Explore the lush river region of Mesopotamia in Entre Rios, an Eden of thermal spas and pretty river beaches. Entre Rios, meaning “between rivers,” is named for its location between Río Paraná and Río Uruguay. Visit this province to experience its flamboyant carnival parties, historic towns and sprawling national parks.
Start in Paraná, the welcoming provincial capital set on the banks of the Río Paraná. Check out the city’s legacy of 19th-century architecture and escape the heat on the riverfront promenade. Come in February for the Fiesta Nacional del Mate, a celebration of Argentina’s national tea-like drink, called mate. Visit Gualeguaychú, a laid-back and artsy riverfront city famous for hosting one of Argentina’s biggest carnival parties. It also has idyllic beaches such as the white-sand Ñandubaysal.
Outdoor activities abound in Entre Rios. Both Piedras Blancas and Victoria are great for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Fish for giant dorado and surubi at riverside towns such as Santa Elena and La Paz. Diamante is the jumping off point for the magnificent Parque Nacional Predelta. Cruise through a mosaic of forest-framed lakes while you spot colorful birdlife, capybara (a type of semi-aquatic rodent) and river otter.
Entre Rios’ eastern border is peppered with pleasant towns set along the Río Uruguay. Relax in the thermal hot springs and attractive beaches of Chajarí, Concepción del Uruguay, Concordia and Villa Elisa. Find more hot springs in Colón, the gateway to Parque Nacional El Palmar. Here you can walk amid towering palm groves, marvel at glorious sunsets and visit ancient Jesuit ruins.
With a subtropical climate and consistently mild temperatures, Entre Rios is a destination for all seasons. The province’s excellent transport links with Buenos Aires make it a popular getaway from Argentina’s capital city. While here you might want to cross the Río Uruguay into Uruguay. Nearby places worth visiting include Salto and Paysandú, which hosts an annual Easter-time beer festival.