15 best things to do in the Litoral and Gran Chaco

Water shapes everything in northeastern Argentina – and it’s spectacular. From the jungle-lined torrents of Iguazú to the mirror-like wetlands of Iberá and the winding rivers of Entre Ríos, the Litoral and Gran Chaco are all about wild landscapes, slow rhythms, and serious biodiversity. You’ll find chamamé music in Corrientes, mate drinkers on every riverbank, and more subtropical beauty than you bargained for. Whether you're here for waterfalls, wetlands, or hidden ruins, these are the best things to do in the Litoral and Gran Chaco.

1. Get soaked at Iguazú Falls

Nothing in the region – or the country – tops Iguazú Falls. These roaring cascades, spanning the border with Brazil, deliver some of the most staggering views in South America. You’ll need at least a full day to walk the metal walkways and take in the drama from multiple angles, including the top-of-the-throat Devil’s Gorge. 

Boat trips will get you wet. Very wet. The nearby subtropical jungle teems with toucans, butterflies, and curious coatis. Don’t miss the quieter upper trails or the ecological train for easier access. When it comes to things to do in the Litoral and Gran Chaco, this one doesn’t just live up to the hype – it blasts it away.

2. Discover the wildlife of the Esteros del Iberá

The Esteros del Iberá is one of the most spectacular wetland reserves in Argentina, and still surprisingly under-visited. Come here for boat rides past floating islands, howler monkeys in the treetops, and capybaras grazing the shores. Birdlife is outstanding – from roseate spoonbills to jabirus. Base yourself in Colonia Carlos Pellegrini, a tiny village right on the edge of Laguna del Iberá, and take excursions with local baqueanos (guides). It’s remote, peaceful, and packed with life.

3. Roam the ruins of San Ignacio Miní

A few hours from Posadas, the UNESCO-listed San Ignacio Miní ruins are a striking reminder of Argentina’s Jesuit past. Carved red sandstone walls and a partially reconstructed church stand in quiet jungle surroundings. Come early for the best light – and to avoid the heat. The mission complex is the best-preserved in the country, but you can also visit more forgotten sites like Loreto and Santa Ana, where ruins are half-swallowed by the forest. These quieter spots give a real sense of discovery.

4. Spot palms and capybaras in El Palmar

It’s not what you’d expect from Argentina: wide open grasslands dotted with towering palms, vizcachas, capybaras, and ñandús. Parque Nacional El Palmar, near Colón, protects one of the world’s southernmost palm groves – the endangered yatay. The trails here are easy and scenic, and wildlife spotting is part of the deal. Stay overnight if you can – the golden light at sunset makes the park feel almost otherworldly.

If you're exploring Argentina with kids, this is a great stop: safe, low effort, and packed with animals. It’s a calm, photo-friendly contrast to the drama of Iguazú and one of the best things to do in the Litoral and Gran Chaco for families or first-time nature seekers.

5. Float through the Paraná Delta

The Paraná Delta, especially around Tigre and the quieter stretches north of Rosario, offers a different pace altogether. Board a boat and you’ll slip through reed-lined channels, past stilted houses, floating cafés, and forested islands. It’s close to Buenos Aires, but it feels like a different world. You can visit for a day or stay in a riverside cabin overnight. The local vibe is laid-back – thermos in hand, mate on deck, and the hum of cicadas in the background.

6. Swim, sip, and unwind in Colón

A river town with charm to spare, Colón is the best of Entre Ríos’ inland resorts, lined with sandy beaches, hot springs, and leafy plazas. The riverfront Costanera Gobernador Quirós is ideal for a stroll or picnic, while the nearby Parque Nacional El Palmar is within easy reach.

February’s craft fair draws artisans from across South America, but you’ll find handmade goods year-round. For something different, tour the Vulliez-Sermet winery, where Swiss settlers somehow made wine work in subtropical soil. Colón is ideal for a relaxed weekend and a solid base for deeper exploration.

7. Experience culture and carnivals in Gualeguaychú

Most famous for its explosive Carnaval, Gualeguaychú throws Argentina’s wildest party every January and February. Costumes, samba drums, and sequinned dancers flood the streets. The rest of the year, the town is quieter – its colonial-era plazas and riverside costanera offering a gentler charm. October brings the more homespun desfile de carrozas, a student-led float parade with serious local pride. This town is a cultural hub in Entre Ríos and a must for anyone timing their visit right.

