This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Corrientes.
Corrientes, which means “currents” in English, is the capital city of Corrientes Province, Argentina, strategically situated at the eastern shore of Paraña Rover, just over six hundred miles away from Buenos Aires, the capital city of Argentina. As it's the capital city of Corrientes province, it is considered as the most important city, as it houses the province’s authorities and governmental institutions. It is also the province’s economical center as well.
The name Corrientes came from San Juan de Vera de las Siete Corrientes or "Saint John of Vera of the Seven Currents." The Seven Currents refers to the peninsulas on the shore, which are made by wild currents, which make navigation of the river difficult. Nonetheless, the place between Asunción in present Paraguay and Buenos Aires has made the city an important middle point, especially to the high lands that stretch up to fifty-five meters from the ground, keeping the place safe from flood when water level rises.
This city perfectly combines colonial and modern architecture, as it is the home for several churches, while lapacho (Taheebo or Her Tea), ceribo (a flowering tree and Argentina’s national tree), jacaranda (a lovely blue/purple flower native to tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America), and orange trees are scattered all over the city. Corrientes is also the home of one of Argentina’s biggest carnival celebrations.
Sometimes referred as the Pantanal of Argentina, Esteros del Ibera, or Ibera Welands, or Ibera Provincial Nature Reserve, is a mix of bogs, lagoons, stagnant lakes, swamps, natural slough and different courses of water located at the center-north of Corrientes province. This place is the home for all crazy animals in the country, including kayman (alligator or crocodile), anacondas, and capybara (the world’s biggest rodent, which weights up to three hundred pounds).
This city has gained magnificence from its same schools and music. It holds carnival all year round which extends up to the provinces, where most towns have their own tradition of particularities and peculiarities. It is also the best place for fishing.
As it's the capital city in the province, there are quite a number of excellent Corrientes hostels, hotels, and budget B&B and inns. All in all, this city has quite a number of hotels, camping sites, and cabins that offers the amenities -- including specialized guides, boat and equipment rentals, transfers, and other conveniences and services -- you will need for an enjoyable and memorable vacation.
Written by local enthusiast for Corrientes hostels
Angelica Burrage