Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The reserve's soil composition includes concrete, bricks, and steel rubble from the city's 1970s urban renewal projects.

2. 2

   It spontaneously emerged as a wilderness area after construction projects were abandoned in the 1980s.

3. 3

   The park is home to the copypu, a large semi-aquatic rodent often mistaken for a beaver.

4. 4

   It is one of the few places in Argentina where the loggerhead sea turtle has been sighted in nearby river waters.

5. 5

   The reserve acts as a natural floodplain, protecting parts of the city from river surges.

6. 6

   It contains the 'Laguna de los Coipos', one of the largest bodies of water within the park boundaries.

Overview

Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur is a 350-hectare protected area located on the banks of the Río de la Plata in Buenos Aires. The land was created by sediment deposits from the demolition of downtown buildings during the 1970s and 80s, which were dumped into the river. The site features a diverse range of ecosystems, including lagoons, grasslands, marshes, and secondary forests. It is an internationally recognized Important Bird Area (IBA) housing over 300 bird species. The reserve acts as a vital green lung for the city, sitting directly adjacent to the high-rise district of Puerto Madero. Visitors can explore a network of gravel and dirt paths spanning approximately 10 kilometers. It is the largest green space in Buenos Aires and functions as a managed ecosystem under the municipal government. The flora includes native species such as the ceibo, which is the national flower of Argentina.

Insider tips

• Bring insect repellent, as the marshland areas attract mosquitoes year-round.

• Carry your own water, as there are no kiosks or shops inside the reserve perimeter.

• Wear sunscreen, as large stretches of the walking trails are completely exposed to direct sunlight.