8. Chill out in Corrientes and Paraná

For a slice of subtropical city life, Corrientes and Paraná are ideal slow stops. Corrientes has a lovely riverfront, sultry summer siestas, and a scattering of neocolonial buildings – plus plenty of music and mate. Paraná, meanwhile, sits prettily on bluffs above the river, with shady parks and walkable river views. Neither city is about big sights – they’re about relaxing, eating well, and enjoying the pace. If you’re connecting between wetlands, missions, and wildlife reserves, these towns make great overnight pauses with just enough going on.

9. Witness the rare Saltos del Moconá

Hidden deep in Misiones Province, the Saltos del Moconá are waterfalls unlike any you’ve seen. Stretching along the Río Uruguay, they don’t fall across the river but with it, running parallel for nearly 3km. They're only visible when the river’s level is just right, so check conditions before you go. The remote village of El Soberbio is your access point, and boat trips bring you thrillingly close to the split-level falls. This is one of the best things to do in the Litoral and Gran Chaco region if you're after drama with a side of geography geek-out.

10. Explore Mercedes and the Gauchito Gil shrine

Mercedes is a mellow agricultural town with gaucho flair and real rural energy. Come here to visit the Santuario Gauchito Gil, a roadside shrine just outside town that draws thousands of devotees to its sea of red flags, ribbons, and offerings. It’s Argentina’s most famous folk saint – a sort of gaucho Robin Hood – and the site is deeply atmospheric. In town, expect traditional dress, Saturday horse parades, and adobe houses. If you’re making your way to the Esteros del Iberá, Mercedes makes a logical – and culturally rich – overnight stop.

11. Wander Posadas’ waterfront

Posadas, the capital of Misiones, is more than just a jumping-off point for the missions and the jungle. It’s a relaxed riverfront city with a lively Costanera, excellent in the evening when the heat eases and locals come out for cold drinks and fresh air. September brings the upbeat Estudiantina, a multi-weekend school dance festival with drums, sequins, and plenty of Brazilian flair. The city is connected by a bridge to Paraguay’s Encarnación – the cross-border energy adds flavor to daily life. One of the more underrated things to do in the Litoral and Gran Chaco is just kicking back here for a warm night out.

12. Get off-grid at the Jesuit ruins of Santa Ana and Loreto

Skip the crowds at San Ignacio and head to Santa Ana and Loreto, two jungle-swallowed mission ruins that see far fewer visitors. Trees twist around crumbling walls, and there’s a real sense of discovery as you wander through overgrown paths. Bring water, insect repellent, and time – these places are better when you're not rushing. If you're drawn to quieter, more atmospheric experiences, these ruins deliver, especially at golden hour when the light slices through the trees and moss-covered stone.

13. Take a road trip along the Río Uruguay

For slow travel and river views, nothing beats a drive along the Río Uruguay. Starting from Ceibas and heading north to Colón, Concordia, and beyond, the route is dotted with river towns, sandy beaches, and bridges linking Argentina to Uruguay. Pull over for swims, parillas, and thermal baths, or spend the night in towns like Colón or Chajarí. Inland Argentina at its most unhurried, this stretch is ideal if you’re chasing relaxed, locally driven things to do in the Litoral and Gran Chaco – especially off-season.

14. Catch a student float parade in Gualeguaychú

Gualeguaychú isn’t just about Carnaval. Come in October and you’ll catch the town’s other big event: the desfile de carrozas, a student-led float parade with massive community energy. Local high schoolers spend months building elaborate floats that parade through the streets in a nighttime spectacle of lights, music, and rivalry. It’s one of those hyper-local traditions that tells you way more about Argentina than a museum could – loud, heartfelt, and full of regional pride.

Wander the docklands and the history of Santa Fe

Often overlooked, Santa Fe has charm if you know where to look. Its 1853 constitution made history, and the city still holds a low-key political importance today. Visit the revitalized dock area, explore the leafy boulevards, and try local sweet treats like alfajores santafesinos. The city connects via tunnel to Paraná and is a useful midway stop if you’re heading north.