Curious Traveller —5 Facts about Chaco to Visit it as an Expert

Swamps, estuaries, rivers, lagoons, and thousands of wooded hectares trace the perfect route for those who wish to penetrate one of the most remote and secret places in Argentina. The province of Chaco, rich in nature, vegetation and fauna, conceals dreamlike views that altogether form an ideal itinerary in the northeast.

In addition to rewarding experiences and natural panoramas, Chaco gathers some fun facts that, as if there were not enough reasons, arouse every traveller’s curiosity even more, persuading them to get deeper into its paths. Native populations, forests, and even a meteor shower! Have we already tempted you?

1. It is One of the Provinces with the Largest Native Population

Wichis, Qom, and Mocovíes are some of the native peoples that live in Chaco, making it the province with the largest native population in the country. Around 40,000 aborigines of these ethnic groups live both in urban centres and in the countryside, and they seek to preserve their original language and ancestral customs. In addition, there are also groups of European descendants (Italians, Spaniards, Slovaks, Croatians, Bulgarians, Czechs, and Montenegrins) who arrived at the beginning of the 20th century to farm the land. This enormous diversity is Chaco’s trademark, proving this province with a distinctive cultural value.

2. El Impenetrable National Park Is South America’s Third-Largest Forest Area

More than 40,000 sq. km., an endless green space overflowing your eyes, native flora and fauna... El Impenetrable is, without a doubt, one of the greatest attractions in Chaco, and the reason is evident: it offers an immersive experience in nature. You may be wondering about the origin of its name. Well, its lush vegetation makes it impossible to fully cross it. Trees, such as red and white quebrachos, carob trees, and silk floss trees, decorate the scenery, while cacti, bushes, airplants, and orchids top off the view. The general plan follows paths to discover the most varied flora and local animals: jaguars, giant armadillos, cougars, anteaters, tapirs, turquoise-fronted parrots, eagles, caimans, broad-snouted caimans, and more. Visitors can also go hiking and ride horses in the area, always respecting the habitat of those who live in this green space.

3. It Has Two of the World’s Largest Meteorites

Did you know that 4000 years ago there was a meteor shower in Chaco? That was the result of the explosion of an asteroid of 840,000 kilograms, and where the story of Campo del Cielo begins, a 20,000-kilometre region located between Chaco and Santiago del Estero.

The Chaco and Gancedo meteorites are in the top 3 largest meteorites on Earth, and can be seen in this place that works as a window to the universe. Inside the open-air museum, there is an interpretation centre where 300 meteorites are exhibited, as well as diagrams and devices to better understand cosmic phenomena.

4. In 2010, It Became the Second Argentinian Province that Adopted More than One Official Language

Corrientes leads the podium, but Chaco got the second place with honours. In 2010, the languages Wom (spoken by the Toba ethnic group), Moqoit (by the Mocoví ethnic group), and Wichi (by the Wichi ethnic group) were declared official. In addition to Spanish, these local languages were made official by law.

5. Isla del Cerrito was a Key Place in the War of the Triple Alliance

Apart from its privileged position to enjoy the heat and boating activities on white-sand beaches, Isla del Cerrito participated in several historical milestones thanks to its strategic location. The War of the Triple Alliance was the main one, and this place was one of the naval bases of the allies (Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay). Another fun fact is that every September, thousands of tourists and fishermen gather here to take part in one of the most important festivities in the area: the International Dorado Fishing Tournament.