Corrientes, the capital city of the province with its 400,000 inhabitants has a long and rich history, dating back to the middle 16th century. One of the oldest cities in Argentina, Corrientes served as an important middle point, connecting the two colonial powerhouses of Asuscion (now Paraguay) and Buenos Aires. Located along the banks of the Paraná river, it spreads out from its original foundation at Plaza 25 de Mayo in a standardized grid pattern which was established with much modernistic intent in 1588.
Corrientes is still in the middle of activity. The governmental power wielded from historic Plaza 25 de Mayo administrates the only province in Argentina which shares borders with three other countries: Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. Although it is a substantial city by all accounts it retains the ambiance of historic times and small town tranquility. Filled with colonial buildings, historic churches, plazas and museums, Corrientes is both progressively modern and pridefully historic.
The riverfront has a nice walkway called the Costanera which has a number of pier-like parks which jut out into the river. Good for an afternoon stroll, especially on the weekends, a collection of informative signs can be found with interesting facts in both Spanish and English.
Calle Junín is the commercial heart of Corrientes and stretches for 10 blocks as a footmall before butting into Plaza Cobral which is the most significant central reference point. Around Cobral most of the accommodation can be found as well as bars, banks and restaurants.
Corrientes also offers a number of artistic and historic gems such as e the Teatro Oficial Juan de Vera (San Juan 637,Tel.# 03783427743) which is one of the most important venues for cultural expression in all of northwestern Argentina. Also check out the The Museo Provincial de Bellas Artes (San Juan 634, Tel.# 03783475947), the Museo Histórico de Corrientes (9 de Julio 1044, Tel.# 03783475946) and the The Museo de Ciencias Naturales (San Martín 850, Tel. # 03783475944) which has an impressive exhibit of over 5,800 insects plus exhibits of other local creatures.