Lobos Island (Rio Negro)
Lobos island can be approached by land after a four-hour drive from Montevideo or Buenos Aires to Villa Soriano, which lies at 5 km upstream Negro River.
The confluence is a mandatory passage for large migratory species such as Surubi (Pseudoplatystuma corruscans), Dorado (Salminus brasiliensis), Iridescent tararira (Hoplias lacerdae), Sábalo (Prochilodus lineatus) and Boga (Leposinus obtusidens), highly sought by sport fishermen.
speaks of riverside economy societies identified with the Chanás ethnic, while later findings mark the combined presence of Tupí - Guaraní groups in contact with Spanish and Portuguese expeditions.
In 1607, Paraguay Governor Hernando Arias de Saavedra (Hernandarias) embarked from Santa Fe to explore Uruguay River in search of cane, timber and coal supplies.
He reported to King Philip III of Spain the existence of lands notably suited for cattle breeding and agricultural exploitation, and recommended they be colonized for the Crown.
The King didn't heed his advice but in 1610 deeded Hernandarias two islands on the Negro River as recognition for his services: present day Lobos and Vizcaino.
He repeated the operation in 1617 with another 50 heifers and an additional 50 in San Gabriel Island in the Rio de la Plata and reached an understanding with the natives to avoid killing pregnant animals.
In 1628, Hernandarias claimed before King Philip IV of Spain exclusive ownership or all cattle east of the Uruguay River, by then many thousand heads.
In 1826 During the Cisplatine War the Argentine squadron confronted the Third Imperial Division of Brazil in Yaguarí creek, starting operations that would end in the battle of Juncal.
Cargo transit was also intense in the area during the 19th and early 20th centuries, when Villa Soriano was the largest livestock export port in the country and a curative baths station.
The wetlands assure an abundant freshwater supply in long draughts while the higher lands stay above water even in the greatest floods such as the 1959 ones, when they served as refuge.
Lobos is part of the governmental program Painted Birds Region (Spanish: Corredor de los Pájaros Pintados),[14] named after the poetic interpretation of the Guaraní word Uruguay.
The program reinforced the touristic infrastructure of departments along the Uruguay River and encourages regional attractions in sports, gastronomy, traditional activities and popular feasts.
In Villa Soriano, the historic wooden pier was restored and equipped for pleasure vessels and is the first tourist landing place on the Negro River.
Apart from vessels of all sizes and types sailing by solo, flotilla passages and regattas are regularly organized from ports in Uruguay and Argentina, both up or downriver.
[16] Yaguarí creek and False Mouth are favored places for day excursions or for waiting good conditions for entering the Uruguay waters.
The different water flow speeds, riverbed depth and chemical composition on the three sides of Lobos Island offer a variety of fishing conditions and their corresponding species.
Lobos Island is a private estancia, but with the owners´ permission, it is possible to enjoy a day at the white sand beach on the False Mouth, horse riding on the swamps, bird watching in all the different eco environments and nature walks on the prairie and native woods.
