Entre Ríos: when is Carnival and what to do in summer
The province in the Littoral of Argentina lends itself to living an experience of relaxation and pleasure in its large tourist centers, such as Gualeguaychú, Colón, Federación, Villa Elisa, and Concordia.
Very close to Buenos Aires, at one of the entrances to the Littoral area, there is Entre Ríos, a province rich in history. Decisive figures related to the birth of Argentina as a nation passed through these lands, such as Generals Justo José de Urquiza and Francisco Ramírez.
In addition to a great historical legacy, there is a population open to tourism, top quality services and proposals. The hot springs centers are perhaps the star of this region. Throughout the province, travelers can find these holy waters to enjoy a good rest and recharge their batteries.
But not everything is connected to history and hot springs here. The capital, Paraná, is a significant cultural, educational and MICE tourism center. Fishing in cities like La Paz is a big draw and the beaches on the Paraná and Uruguay rivers are super charming.
A must-see in Entre Ríos is El Palmar National Park. On National Route 14, this area faithfully reflects the Argentine nature and, especially, the Littoral.
Gualeguaychú, Entre Ríos
Just over two hours from Buenos Aires, Guale (as it is popularly known) is the ideal getaway anytime in the year. If you go in summer, you can't miss one of the main carnivals in the world. While during the rest of the year, the city offers great options, such as picnics, bikes and a round of mates in Unzué Park.
Gualeguaychú Hot Springs and Guaychú Hot Springs are some of its hot springs.
Gualeguaychú Carnival
The icing on the cake of the summer dessert, without a shadow of a doubt, is the Gualeguaychú Carnival. We’ll provide you the following information so you can picture the dimension of this festivity: four troupes, more than one thousand two hundred artists on stage, more than seventy thousand feathers and fifteen floats in motion, and more than two hundred and fifty thousand spectators during eleven nights in the carnival parade venue, located in the Parque de la Estación.
It is the largest open-air show of the Argentine summer and, of course, you can't miss it. The dates of the 2025 edition are January 4, 11, 18 and 25; February 1, 8, 15 and 22; and March 1, 2 and 3.
How to get to Gualeguaychú
Buses leave from Buenos Aires on a daily basis; however it is best to rent a car and in just over two hours you will be reaching your destination. You must leave the Argentine capital along National Route 9, then take National Route 12 in Zárate, and once you arrive in Ceibas, continue driving along National Route 14. When you find the Urquiza access, you must turn right until you arrive at your destination.
Hotels in Gualeguaychú
Hacienda Don Justo Hotel Spa: Bolivar 733
Colón, Entre Ríos, Argentina
It’s another great option, only three and a half hours from Buenos Aires. In addition to the hot springs, the city offers a charming shopping center and extensive beaches on the Uruguay River.
How to get to Colón, Entre Ríos
The road is the same as the one that takes you to Gualeguaychú, but it extends one more hour to the north until it reaches the junction with National Route 135, which must be taken to the right until you reach your destination.
Hotels in Colón
Costas del Paraíso: Evita 523
Costarenas Hotel & Spa: Av. Quirós and 12 de abril
Villa Elisa Hot Springs
A classic of the Entre Ríos hot springs, very close to the city of Colón. Every year, families and friends gather in one of the main points not only of Entre Ríos, but also of Argentina.
How to get to Villa Elisa
It's the same as going to Colón, but instead of joining National Route 135, you should go a few more kilometers north and then go west on National Route 130.
Federación Hot Springs
The current Federación is one of the newest cities in Argentina. It could be said that the old city dates back to 1847, but after the construction of the Salto Grande Hydroelectric Complex in 1979, the city literally moved 5 kilometers to the northwest.
Today it is a symbol of hot springs life in Entre Ríos and appreciated throughout the country. Recommendation: make a stop in Federación and try delicious fruit juices!
How to get to Federación, Entre Ríos
Buses leave from Buenos Aires on a daily basis, but it is best to rent a car and in just over five hours you will be reaching your destination. You must leave the Argentine capital along National Route 9, then take National Route 12 in Zárate and when you arrive in Ceibas, continue along National Route 14. Once you see the YPF Full KM 296 Federación service station, turn east until you reach your destination.
Accommodation in Federación
Arena Resort: Av. las Violetas 500
Costa del Sol: Las Azaleas 29
Concordia, Entre Ríos
After Paraná, the capital of Entre Ríos, it is the most populated city in the province. Some of its main attractions are a wonderful waterfront, which faces the neighboring city of Salto, in Uruguay, San Carlos Park, and the Convention Center.
We recommend visiting Concordia Hot Springs and Ayuí Hot Springs.
How to get to Concordia
It is more than four hours from Buenos Aires by car. You must leave the Argentine capital along National Route 9, then take National Route 12 in Zárate, and when you arrive in Ceibas, continue along National Route 14 until you reach your destination.
Hotels in Concordia
Hathor Hotels: National Route 14, km 264.5
Hotel Del Lago: Monseñor Rosch and Ruta Nacional
What to eat in Entre Ríos
Being a province surrounded by rivers, fish are the main course. The surubí to the package (catfish), the dorado a la parrilla (grilled goldfish) or the boga in pizza are some of the great delicacies of Entre Ríos. The cured meats in Chajarí are not to be missed and, of course, the barbecue.