La Capital Department: City History, River and Nature

In La Capital Department, city history, river landscapes and nature appeal to a range of travel interests. Santa Fe is a historic city on the Río Paraná and the capital of Santa Fe Province; historic walking tours are a key attraction there. Santo Tomé lies on the Río Salado, while Sauce Viejo is shaped by its river and islands.

Discover city history on foot

The Camino de la Constitución covers 92 city blocks and takes you to places in Santa Fe where parts of the Argentine Constitution were discussed. For a shorter walk with a specific distance and duration, take the “Casco histórico” tour: it covers four city blocks and takes 33 minutes. The distance and duration give you a guide for planning; practical arrangements may change.

The “Museos y lugares históricos” walk covers nine city blocks through Barrio Sur. Numerous museums and historic sites there preserve a large part of the city’s history. The Manzana Jesuítica is also in this neighborhood, bounded by San Martín, 3 de Febrero, General López and 25 de Mayo. The tour there explores the influence of the Compañía de Jesús on the city. Those interested in the history of the port can explore its relocation and one of the city’s most traditional neighborhoods along the 25-city-block Paseo del Puerto.

The Paseo Boulevard also combines a manageable walk with urban character: it is eight city blocks long, and Boulevard Gálvez is one of Santa Fe’s most important promenades. Another historical trail leads to the brewery. The museum at the Paseo de la Cervecería Santa Fe displays machinery, filters and photographs, as well as the company’s history. The company has brewed beer at the same site since 1912; Otto Schneider was its brewmaster.

Riverfront and natural areas

The Paseo Costanera runs along the western waterfront of Santa Fe, on the shore of Laguna Setúbal. The 15-city-block walk is listed as taking 45 minutes, and nature and history are part of its character. This makes it easy to distinguish from the shorter walks through the historic city center.

Two protected areas showcase different aspects of the natural environment. The Reserva Ecológica de la ciudad Universitaria UNL covers about twelve hectares and preserves a Paraná River floodplain landscape with native flora and diverse wildlife. The 142-hectare Reserva Natural Urbana Oeste is located in western Santa Fe. It includes two rainwater retention basins that reduce the risk of flooding.

In Sauce Viejo, the river and islands shape the landscape. Fishing from the shore and from boats is offered as a recreational and tourism activity; the wide variety of fish species makes fishing a year-round tourism attraction. Regulations and seasonal conditions may change. If fishing is important to your trip, check the current conditions in advance.

Santo Tomé and road connections

The Río Salado borders Santo Tomé from north to south. A balneario on its banks offers opportunities to relax and take part in sporting and cultural activities. Santo Tomé is four kilometers from the provincial capital and connected to it by the Puente Carretero. The bridge is considered a symbol of the city. Road connections also help with orientation: National Routes 11 and 19 and the Brigadier López Highway, which connects Santa Fe with Rosario, meet in Santo Tomé.

The paved Ruta Nacional 11 and Rutas Provinciales 2 and 4 are also relevant for road planning; they are passable year-round. Ruta Provincial 4 begins in Laguna Paiva and provides access to Ruta Nacional 11. As road conditions may change, it is a good idea to check your route before setting off.

Events and culture

For a culinary event, there is “El Invernal: Festival Cervecero y Gastronómico.” The festival has been held every July in Santa Fe, its permanent venue, since 2012. If you plan your trip around it, check the dates in advance.

The Festival Folklórico de la Costa took place on April 5, 2025, in San José del Rincón. The itinerant “Rutas del Arte” program was presented at the Festival Folklórico de la Costa in San José del Rincón. It used virtual reality to present the cultural heritage of the provincial museums.

Then narrow your search to the places you actually plan to visit.

Discover more destinations: San José Del Rincón, General Alvear, Sauce Viejo, La Guardia, Santo Tomé, Laguna Paiva, San Javier Department, Rosario Department.

Go to the broader travel overview: Santa Fe.