Gran Chaco Route

Resistencia (Chaco). The capital of Chaco, with bus connections to various parts of the country, is the gateway to the Chaco and El Impenetrable National Parks, the Loro Hablador and Fuerte Esperanza Provincial Parks, and Campo del Cielo, famous for its huge meteorites. It is also one of the large cities near the Copo National Park, in the province of Santiago del Estero.

Formosa capital city. It is a good starting point to explore attractions such as the Pilcomayo National Park, La Estrella Wetland and the Formosa Nature Reserve.

City of Santiago del Estero. From this city, you can reach the Termas de Río Hondo hot springs, discover Campo del Cielo on the border with Chaco and get to the Copo National Park in the north of the province.

How to get there and move around

The provincial capitals have air and ground connection services, and are good starting points for you to visit the region. Many destinations have one or several nearby locations that serve as a base, service portal and tour booking.

You can explore some attractions by car, but others require 4WD vehicles.

Check the condition of the roads: access is closed on some routes or specific sections in the summer, the rainiest time of the year.

Where to stay

The cities of Resistencia and Santiago del Estero and Formosa capital city offer different lodging options. 

There are simple options such as hotels, inns, apart-hotels and camping sites in the locations near the destinations and some national parks, and you can experience community tourism in some of them.

The Termas de Río Hondo hot springs in Santiago del Estero have a wide range of hotels of different categories, including 5-star spa hotels, residential hotels, cabins and apart-hotels. 

You can also camp in some protected areas.

When to travel

You can go from March to November if you want to avoid the hottest summer months (temperatures can exceed 45 °C and there are more mosquitoes and insects).

For Bañado La Estrella wetland, it is advisable to travel between April and September (these are the months with the highest water level and you will be able to appreciate a great variety of fauna). 

Remember 

Given the health situation, it is advisable to check the access requirements before visiting the province. Some attractions, national parks and reserves may have limited access and require booking in advance.

You can visit many of the attractions on your own, although it is always advisable to go in the company of a local guide and, in some cases, it is mandatory. Check with the tourist office of each destination.

There are many wild destinations. It is advisable that you carry printed maps or download them on your cell phone since the Wi-Fi signal does not always work, so make sure you have a full car tank and check the condition of the roads and the weather forecast.

Remember that it can be very hot, always carry plenty of water and drink frequently. 

Recommended clothing: light clothing, long light pants and long-sleeved shirts, as well as closed shoes for walking and avoiding insect bites. Take rain boots if you go to Bañado La Estrella wetland.