Corrientes

Introducing Corrientes

Stately Corrientes sits below the confluence of the Paraná and Paraguay rivers just across the water from its twin city, Resistencia. One of the nation’s most venerable cities, Corrientes has dignity, with elegant balconied buildings dating from the turn of the 20th century lending a timeworn appeal to its colorful streets. Like many such cities, the costanera is everybody’s destination of choice for strolling, licking ice creams or sipping mate with friends.

The city is famous for both its Carnaval, which attracts big crowds to its colorful parades, and for being the setting of Graham Greene’s novel The Honorary Consul.

Corrientes is a magnet for regional indigenous crafts, which artisans sell in the evening on Plaza JB Cabral and in the Museo de Artesanías. Guaraní culture has a strong presence.

Corrientes was originally called Vera de los Siete Corrientes, after its founder Juan Torres de Vera y Aragón and the shifting corrientes (currents) of the Paraná. During colonial times Corrientes suffered repeated indigenous uprisings before establishing itself as the first Spanish settlement in the region.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009