Martín García Island, Natural reserve and heritage site in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina
Martín García is an island at the mouth of Río de la Plata, where the currents of Uruguay and Paraná rivers meet. Rocky ground shapes the landscape, while only a few buildings and paths cross the small territory.
A Spanish expedition named the place in 1516 after their storekeeper, who died during the voyage and was buried here. Later, Argentine authorities used the site as a military base and prison for political detainees.
Former prison buildings from the 19th century still stand on the island, with their cells and yards open to visitors. People walk through these rooms and imagine how political prisoners spent their time here.
Boats depart regularly from Tigre port and take about two hours to cross the Río de la Plata. Paths on the island are mostly flat, though some sections run over stony ground.
More than 150 butterfly species live on the island, including the Argentine flag butterfly, which is rare elsewhere in the region. Naturalists have documented species here that no longer appear on the nearby mainland.
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