Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur
8.5Friend Score / 10#2 of 11 Parks & Outdoors in Buenos Aires
Known forbirdwatchingnature reservefreewetland
A 350-hectare wild wetland that grew by accident on demolition rubble dumped in the river — now the city's best free nature escape, ten minutes' walk from Puerto Madero's skyscrapers. Over 300 bird species, coypu, lizards, and flat gravel trails with skyline views. Free entry; closed Mondays and on rainy days.
Key facts
| Hours | Tue–Sun 08:00–18:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | free |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | 15-20 minute walk through Puerto Madero from Subte L.N. Alem (Line B); buses 2, 130, 152 to the Costanera Sur |
| Time needed | 1.5-3 hours |
| Best time to go | Early morning for birds; late afternoon for golden light on the skyline; avoid the day after heavy rain (it closes in bad weather) |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Friend Score
8.5/10- Value9.0
- iconic6.5
- Freshness9.2
- Crowd level8.0
- Authenticity8.5
- Accessibility7.5
Frequently asked questions
- How do I get there?
- Walk east through Puerto Madero — about 15-20 minutes from Subte L.N. Alem or 10 from the Puente de la Mujer — to the main gate on Av. Achával Rodríguez opposite the Fuente de las Nereidas. Buses 2, 130, and 152 serve the Costanera. There's no transit inside; it's feet or bikes.
- Can I bike or run in the reserve?
- Yes — it's one of the city's favorite running and cycling spots, and the flat gravel loop is perfect for both. City Ecobici share bikes can get you to the entrances. No motorized vehicles, and keep to the paths; rangers are present and friendly.
- What are the food stalls outside the reserve?
- The carritos of the Costanera Sur — a beloved row of parrilla carts selling bondiola and choripán sandwiches, a genuine local institution. Grabbing a choripán after the loop is the correct order of operations, and lunch costs a fraction of Puerto Madero's restaurants.
- What wildlife will I actually see?
- Reliably: coypu (big friendly-looking rodents), tegu lizards sunning on paths, cormorants, herons, and parakeets. With patience or binoculars: some of the 300+ recorded bird species, best in early morning. It's real habitat, so sightings vary — that's the fun.
- What are the reserve's hours?
- Tuesday to Sunday from 8am, closing 6pm in winter and 7pm in summer. Last entry is before closing time, and guards do sweep the trails — don't start the long perimeter loop an hour before close.
- How was this place created? It looks too wild for downtown.
- By accident: demolition rubble from 1970s highway projects was dumped into the river to reclaim land, the project stalled, and nature colonized it spectacularly. Declared a reserve in 1986, it's now the classic example locals cite of the city healing itself.
- Is the Reserva Ecológica free?
- Completely free, no ticket or booking. It's closed Mondays (unless a holiday) and shuts on days with heavy rain, drizzle, or strong wind for trail safety — worth remembering before you walk out there in iffy weather.
- How long are the trails?
- The full perimeter loop runs around 7-8 km of flat gravel — two to three hours on foot, one by bike. Shorter out-and-backs to the river viewpoints take under an hour. Trails are flat and stroller-friendly, though unshaded in stretches; bring water and a hat in summer.
Nearby in Ask Buenos Aires
- Puerto MaderoNeighborhood1.15 km · 14 min walk
- Puente de la MujerAttraction1.15 km · 14 min walk
- HappeningRestaurant1.72 km · 21 min walk
- Museo de la CiudadMuseum1.92 km · 24 min walk
- Plaza de Mayo & Casa RosadaAttraction1.94 km · 24 min walk
Where to stay near Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur
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