Reserva De La Biósfera De La Laguna Oca Del Río Paraguay - Other Activity Formosa - Argentina

Reserva de la Biósfera de la Laguna Oca del Río Paraguay, created by UNESCO, is a 13,000-hectare (32,123-ac) reserve with lagoons, creeks and forests. The park is home to 176 species of bird, including Martín Pescador (Ringed Kingfisher, Ceryle torquata), Gallito de Agua (Wattled Jacana, Jacana jacana) and Chaja (Crested Screamer; Chauna torquata). Mammals include gato moro (jaguarundi, Felis yagouaroundi), carpincho (capybara, Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris) and huron mayor (tayra, Eira barbara). Along the road to Laguna Oca is Laguna García, with a sustainable architecture village of bird blinds from which to observe the avifauna. At the end of the long hike out, have a picnic on Oca’s beach and take a dip in the river.

Location:

5 kilometers south of Plaza San Martín

Other Activity Types:
Natural park

Getting There

Go south along Avenida 9 de Julio. After Avenida N Uriburu, take the left fork, then the second right (a dirt road). Follow the signs to Laguna Oca (4 km / 2.4 mi). A remis round trip costs $7, plus $2.60 for one-hour wait.

Travel Tips:

If hiking to the reserve, begin early in the morning when it is cooler. If driving, be mindful the road is clayey after it rains. Laguna Oca has free camp sites. When swimming, stay within the area marked by buoys and nets, so you don’t become the piranhas’ next meal. Several guides offer canoeing expeditions on the waterways. The bird blinds at Laguna García were part of a conference on sustainable architecture held in Formosa in October, 2009.

At the intersection of Avenida 9 de Julio and N Uriburu is a shrine to the Virgen María Desatadora de Nudos, the first such monument to her in the Americas and the second in the world.

Price Description:

Relative price: Free

Open Hours from:Daily 7 a.m.

Open Hours to:Daily 7 p.m

You Need to Bring:

Bring bug repellent, hat, snacks and water. Also take your swim gear and towel.

Visit Museo Histórico Regional Juan Pablo Duffard. Daytrip over to Paraguay’s Isla Alberdi. Hang out on the Paseo Costanero at sunset.

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By Lorraine Caputo

Upon re-declaring her independence at age 29, Lorraine Caputo packed her trusty Rocinante (so her knapsack's called) and began...

Updated: 05 May 2010