This riverside city in Entre Ríos province runs Argentina's largest carnival celebration each summer, with colorful parades and street performances from January through March.
Gualeguaychú, a city in Argentina's Entre Ríos province, comes alive during South America's largest carnival celebration, where dancers wear costumes adorned with up to 500 feathers and perform before 40,000 spectators each weekend throughout summer. Located 230 km from Buenos Aires, this city of 109,000 people draws visitors to its thermal springs reaching 40°C, white sand beaches along the Gualeguaychú River, and its 1863 Cathedral with intricate stained glass windows.
Getting to Gualeguaychú
You can reach Gualeguaychú by bus or car from Buenos Aires, taking National Route 14. The journey takes about 3 hours. The city sits 15 meters above sea level and has a warm, humid climate throughout the year. Regular bus services connect the city to major Argentine destinations, including hourly departures from Buenos Aires.
Experience the Carnival of the Country
The carnival runs every Saturday from January through early March at the Corsódromo, a purpose-built parade venue. Each night, around 40,000 spectators watch elaborate floats and dancers compete for top honors. Local groups spend months preparing their performances, creating costumes with up to 500 feathers per dancer and incorporating traditional symbols into their designs. Judges evaluate costume design, choreography, and how well each group maintains their chosen theme throughout the performance.
Thermal Springs and Wellness
At Termas Guaychu, you can swim in multiple pools with temperatures from 35°C to 40°C, including separate areas for children and adults. Walk along paths where you might spot local birds and small mammals. The Complejo Termas del Gualeguaychú, 22 kilometers from the city center, has thermal pools, massage services, and accommodation options.
Parks and Rivers
Unzué Park covers 120 hectares along the Gualeguaychú River, with walking paths circling a central lagoon. You can rent kayaks by the river, join boat tours, or go horseback riding along the shoreline. Several kilometers of beaches line the river, with designated swimming zones and water sports equipment rentals.
Cultural Landmarks
The Cathedral Church of St. Joseph, completed in 1863 by Swiss architect Bernardo Poncini, contains wooden carvings and stained glass windows depicting biblical scenes. The 1910 city theater displays Viennese Secession architecture with metalwork and geometric patterns throughout its design. Both buildings host regular performances and events throughout the year.
