Set in northeast Argentina, the province of Corrientes is a region filled with stunning architecture and vast nature reserves. Spend a day in the capital city marveling at cultural exhibits and attend colorful festivals, including Carnaval Correntino, one of the largest in Argentina, held in February.
The Paraná and Paraguay rivers run through Corrientes, serving as the lifeblood of the region’s plant and animal life. Enjoy watersports and fishing at the Municipal River Resort. Walk along the river banks in the capital city, which also goes by the name of Corrientes. Admire the elegant Baroque architecture of the city center and head to the Museo de Artesanías Tradicionales Folclóricas to witness students being taught traditional handicrafts by skilled craftspeople.
In the southeast of Corrientes province lies Goya. Head to Goya's tobacco and rice mills and study the extraordinary stained glass of La Rotunda Church. Visit the House of Culture, a grand home that was used to host local celebrity gatherings back in the 19th century.
To meet the locals, head to the rural area of Colonia Carlos Pellegrini. Spend the afternoon people-watching in the main square before moving on to Esteros del Ibera, a wildlife-filled nature reserve just a short drive away. Esteros del Ibera was an important place for the indigenous Guaraní people who named it for its brightly colored lagoons (esteros). Take a boat tour through the wetlands to spot howler monkeys, capybaras and deer.
For more wildlife spotting, consider journeying to the Esquina district where a natural delta forms at the mouth of the Corriente River. Observe locals fishing, spot dorados swimming in streams and bring binoculars for spectacular birdwatching opportunities.
To reach Corrientes province, fly into the Doctor Fernando Piragine Niveyro Airport, in the city of Corrientes. If you’re driving in from other areas of Argentina, use National Routes 11 or 12. Temperatures here are high year round. Visit in summer and winter for less chance of rain.
Discover uncrowded wildlife reserves, learn about regional crafts and explore the elegant city of Corrientes in this lesser-known pocket of Argentina.
Reviewed on Mar 12, 2019
Reviewed on Dec 21, 2020
Reviewed on Jan 4, 2020