Hemmed in by the Paraná River and the borders of Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil, Corrientes Province is Argentina’s waterside wilderness—patchworked with yerba maté plantations, forested marshlands, and lakes. Naturally, eco-tourism, wildlife-watching, and water sports top the list of things to do in Corrientes Province, but this little-visited region also has a rich cultural heritage. Explore the vast wetlands of Iberá National Park; go fishing, kayaking, or windsurfing along the river; then enjoy tea-tasting along the Yerba Maté Route and listen to traditional Chamamé music.
Wildlife watching in the wetlands is best in spring (September–November). This is when water levels are at their highest, so you might spot baby capybaras swimming. Migrating birds pass through between September and April. Alternatively, brave the summer heat to join Argentina’s biggest carnival in Corrientes city (February–March) or attend the Corrientes Chamame Festival in January, with music events across the province.
The rural province of Corrientes was made for slow travel, so rent a car and take your time exploring the towns and villages along the river or on the edge of the wetlands. Regular long-distance buses link the main cities of Corrientes, Mercedes, Goya, and Paso de la Patria, providing a comfortable and cost-effective way to get around. To venture further afield, you’ll need your own wheels. For shorter distances, hiring a bike is a popular way to see the sights.
The vast Iberá National Park—one of Argentina’s largest national parks—affords endless opportunities for wildlife watching, with miles of wetlands, marshes, and lakes to explore. You can spot more than 350 bird species around the swamplands, along with alligators, anacondas, and one of the world’s largest populations of wild capybaras. It’s best to join a tour with a local guide to get the most out of a wildlife-watching safari. You can also explore by boat, on foot, or on horseback.
