North East Region

This is a region of large rivers, humid tropics, red earth, magnificent forest, a virgin forest full of huge trees and extraordinary flora and fauna. Great Waters – “Iguazú” in the Guaraní language – overflowing into one of the world’s wonders: the Iguazú Falls. A scenery of exuberant beauty spreading along the Iguazú National Park, Saltos del Moconá (Moconá Falls), Río Pilcomayo National Park, El Palmar National Park, Esteros del Iberá (Iberá Swamps) or the Chaco plains.

Apotheosis of Nature, where the Jesuit ruins, declared World Heritage by the UNESCO, are a vivid testimony of the Society of Jesus’ fruitful work.

Provinces: Chaco, Corrientes, Entre Ríos, Formosa, Misiones

Activities in the North East Region

Adventure Tourism
Natural areas have several paths you can quietly explore. After a long walk, you may take a refreshing dip in the several springs dotted about. You can also go rafting in most of the rivers, or quietly row along the Pilcomayo river and in the Iberá Marshlands. Lodging can be found in nearby estancias (ranches), from where you can make excursions on foot, by canoe or on horseback.

Sport Fishing
An extensive network of rivers and lakes is the salient feature of this region. Large rivers such as the Iguazú, Uruguay, Bermejo, and Paraná, provide a diverse habitat rich in food and shelter for a large variety of plant and animal species. Visitors can fish for dorados, which reach an unusual size, and species such as the skinny tiger characin, freshwater mullet, and hoplias, in a setting of great natural beauty that complements a high-quality and unforgettable fishing experience.

Fishing for a wide variety of species in the Upper Paraná river can be a most rewarding experience. The areas off the towns of Ituzaingó, Itá Ibaté, Itatí, Isla del Cerrito, Paso de la Patria, Corrientes, Empedrado, Bella Vista, Goya, Reconquista, Esquina and La Paz are internationally renowned fishing grounds for large dorados. All fishing methods are practiced, and fly-fishing has become increasingly popular.

The ideal fishing season is March to September. In July, the Dorado National Fishing Contest is held in Formosa, in August, the National Dorado Fair takes place in Paso de la Patria, and in September, the Dorado International Fishing Tournament in Isla del Cerrito.

Fiestas and Carnivals
Carnivals are very colourful in Corrientes, Esquina, Paso de los Libres, Victoria, Gualeguay and Gualeguaychú. The Immigrant's Festival in Oberá and the Orchid Festival in Montecarlo are equally attractive. Walking on a bed of coals is a typical custom on the eve of the Feast of San Juan, which is held in Formosa and some villages in Chaco, Corrientes and Misiones. The chamamé is a dance derived from the polka, mixed with melodic and rhythmic elements from the Guaraní tribes.

Excursions, leisure and "mate"
Travellers can gaze upon fields of citrus, cotton, and mate, take thermal baths in Presidencia Roque Sáenz Peña, La Paz, Chajarí, Federación, Concordia, Colón and Villa Elisa, gamble in the casinos of Corrientes, Posadas, Paraná, Gualeguaychú, Colón and Puerto Iguazú, or simply admire the Iguazú Falls, a unique spectacle in the world.

The country of the mate. Argentina is the leading country in the consumption of mate, an infusion made with the so-called yerba mate herb grown in Corrientes and Misiones. Once dry and processed, the leaves are put into a gourd called mate – which may also be made of other materials - and hot water is poured over it. The infusion is sipped through a metal straw - bombilla - which generally has a silver mouthpiece. In Misiones and the north of Corrientes, mate is drunk cold with aromatic herbs and is known as "tereré". When a whole group is drinking this infusion, it is called "mate corrido" or "rueda de mate". There is also prepared mate in individual bags. Don’t leave without tasting it.