Corrientes: Nature, Rivers and Culture

Argentina’s province of Corrientes lies between the Uruguay River to the east and the Paraná River to the west and north. Both form natural boundaries of the province. When planning a trip, you can choose from a range of priorities: Iberá, activities on rivers and lagoons, and cultural events.

Iberá and Other Protected Areas

Parque Nacional Iberá is located within Reserva Natural del Iberá in Corrientes Province. Boat trips, kayaking and horseback riding depart from the park’s access portals, and there are also several hiking trails. Depending on your planned route, contact a tourist information office in San Miguel, Ituzaingó, Concepción, Mercedes or Colonia Carlos Pellegrini in advance when planning a visit to Parque Nacional Iberá.

In the wider region, Ituzaingó serves as a starting point for northern Iberá. From there, you can visit Cambyretá, Isla Apipé and Villa Olivari, as well as take trips on Laguna Galarza. Road and service conditions can change; check them before making specific plans.

Another protected area is Parque Nacional Mburucuyá. It covers 17,086 hectares and was established in 2001 under Law No. 25.447/01. Information panels in the present-day national park tell the stories of former employees of Estancias Santa Teresa and Santa María, their work at these locations, and their relationships with the former owners, Dr. Pedersen and Nina Sinding. Alongside its protected landscape, the park also highlights a remembered history of labor.

Cultural Events in the Wider Region

The city of Corrientes hosts the Fiesta Nacional del Chamamé every January. It celebrates Chamamé, which UNESCO has recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. “Los Caminos del Carnaval” takes place in January and February at more than twenty locations in Corrientes Province; dates and schedules may vary from year to year. In Mburucuyá, the Festival del Auténtico Chamamé Tradicional puts traditional Chamamé in the spotlight every February. The months and locations offer a guide; check the exact festival dates for your chosen year of travel.

The Circuito Religioso de las Siete Iglesias in the city of Corrientes is offered year-round as a tourist and cultural experience and is especially significant on Maundy Thursday. As religious calendar dates vary from year to year, it is a good idea to check the date for your year of travel.

History and Urban Culture

The Corredor Jesuítico Guaraní connects Gobernador Virasoro, La Cruz, San Carlos, Santo Tomé, Alvear and Yapeyú through the historical heritage, landscapes and traditions of the Guaraní and Jesuit legacy. In Yapeyú, the Templete Casa Natal Gral. San Martín preserves archaeological remains of the house where José Francisco de San Martín was born on February 25, 1778. Also in Yapeyú, the Centro de Interpretación Jesuítico Guaraní offers guided tours on the history and cultural heritage of the Jesuit-Guaraní missions. The Templete and the tours highlight different aspects of history. If you plan to visit the Templete, check its opening hours in advance.

In the wider region, Parque Cambá Cuá in Corrientes Capital offers themed walking trails on Afro-American and Guaraní culture, as well as Chamamé. Corrientes Capital is also known as the “City of Murals”; artworks are spread across squares, parks, promenades and public spaces. Avenida Costanera General San Martín, also called Costanera Norte, runs for about 2.5 kilometers along the banks of the Río Paraná.

Nature Conservation, Rivers and Finding a Hotel

Centro de Conservación Aguará is located a few kilometers from Paso de la Patria on Ruta Nacional N.º 12. It is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and conserving native wildlife, combining biodiversity protection with environmental education. Guided tours introduce visitors to the work of specialists rehabilitating animals endangered by, among other things, illegal wildlife trafficking, poaching, being kept as pets or road accidents.

In Corrientes Province, the Paraná, Uruguay and Río Corriente rivers, along with numerous inland lagoons, offer opportunities for sport fishing. Regulations and licenses can change; check the current requirements before fishing. Check the location of your preferred hotel against its listing.

Discover more destinations: Corrientes, Departamento Ituzaingó, Mburucuy, Departamento Sauce, Bella Vista, Departamento San Cosme, Departamento General San Martín, San Lorenzo, Colonia Carlos Pellegrini, Guaviraví, San Roque, Esquina, Departamento Mercedes, Departamento Santo Tomé, Puerto Valle, Departamento San Martín, Departamento Goya, Departamento Empedrado, Departamento Monte Caseros, Capital, Saladas Department, Itatí, Paso de los Libres

For the main travel overview: Argentina.