Jaaukanigás, Ramsar wetland in General Obligado Department, Santa Fe Province, Argentina

Jaaukanigás is a protected wetland near Reconquista located along the Middle Paraná River's floodplain, featuring lagoons, streams, marshes, and seasonal grasslands spread across a vast area. The system forms a complex web of slow-moving waters and periodically flooded lands that shift with the seasons.

The name comes from the Abipón, whose yaaucanigas subgroup lived in the low wetlands by the Paraná; Martin Dobrizhoffer recorded this division. On 10 October 2001 the area became Ramsar site No. 1112, Argentina's ninth, covering 492,000 hectares. Archaeological sites here hold Abipón tombs, ovens and arrows, and Jesuit reduction ruins lie beneath Reconquista.

The name Jaaukanigás comes from the Abipón people and means 'people of the water', reflecting their deep connection to this land. Today, traditional fishing remains part of daily life here, shaping how people interact with the river.

The area is best visited from March through November, when water levels are more stable and paths are easier to navigate. A local guide can help you understand the different habitats and observe wildlife safely.

The area is known for its large populations of capybaras and black howlers, which can be seen thriving in their natural habitat. The variety of bird species here, including rare and migratory types, makes it a special place for those watching nature.