Mesopotamia and Northeast Argentina

Argentina’s Northeastern corner is a perhaps the most diverse part of the country. Its countryside ranges from temperate pampa grasslands in the south to tropical virgin jungles in the far north. The human landscape is equally diverse, with some of the country’s most traditional indigenous nations, such as the Wichí and Guaraní, as well as 20th century European immigrant communities. The Northeast has historic cities, like San Ignacio and Yapeyú, which both began as Jesuit missionary settlements, and Corrientes, a major port since Spanish colonial times.

In the past, the region was called Mesopotamia or the Litoral. The accepted nomenclature today is Northeast Argentina. The area includes the provinces of Santa Fe, Entre Ríos, Corrientes, Chaco, Formosa and Misiones. Two major rivers slice through the landscape. The Río Paraná traverses the middle of Northeast Argentina. To the east of the river are Santa Fe and Chaco Provinces. Along the west bank are Entre Ríos and Corrientes. At Corrientes city, the Río Paraná takes a sharp right turn to form the border between Misiones Province and Paraguay. The other important river, the Río Uruguay, separates Argentina from neighboring countries Uruguay and Brazil. This zone is renowned for its Carnaval and hot springs. The uppermost left corner is the Gran Chaco, composed of modern-day Chaco and Formosa Provinces. This is a little-visited area known for its Imprenetrable lands and the highest temperatures in South America.

Up The Río Paraná, The Gran Chaco, Iguazú Falls, Misiones Province and El Impenetrable.