Far from the mass circuits, Misiones holds territories where nature expresses itself without artifices. The Margay reserve is one of those spaces, located at the foot of the Yabotí biosphere, in an environment of continuous jungle. There, the landscape is marked by streams, small waterfalls, wildlife and an exceptional biodiversity.
With 65 hectares of private management, Margay is part of the Yabotí buffer area. This corridor protects one of the last large remnants of the Paraná forest on the planet. Humans play a secondary role, as visitors and learners of the ecosystem.
The central objective is clear: conserve, regenerate, and educate. Every tourist, productive, or educational action seeks to minimize impacts and strengthen the environment. The place offers an experience where rest coexists with ecological awareness.
Conservation, regeneration, and community
The reserve actively works on the protection of critically endangered species. Among them is the bitterwood and native fauna threatened by hunting and habitat loss. Monitoring with trap cameras allows tracking key populations and preventing human pressures.
Another pillar is agroforestry, based on syntropic systems. This form of production integrates crops and native species to restore soils and biodiversity. Thus, food is generated while essential ecosystem services are recovered.
The project also promotes restorative economies and the strengthening of local culture. It encourages the connection with nearby communities and the rescue of regional knowledge. Conservation is understood as a social process, in addition to being environmental.
Conscious tourism between jungle and water
Margay offers a lodge with cabins integrated into the natural environment. The constructions are located next to the Paraíso stream, surrounded by native vegetation. The experience prioritizes silence, the sounds of the forest, and low intervention.
The gastronomy follows a regenerative and local approach. Fresh, organic products with a Misiones identity are part of every meal. The act of eating also becomes a practice of environmental care.
Educational tourism is one of the project’s keys. Each visit seeks to generate reflection on the fragility of northeastern Argentina. Knowing the territory is the first step to protecting it.
Trails, kayaking, and environmental education
The trails allow exploring the jungle in a self-guided way or with professional accompaniment. Each walk becomes an open class of biology and geography. Plants, birds, mammals, and insects reveal the complexity of the ecosystem.
The Paraíso stream invites kayaking. From the water, species and landscapes linked to the Yabotí biosphere can be observed. The activity is carried out with low impact and respect for the fauna.
At night, the bonfire opens space for cultural exchange. Guaraní stories, simple cooking, and contemplation of the environment reinforce the connection with the land. The experience integrates nature, culture, and learning.
Restore for the future
Within the reserve operates the Kawsay nursery, a true regeneration laboratory. There, between 100,000 and 200,000 native seedlings are produced annually. The material is destined for ecological restoration and urban tree planting.
Projects for the reintroduction of threatened fauna are also developed. Programs like Refundar work with species affected by historical hunting. Restoration is approached comprehensively, from the soil to the fauna.
Another initiative invites restoring square meters of degraded jungle. The objective is to reverse the impacts of fires, deforestation, and monocultures. Each contribution adds to the recovery of the native forest.
How to get to the Margay reserve
The reserve is located about 40 kilometers from El Soberbio. From there, it is accessed by rural roads near the Yabotí biosphere. El Soberbio is also the base for visiting the Saltos del Moconá.
From Puerto Iguazú, the journey is approximately 290 kilometers. It is recommended to travel by private vehicle or with specialized local transport. It is important to check the road conditions before entering.
The best time to visit is between February and March. A stay of two or three days is advised to enjoy the environment. Bringing comfortable clothing, trekking shoes, and personal protection items is essential.
