Things To Do
in Corrientes
Corrientes is a riverside provincial capital in northeastern Argentina known for its rich cultural mix of criollo, Guaraní and Iberian influences, lively chamamé music, and colonial architecture. The city sits on the Paraná River, offering scenic waterfront promenades, ferries, and a working port that gives it a vibrant, everyday atmosphere. Corrientes hosts colorful festivals and religious traditions, including strong Catholic celebrations and folkloric events that attract visitors from across the country.
Despite being less touristy than nearby Iguazú or Buenos Aires, Corrientes provides authentic regional cuisine, easy access to wetlands and islands, and warm, hospitable locals.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional Argentine pastries and coffee. Afterward, stroll through the historic streets of Corrientes, admiring the colonial architecture and vibrant murals that tell the story of the city. Stop by the Plaza 25 de Mayo, where you can enjoy the bustling atmosphere and visit the nearby Cathedral.
In the afternoon, visit the Museo Histórico de Corrientes to gain insights into the region's rich cultural heritage and history. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a restaurant along the Paraná River, indulging in local dishes such as empanadas and grilled meats. Afterward, take a scenic walk along the riverbank, soaking in the stunning views of the water and city skyline.
As the sun sets, head to a local tango venue to experience the passionate dance that is integral to Argentine culture. Enjoy a dinner of traditional asado, accompanied by a glass of Malbec wine, at a popular parrilla. End the night by mingling with locals and perhaps joining a tango class to learn some moves yourself.
After breakfast, spend your morning in Parque Cambá Cuá, a beautiful green space that offers a tranquil escape from the city. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the park's well-maintained trails, taking in the lush nature and wildlife that inhabit the area. Look for unique bird species and enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature as you explore.
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in one of the park's scenic spots, surrounded by the beauty of the landscape. After lunch, consider renting a bike to explore more of the park's expansive trails or taking part in a guided nature walk to learn about the local flora and fauna. The afternoon light creates a magical atmosphere, perfect for photography enthusiasts.
As evening approaches, return to the city and unwind at a cozy café, sipping on mate while chatting with locals. Enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant, sampling regional dishes like mandioca and grilled fish from the Paraná River. Cap off the night with a leisurely stroll through the park, where you can appreciate the stars twinkling over the tranquil landscape.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee at a café | $1.50-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (3–5 km) | $2-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $40-90 |
| 🎟️Guided day tour to wetlands or islands | $40-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic regional culture with lively chamamé music and festivals
- Easy access to river and wetland nature experiences
- Friendly locals and less tourist crowds compared to bigger Argentine destinations
- Fewer tourist infrastructure options and English-speaking services than major cities
- Hot, humid summers with frequent storms can be uncomfortable for some visitors
- Limited vegan/gluten-free options in smaller eateries
- "Hola, ¿cómo estás?" - Hello, how are you?
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Muchas gracias" - Thank you very much
- "¿Dónde está la Costanera?" - Where is the riverside promenade?
- "Soy alérgico/a a ..." - I am allergic to ...
Places to Visit in Corrientes
Visit one of these nice places.
The long Paraná River promenade offers sunrise and sunset views, active river traffic, colorful boats, and a lively local atmosphere—excellent for street and landscape photography.
A grand colonial cathedral in the historic center with ornate facades and an atmospheric interior ideal for architectural shots.
Neighborhoods and cultural walkways showcasing murals, artisan stalls, and candid portraits of daily life—great for capturing local culture and arts.
Island chains and wetlands nearby offer wildlife, birds, and tranquil water reflections—best with a telephoto lens and early morning light.
Colonial buildings, plazas, and vendors provide evocative street scenes, detailing textures and local color.
Food in Corrientes
Corrientes Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled surubí (a large Paraná River catfish) often served with chimichurri; find it at riverside parrillas and traditional restaurants along the Costanera.
Must-Try!
Baked pacú, another river fish prepared simply to highlight fresh flavors; common in family-run eateries and market stalls.
A dense, savory Guaraní cassava cake similar to a cheese pancake; available in bakeries and at folkloric fairs.
Local-style empanadas often filled with beef, fish, or pork with a distinct seasoning profile; sold in bakeries and casual restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local markets and small stalls near the center sell fresh fish, cheeses, breads, and sandwiches; try choripán, empanadas, and sweet pastries early in the day.
