Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ously discovered by drillers seeking potable water in 1937, and makes an appealing stop,
with a rugged, friendly feel.
Sights & Activities
Parque Zoológico
ZOO
(adult/child AR$10/2; 9am-6pm Mon-Fri, 8am-6:30pm Sat & Sun)
At the junction of RN16
and RN95, 4km east of downtown, the town's spacious zoo and botanical garden em-
phasizes birds and mammals found in the Chaco region, alongside a few lions, tigers and
bears. Featured species are tapir and jaguar, but there are also crocodiles, llamas, mon-
keys, a bafflingly large chicken pen, snakes, condors and vultures.
Complejo Termal Municipal
SPA
(
www.elchacotermal.com.ar
;
Brown 545; 7am-10pm)
Roque's famous thermal baths draw
their saline water from 150m below ground. The complex, around since the 1930s, is
now a top-class facility, offering thermal baths (AR$60) in individual rooms, saunas and
Turkish baths (AR$40), and a big pool with water jets and retractable roof (AR$60).
Treatments on offer include kinesiology, massage and aromatherapy.
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
NORTH TOWARD PARAGUAY
Daily buses run from Resistencia to Asunción, Paraguay's capital, making the
crossing in Argentina's far north at
Clorinda
, a chaotic border town with little of in-
terest beyond its bustling markets.
To stop somewhere more interesting en route, try baking-hot
Formosa
, a
medium-sized city and provincial capital two hours north of Resistencia on the bus.
Hotels, restaurants and services can be found along Av 25 de Mayo, which links the
sleepy plaza with the waterfront on the Río Paraguay - the best place to stroll once
the temperatures drop.
About 6km out of town,
Laguna Oca
offers good bird-watching. For more, hit
Parque Nacional Río Pilcomayo
( 03718-470-045;
www.parquesnacionales.gov.ar
; RN86;
8am-6pm)
, 126km northwest of Formosa and 55km west of Clorinda. Daily buses
connect these towns with
Laguna Blanca
, an easy-paced citrus town, where you'll
find inexpensive lodgings -
Residencial Guaraní
( 03718-470024; cnr San Martín & Sar-
gento Cabral; r per person AR$120)
is the standout - and remisesthat will take you into
