality of Vicente López and visit this reserve, where you can enjoy 3 hectares and 150 species of birds that live there. Learn more about the Vicente López walk.
Its main attractions are the swamp and the lagoon. In addition, it has viewpoints, a native plant nursery and many trails for a walk in the middle of nature.
It has guided tours and opens Tuesday to Sunday and on holidays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It stays closed on Mondays. Since it has no active website, you can check its Facebook page.
Pilar Nature Reserve
This area of tala woodlands and wetlands, of approximately 300 hectares, borders the north bank of the Luján River. Here, you will find more than 100 species of plants and 60 species of birds.
The reserve sits in the Pilar district, Buenos Aires province, and it is an ideal setting for hiking and admiring the area’s natural beauty.
It opens every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit its Facebook page.
Estancia San Juan – Pereyra Iraola Provincial Nature Reserve
This reserve covers about 10,000 hectares. It sits in the Berazategui district, but its size also extends it into La Plata, Ensenada and Florencio Varela. All of them are municipalities in Buenos Aires province.
Here, you can glimpse the “Crystal Tree”, an exotic species that shines in the light of the moon. You can also see tegu lizards, wild cats, gray foxes and the “Bandera Argentina” butterfly, which breeds only on the native coronillo tree.
The reserve has more than 132 species of native flora and introduced species, as well as 200 species of birds and mammals.
It opens every day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., including holidays. For more information, visit the reserve’s official website.
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