Vendors offer snacks like grilled meats, fried pastries and helado; ideal for an informal riverside bite while watching the river traffic.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A single kiss on the right cheek is customary between acquaintances and when meeting people socially; handshakes are common in formal situations.
Dress is generally casual and neat; during religious services or formal visits, dress conservatively. Public displays of respect toward elders and family-oriented conversation topics go a long way.
Spanish is the language; learning simple phrases and using polite forms (por favor, gracias) is appreciated. Avoid overly direct criticism; conversations often include warm small talk before business.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in neighborhoods or of indigenous artisans; some may expect a small payment for posed photos.
Safety
Tipping in Corrientes
Ensure a smooth experience
A small tip is customary for good service: rounding up or leaving 5–10% in restaurants (10% for attentive service) is appreciated, and porters or taxi drivers typically receive small change. Tips for guides and drivers on day tours are common—adjust based on service and group size.
Cash (Argentine pesos) is widely accepted and necessary for markets, taxis, and small shops; major restaurants and hotels take cards, but expect occasional surcharges. ATMs are available in the city center—but carry cash for riverfront vendors and remote excursions.
Foreign cards work in many places but check for dynamic currency conversion; notify your bank ahead of travel. In rural tours, bring sufficient cash and consider arranging payments with vendors in advance.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
December–February brings hot, humid weather with temperatures often above 30°C (86°F) and frequent afternoon storms; river activities are pleasant in the morning, but plan indoor midday breaks and stay hydrated.
March–May cools gradually with milder humidity and comfortable temperatures, making it a great time for walking tours, festivals, and outdoor photography.
June–August has mild to cool temperatures (often 10–18°C / 50–65°F); frosts are rare but nights can be chilly—perfect for cultural events and quieter tourist seasons.
September–November brings warming temperatures, blooming vegetation, and lively festival activity; occasional rain showers occur but overall pleasant for outdoor adventures.
Corrientes at Night
Hiking in Corrientes
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Trail networks and boardwalks in the Esteros del Iberá offer wildlife viewing, guided walks, and boat safaris; great for seeing capybaras, caimans, and many bird species—best with an experienced guide.
Short walks and informal trails on river islands reveal unique riparian ecosystems, birdlife, and quiet beaches; access typically by local boat operators.
City-adjacent natural spaces and smaller reserves provide easy hikes and birdwatching without long travel—suitable for half-day outdoor outings.
Airports
How to reach Corrientes by plane.
The main airport serving Corrientes city with domestic flights to Buenos Aires and regional connections; taxis and shuttles provide transfers to the town center in about 10–20 minutes depending on traffic.
About a one-hour drive across the Paraná River in the neighboring province (Chaco); useful for additional flight options and connections—accessible by road and occasional ferry/bridge crossings.
A longer drive (~3–4 hours) but an option for regional connections or combined itineraries exploring Mesopotamia; typically used if planning to visit surrounding provinces.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the population has mixed criollo and European ancestry, reflecting Argentina’s broader demographic trends.
Indigenous Guaraní influences remain important culturally and linguistically, especially in rural areas and artisanal traditions.
Residents from other Argentine provinces who come for work or trade contribute to a diverse urban populace with varied customs and cuisines.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport—local clubs and youth academies draw passionate support, and matches create lively local atmospheres.
Basketball has good regional interest with local leagues and school participation; community courts are common.
Recreational and sport fishing are extremely popular due to the abundant river species; tournaments and guided trips are available seasonally.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Corrientes.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but more limited than in large Argentine cities; look for dishes featuring mandioca, provoleta (cheese), salads, empanadas with vegetable fillings, and pasta in cafés—ask staff to adapt dishes where possible.
Vegan choices can be scarce; shop markets for fresh fruits, vegetables, and mandioca, and request salads without cheese/dressing at restaurants. Self-catering or bringing specialty items may help on longer stays.
Gluten-free awareness is growing but not universal—communicate clearly in Spanish ('soy celíaco' or 'sin gluten') and prefer simple grilled fish or meat and rice-based sides to reduce risk of cross-contamination.
Carry an allergy card in Spanish for severe allergies and confirm ingredients in small eateries; major pharmacies can provide basic antihistamines or epinephrine prescriptions if needed.