Esteros del Ibera, Argentina

 During our recent spring break we were able to check out a place we had been eyeing on the map for a long time: the Esteros del Ibera,the world's second largest wetlands.

We traveled south through Paraguay without any problems, crossed the river into Posadas, and traveled west for about an hour to Ituzaingo, Argentina. We even made it to the beach in time to see the sunset on the Rio Paraña.
  

 Like most of our Paraguayan adventures this trip started with a salty, fatty breakfast at the frutería in Paraguarí. This place is reminiscent of a truck stop in the US, but better and we love to eat here.

From Ituzaingo we were able to easily find a jeep tour into the wetlands. Although we only saw a relatively small part the area, we were both glad we made the journey.  Once we left estancia land where all the cattle were grazing and crossed into the protected area, Capybaras (the world's largest rodent) and Caiman (related to the alligator) were everywhere, as well as great bird life, including the Rhea, Jabairu, Roseate Spoonbill, and Southern Screamer.

We also enjoyed this religious scene on a church in Loreto which featured parrots and capybara.

And of course some fly fishing on the Paraña river.  

Year Two in Pictures

We had a fantastic second year in Paraguay. It included learning more about the city we live in, exploring some really enjoyable parts of the Paraguayan country side, and quite a bit of travel in Bolivia and Peru.  

Having lunch in a scenic spot on Isla del Sol, Bolivia.

The white city - Sucre, Bolivia

Laguna Blanca, Paraguay

Sacred Valley, Peru. The red bag hung above the roof signifies a place to buy chicha beer.

Mountain road outside of Uyuni, Bolivia.

Sunrise - American School of Asunción

Sunset - Paraguay River, Asunción

Incan staircase ascending Waynapicchu, Peru

La Paz, Bolivia.

Kristi was excited to find a park in Lima completely full of cats. 

Young man on his way to the Transchaco Rally - near Pozo Colorado, Paraguay

Local people at Tiwanaku, Bolivia rehearse a performance for at upcoming visit from Evo Morales.

Headed to the river near Arroyos y Esteros, Paraguay.

Lake Titicaca

The bus to Altos, Paraguay

Grandpa takes a nap on his grandson at Machu Picchu.

Overloaded pick-up in San Lorenzo, Paraguay.

Kristi on the Solar de Uyuni.

Kristi at the Sacsayhuaman ruins, Peru.

Kristi checking out the prize winning cows at the Expo, Asunción.

Sol de Mañana geothermal field, Bolivia

Costanera, Asunción

Grassland - Parque San Rafael, Paraguay

Our friend Ali swimming with piranhas.

Cuckoo

Goats

Capitán Herbert Nicanor Torales III.

Surubí catfish on the way to market

Peccary

Tapir

Parrot

Floating plants - Paraguay River, Asunción

Pink Lapacho - near Emboscada, Paraguay

Enjoying a rain storm from the shelter of our balcony.

Jacarinda flowers decorate the mausoleums in Belén, Paraguay. 

Street food - Cusco, Peru

Attempting to make chipá in our tatakuá

Locro - Atyrá, Paraguay

Fruit market - Sucre, Bolivia

Backyard asado at a friend's place in the campo.

Peruvian woman selling veggies in Cusco.

Asado at the expo, Asunción.

Picadas at the livestock auction, Asunción.