WINNING TIP: Stroll among the cypress swamps
Eschew the organised swamp tours and go it alone. The Barataria Preserve is just 30 minutes south of New Orleans and admission is free. There are ranger-guided walks, or you can pick up a trail map at the visitors’ centre (Wednesday to Sunday 9.30am-4.30pm) and explore the eerie cypress swamps and lazy bayous. The friendly staff will advise you where to go to spot turtles, snakes, alligators, rare birds and insects. There are shady picnic tables near each car park, but no food outlets, so bring supplies.
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