Known as “paradise city” for its magnificent beaches on the shore of Río Uruguay, its entertainment spread between casinos, thermal complexes, golf courses and a vibrant night life, Colón is more than the capital of the department of the same name and an important natural port, it is the tourist capital of the province of Entre Ríos.
With only 21 thousand residents, this tourist destination maintains a small-town feel particularly appealing to visitors looking for a relaxing vacation by the water. Lately, however, the city has exploded with development, making it one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation, as many condo buildings and summer houses spring up in the area.
Throughout the city, the streets are lined with well-groomed trees, which make a nice terrace with a view to the Uruguay river. Colón is a city of distinct beauties and unique attractions, beginning with the thermal complex on the north side of the city, where hot springs (average temperature 36?C) of mineral water flow into large pools where one can let go of any stress.
For those looking for adrenaline, water sports like kayaking, surfing, sailing, and water skiing are widely popular in the white-sand beaches of the city. Playa Norte, Club Piedras Coloradas, “Santiago Inkier”, Playa Nueva y Playa Honda are the choices to catch a tan and some waves in Colón. Around the beaches one can find municipal and private camping grounds with amenities like running water, electricity, toilets, etc. Once satiated of sun, sand and water, head for the shopping area of Colón; the natural port is a significant point of commerce in the region.
Colón also has a number of museums and landmarks like the Regional Historical Museum of the Colony of San José and the Molino Forclaz, a windmill built in 1888 by Juan Bautista Forciaz, a Swiss who migrated to Argentina with his family when he was six years old. The attractions within Colón are not the only reason this city has so many visitors every year. First, the International General Artigas Bridge connecting Argentina and Uruguay comes into Colón, making this a rest stop for travelers crossing the border – part of the reason why lodging options in the city are so varied – and adding to Colón plenty of souvenir shops and kiosks to display the many crafts of the region. Second, at only 50km from the city of Colón is the National Park El Palmar, home to fields of Yatay palm trees, springs of crystalline water and thousands of multicolored birds.
This park, funded in 1966 with the purpose of preserving the Yatay palm trees, offers a great opportunity to observe flora and fauna of the zone and the historical ruins of Calera Barquín, whose structures were constructed at the end of the 18th century. Finally, neighboring towns of Colón like Pueblo Liebig, La Calera and cerro Los Chivos are cultural attractions of their own. There are 4x4 tours going from Colón to these places regularly.