Villaguay: Museums, Nature Trail and Thermal Baths

Villaguay can be considered from different perspectives when planning a trip: museums and cultural gathering places sit alongside a nature trail, a reserve and thermal pools. You can compare culture, landscapes and bathing options to make your choice. The differences are especially apparent in the museum collections, nature themes and types of pools.

Museums, crafts and cultural venues

The Museo Regional de Villaguay, also known as the Museo Histórico y Natural, opened on June 3, 1978. Its five rooms present local history. These include a general exhibition room and rooms devoted to sacred art and numismatics, Belgian immigration, Brigadier General Crispin Velázquez and natural sciences.

The Museo Tierra de Minuanes is dedicated to the Charrúas and Minuanes, who lived in central Entre Ríos before the arrival of the Europeans. Exhibits include stone objects, pottery and bones. The Museo Histórico del Regimiento Mecanizado 5 “General Félix de Olazábal” has a different focus: its three rooms cover various historical periods of the regiment, as well as its members, duties and daily life.

Founded in 1986, the Centro de Artesanos Villaguay serves as a workspace and exhibition venue for craftspeople. Materials used include wicker, rawhide, corn husks, plant fibers and textiles. These materials give crafts a distinct place alongside the museums’ historical and natural science themes.

The Centro Municipal de Exposiciones is housed in the restored Estación de Ferrocarril Villaguay Central. It combines ongoing workshops and exhibitions with a conference hall; meetings are also part of its program. La Vieja Usina provides cultural associations with a venue for activities, exhibitions and meetings.

The Cine Teatro Emilio Berisso was built in 1949 as a venue for social and cultural gatherings. It has 1,200 seats and a stage for theatrical performances. Religious tradition is represented by Parroquia Santa Rosa, which preserves the image of Villaguay’s patron saint, Santa Rosa de Lima. Its patron saint’s day is celebrated every year on August 30 with Masses, a lunch and a procession through the city streets.

Nature trail and thermal attractions

The nature trail, about 1,200 meters long, follows Arroyo Villaguay and passes through gallery forest, wetlands and Espinal woodland. Reserva Natural La Chinita lies in the northeastern part of Villaguay’s municipal district. Yacarés live in its lagoon, and birdwatching and photo safaris are also offered. The trail crosses several types of landscape, while La Chinita offers a different nature experience centered on its lagoon and wildlife viewing.

Termas de Villaguay offers a covered thermal pool with jets and another thermal pool with hydromassage. Parque Termal de Villaguay has an outdoor leisure pool. The options can therefore be distinguished by pool type: a covered thermal pool, a thermal pool with hydromassage, or an open-air leisure pool. By law, Entre Ríos is designated “Argentina’s National Capital of Thermal Circuits”; this designation applies to the province.

Road directions

One route described for reaching Villaguay follows Puente Zárate Brazo Largo and Ruta Nacional 14, then switches to Ruta Nacional 130 at Colón. Check current road conditions before setting out. If the patron saint’s day is important to your travel plans, August 30 offers a specific date around which to plan your stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Villaguay, Diamante, Islas Del Ibicuy, Departamento Colón, Islas Del Ibicuy, Federación, Gualeguay, Paraná.

For the main travel overview: Entre Ríos.