Things To Do
in Posadas

Posadas is the capital city of Misiones province in northeastern Argentina, sitting on the Paraná River directly opposite Encarnación, Paraguay. It blends a riverside Costanera promenade, leafy neighborhoods, and a mix of Argentine and Guaraní cultural influences. The city is a practical gateway to the province’s waterfalls, Jesuit ruins and subtropical forest while offering a relaxed urban feel with lively markets and weekend festivals.

Visitors will find good regional cuisine, easy cross-border day trips, and a manageable size that’s convenient for short stays or as a base for exploring Misiones.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Begin your journey in the heart of Posadas, where you can stroll through the charming streets of the historic center. Visit the iconic San José Cathedral, marveling at its stunning architecture and intricate details. Don’t forget to stop by the Plaza 9 de Julio, where locals gather and you can enjoy a freshly brewed coffee from a nearby café.

afternoon
:

After lunch at a local parrilla, explore the vibrant Mercado de Abasto, where you can sample regional cheeses, meats, and fresh produce. Spend some time at the Museo Regional Aníbal Cambas, immersing yourself in the rich history and culture of Misiones Province. As the afternoon sun sets, take a leisurely walk along the Paraná River, enjoying the scenic views and watching boats glide by.

evening
:

Dine at a traditional Argentine steakhouse, savoring the flavors of the region's famous beef. After dinner, head to a local bar or café where you can enjoy live music, a common occurrence in Posadas. As the night deepens, take a relaxed stroll through the illuminated streets, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the city.

day 2
Day Trip to Iguazú Falls
morning
:

Set off early for an unforgettable day trip to the breathtaking Iguazú Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world. Upon arrival, board the park's eco-train to access the various walking trails that lead to stunning viewpoints of the falls. The sound of cascading water and the lush surroundings create an exhilarating atmosphere as you explore the different angles of this majestic site.

afternoon
:

After a morning of exploration, enjoy a picnic lunch in the designated areas within the park, surrounded by nature. Spend the afternoon trekking along the trails, including the famous Devil's Throat, where the falls create a spectacular display of mist and rainbows. If you're feeling adventurous, consider taking a boat ride to experience the falls up close, getting soaked in the refreshing spray.

evening
:

Return to Posadas in the evening, reflecting on the awe-inspiring sights you've witnessed throughout the day. Treat yourself to a relaxing dinner at a riverside restaurant, enjoying local dishes and perhaps a glass of Malbec. As you wind down, share stories of your adventure with friends or family, capturing the thrill of the day.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
Coffee (café con leche)$1.50-3
🚌Local bus fare$0.30-0.80
🚕Taxi start (base fare)$1-2
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$40-80

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Convenient riverside location with easy cross-border access to Paraguay
  • Good base for exploring Misiones’ natural attractions and waterfalls
  • Friendly local culture, lively markets and accessible food scene
  • Hot, humid summers with frequent storms
  • Fewer international flight options; may require connections
  • Limited vegetarian/vegan dining choices compared with bigger cities
  • "Hola, ¿cómo está?" - Hello, how are you?
  • "Gracias" - Thank you
  • "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
  • "¿Dónde está la estación de autobuses?" - Where is the bus station?
  • "Soy alérgico/a a…" - I am allergic to…
  • "¿Me puede traer la cuenta, por favor?" - Can you bring me the bill, please?
  • "¿Hay un cajero cerca?" - Is there an ATM nearby?

Places to Visit in Posadas

Visit one of these nice places.

Costanera de Posadas

Riverside promenade with sunset views across the Paraná River, good for cityscape and people photography as locals gather in the evening.

San Roque González de Santa Cruz Bridge & view to Encarnación

Photos of the bridge and river traffic; the skyline of Encarnación across the river makes a striking composition at golden hour.

Plaza 9 de Julio and Cathedral

Historic architecture, municipal buildings and everyday street life provide candid urban shots.

Salto Encantado (nearby)

A scenic waterfall and forest setting ideal for nature photography—visit with a wide-angle lens to capture cascades and lush vegetation.

Local markets and food stalls

Colorful fruit displays, breads and local treats offer vibrant close-up and street photography opportunities.

