Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ARGENTINIAN
LITORAL
Argentina's subtropical northeast Litoral has a landscape
dominated by the mighty Ríos Paraná and Uruguay. This region
is formed by the provinces of Misiones, Corrientes, Entre Ríos,
Formosa, Chaco, and Santa Fe. The area receives a high level of
rainfall, which gives rise to lush forests rich in wildlife and flora,
huge
embalsados
(floating islands), and acres of wetlands.
The region's original inhabitants were the
Guaraní, who, by the 16th century, were
living mainly in small agricultural commu-
nities. Jesuit missionaries arrived in the
1550s, aiming to evangelize the Guaraní
and protect them from Spanish colonial
exploitation by building the first of many
missions in 1609. In the 19th century, the
Litoral served as the battleground for the
post-Independence civil war between
Unitarios and Federales.
By the 20th century, ranching and grain
agriculture were bringing in new income,
but at the cost of the environment,
prompting the creation of several national
parks to counter deforestation. Today, the
Litoral's economy remains dependent on
farming and forestry, although tourism,
driven by natural wonders such as the
Iguazú Falls and Esteros del Iberá, is also
an important source of income.
The region is a nature lover's paradise,
with miles of
yatay
palm forests, wooded
marshes, and subtropical jungles. Many
national parks serve to protect the area's
abundant flora and fauna and offer visitors
an opportunity for various outdoor
activities ranging from boating and
wildlife-watching to camping and
trekking. In contrast to the verdant
wilderness are the bustling urban centers
with their well-preserved colonial
buildings and busy calendar of lively folk
music festivals and carnival celebrations.
Marsh deer, a common sight in the breathtaking natural preserve Esteros del Iberá
Ruins of the Jesuit mission at San Ignacio Miní, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
