It does not pull its head straight in like other turtles: it folds its neck sideways and tucks it under the rim of the shell. Two barbels under the chin help it feel the bottom. It eats almost anything: snails, fish, water plants.
Behaviour
Aquatic. It leaves the water only to bask on logs and banks, often several stacked together, and to lay eggs on land.
How and when to see it
Sunny days all year round. Check the fallen logs poking out of the water on boat rides or from the walkways.
Where to see it in the Iberá
The gateways of the Great Iberá Park where side-necked turtle has confirmed presence:
Tours to see it
Verified providers operating at the gateways where side-necked turtle lives. You contact them directly on WhatsApp from the app.
- Esteros Ñe’é
Experiences with local storytelling and a cultural take on the marshes.★ 5.0 - Gaucho Argentino
Horseback journeys across a network of refuges in Iberá. Multi-day rides with overnight…★ 5.0 - Irupé Excursiones
Guided hiking. Guided visit to museums, historic sites, chapels and trails of the town…★ 5.0 - Reserva Estero Camba Trapo
Private nature reserve of Ecoposada del Estero, on the Camba Trapo road. One of the…★ 5.0
Species profile
- Common nameSide-necked turtle
- Scientific namePhrynops hilarii
- GroupReptile
- StatusNative
Other species of the Iberá
Discover all the wildlife of the Iberá
More than 250 species with photos, profiles and the gateways where you can see them. Map, providers and trip planner. Free, no download needed.
Open Iberá Experience