Culinary Guide

Food in Posadas

Posadas shares the hearty flavors of northeastern Argentina and Paraguayan influences—expect grilled meats, river fish, empanadas, and strong mate culture. Ingredients like mandioca (cassava), corn, and locally produced yerba mate show up in sweets and snacks. Street food and small family-run restaurants (fondas and parrillas) are great places to discover regional specialties. Fresh tropical fruit and homemade desserts are widely available in markets.

Posadas Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Surubí a la parrilla / fried surubí

Surubí is a popular Paraná River catfish, prepared grilled or fried at riverside restaurants—try it at Costanera eateries and parrillas.

Must-Try!

Chipá

A small cheese-and-cassava bread with Paraguayan origins, sold in bakeries and markets—perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Locro and empanadas

Hearty stews like locro appear in cooler months; empanadas with regional fillings are available in bakeries and local restaurants.

Dulce de mamón / regional sweets

Fruit-based sweets and preserves made from local tropical fruits sold in markets and artisan shops.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Central / local food stalls

Small indoor/outdoor market areas where you can sample fresh fruit, baked goods, empanadas and locally made cheeses; a good place to try chipá and dulce treats.

Costanera food stalls

Riverside vendors and stalls near the promenade offer snacks, grilled fish, and drinks—great for people-watching at sunset.

Climate Guide

Weather

Posadas has a humid subtropical climate: hot, humid summers with frequent thunderstorms and mild, drier winters. Annual rainfall is relatively high and vegetation remains lush year-round; temperatures rarely reach extreme cold. Humidity can make summer heat feel more intense, while winter nights are pleasantly cool. The best times to visit for comfortable outdoor exploring are the shoulder seasons (autumn and spring).

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A single cheek kiss (or a light touch of cheeks) is common between acquaintances; use a handshake for formal meetings. Greet shopkeepers and waitstaff with a polite 'buenos días/tardes/noches.'

Mate culture

Mate is a social ritual—people may offer you mate; if you accept, sip and return the gourd politely. Don’t stir the bombilla (metal straw) and say 'gracias' when you’ve had enough.

Punctuality and friendliness

Social occasions tend to be relaxed about time; be polite and patient. Argentines are generally warm and expressive—small talk and interest in local culture are appreciated.

Cross-border manners

When crossing to Paraguay, carry proper ID (passport) and respect customs rules; be aware that shopping and bargaining customs may differ slightly.

Safety Guide

Safety

Posadas is generally safe for travelers but exercise normal precautions: avoid poorly lit or deserted areas at night, keep valuables out of sight, and be cautious with ATMs. Petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in crowded markets or buses—use a money belt or secure bag. If you cross the border to Encarnación, be mindful of different safety conditions and keep travel documents handy. Emergency numbers and local police stations are available in the city—register your presence with your embassy if you plan extended stays.

Tipping in Posadas

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping in restaurants is appreciated but not mandatory; 10% is common at full-service restaurants if service is good. For taxis, round up the fare or add a small tip for help with luggage. Tips for hotel porters and guides are customary based on service quality.

Payment Methods

Cash (pesos) is widely used for markets, taxis and small cafes; many restaurants and shops accept cards, especially in the city center. ATMs dispense Argentine pesos but can charge fees; notify your bank about travel to avoid card blocks. For cross-border purchases in Encarnación, Paraguayan guaraní and sometimes dollars are used—check accepted currencies.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

December–February is hot, humid and often rainy with temperatures frequently above 30°C (86°F). Expect afternoon thunderstorms; lightweight breathable clothing, sun protection and insect repellent are essential. River activities and outdoor dining are popular, but plan for sudden rain.

Autumn

March–May brings slightly cooler, still warm weather with less humidity and pleasant evenings—good for walking and excursions. This shoulder season can be ideal for sightseeing with fewer storms than summer.

Winter

June–August is mild compared with southern Argentina: daytime temperatures are usually comfortable (around 15–22°C / 59–72°F) with cooler nights. This is a dry, easy time for outdoor activities and exploring ruins or trails.

Spring

September–November sees warming temperatures, blossoming vegetation and increasing humidity. It’s a lovely time for nature photography and visiting waterfalls before peak summer rains arrive.

