From seeing ancient meteor sites to meeting tribal communities, you’ll find a range of attractions in Chaco. This sparsely populated low-lying province has a natural landscape of sprawling forests, wetlands and savannahs. Explore this habitat to find myriad bird species and big river fish. Chaco sits toward the northeasterly corner of Argentina, framed on its eastern border by the Río Paraná.
A good place to start is in Resistencia, the provincial capital famous for its artsy and bohemian character. A highlight of Resistencia is its open-air public art collection, which consists of around 500 sculptures. Chaco’s other noteworthy town, Presidencia Roque Sáenz Peña, is the gateway into the wilderness of northern Argentina. Visit the town’s thermal baths and get a glimpse of the region’s wildlife at the Parque Zoológico.
Chaco’s national parks and protected reserves will impress those with a keen interest in nature. Within these sites, you can spot a wide array of wildlife, including anteaters, giant armadillos, jaguars, pumas, primates and 300 species of birds. Parque Nacional Chaco, Reserva Natural Educativa Colonia Benítez and Parque Provincial Pampa del Indio are the some of the most accessible areas. Go to Isla del Cerrito to find river beaches and fish for giant dorado on the Río Paraná.
There’s ancient history to discover here, too. Don’t miss out on a visit to the Campo del Cielo, the site of 5,000-year-old meteorite fragments. The huge El Chaco is supposedly the world’s second-largest meteorite. Experience the life of Chaco’s semi-nomadic tribes, many of whom have settled close to riverside towns. Learn about the traditional craftsmanship and fishing methods of the Wichí people in Misión Nueva Pompeya.
Chaco is a rewarding experience for those wishing to break away from the more frequented trails. Try to visit outside of the scorching hot summer and allow plenty of time for limited transport and accessibility. More adventures await in Argentina’s far north, where you can visit Formosa, home to the impressive Parque Nacional Río Pilcomayo.