Nightlife Guide

Posadas at Night

Posadas has a relaxed but lively nightlife with bars, parrillas and a handful of clubs and live-music venues. Evenings are social, often centered on dining out, small bars along the Costanera, and occasional folk or rock concerts. Weekends tend to be busier, and many locals congregate at outdoor kiosks and casual eateries. If you want a more energetic club scene or late-night options, larger cities like Corrientes or Posadas’ neighbor Encarnación across the river offer alternatives within a short trip.

Hiking in Posadas

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Salto Encantado Provincial Park

A scenic park with trails leading to waterfalls, viewing platforms and lush subtropical forest—suitable for moderate hikes and photography.

Isla del Cerrito and river wetlands (short excursions)

Wetland walks and nature observation along the Paraná and in nearby islands; best with a guide for birdwatching and safety.

Trails near Jesuit Ruins (San Ignacio / nearby sites)

Combined cultural-natural walks around restored Jesuit sites and surrounding countryside—good for easy to moderate hiking and historical context.

Airports

How to reach Posadas by plane.

Libertador General José de San Martín Airport (Posadas - PSS)

The local airport serving Posadas with domestic flights to Buenos Aires and other Argentine cities; reachable by taxi or shuttle from the city center in about 15–30 minutes depending on traffic.

Cataratas del Iguazú International Airport (Puerto Iguazú - IGR)

Major regional airport for access to Iguazú Falls and international connections; approximately a 4–5 hour drive from Posadas or shorter flights via domestic routes—useful for onward international travel.

Resistencia International Airport (Resistencia - RES)

An alternative regional airport across the province of Chaco with domestic connections; accessible by road in a few hours and useful depending on flight options and routing.

Getting Around

Walkability

The central neighborhoods and the Costanera are very walkable with flat streets and pedestrian-friendly promenades. Some attractions and parks are a short taxi or bus ride away, so walking covers much of the city center but public transport or cars are needed for outlying natural sites.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Criollo and mestizo

A large portion of the population identifies as criollo (local Argentine) or mestizo with mixed European and indigenous heritage.

Guaraní and indigenous communities

There is a significant Guaraní cultural influence in language, traditions and cuisine across Misiones, reflected in Posadas’ cultural life.

Paraguayan community and cross-border residents

Due to proximity to Encarnación, there are many people with Paraguayan roots and frequent cross-border family and economic ties.

Other immigrant groups

Small communities of European and other South American immigrants contribute to local diversity, particularly in commerce and agriculture.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

Argentina’s national passion is strong in Posadas; local clubs, amateur teams and lively community matches are common.

Basketball

Basketball has a solid following with local leagues and youth programs.

Rugby

Rugby is played at club level and draws enthusiastic local participation.

Fishing and river sports

Fishing on the Paraná River and recreational boating are popular outdoor pastimes among locals and visitors.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in central Posadas is generally moderate; rush hours can slow travel but congestion is far lower than in Argentina’s largest cities. Public buses cover the city and surrounding neighborhoods; taxis and remises (prearranged private cars) are widely available. Road conditions are good on main routes, but expect narrower streets and slower traffic in older neighborhoods—allow extra time for trips during peak hours or special events.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Posadas.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available but more limited than in larger Argentine cities. Look for salads, pasta dishes, cheese-and-vegetable empanadas, and markets selling fresh fruit and cheeses. Ask for ‘sin carne’ (without meat) and many places will adapt dishes; vegetarian restaurants are uncommon but some cafés offer meat-free options.

Vegan / Gluten-free

Vegan and strict gluten-free options are limited; bring snacks if you have strict needs and ask cooks to confirm ingredients. Larger supermarkets stock alternatives and some bakeries sell gluten-free items on request.

Food allergies

Carry a Spanish-language card that lists your allergies and avoid cross-contamination by informing staff clearly—use phrases like ‘soy alérgico/a a…’ or show the card.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Posadas has public and private hospitals and clinics capable of handling routine medical needs and emergencies; private clinics often offer faster service for travelers. Pharmacies are common and carry basic medications. For specialized care or major emergencies, larger provincial hospitals can be reached in the city—travel insurance and knowledge of local emergency numbers are recommended.

Discover Argentina

Read more in our Argentina 2025 Travel Guide.

Argentina Travel Guide