El Tigre (Argentina)

The Tigre delta with its channels and islands is a special place, far from the hubbub of Buenos Aires. Its vegetation is still wild and untouched. The only noise comes from the birds or the motors on boats. A absolute must-do during your trip to Argentina, especially if you are in Buenos Aires in the summer.

At the port you can embark on boats (lanchas) which go to the closest islands. Make sure you check where the boat is going before you get on board. Some of them go to islands where you can't really walk. Others put their passengers down at beaches or restaurants.

Something else that I recommend doing at Tigre is canoeing. You can rent one for the day and paddle off down some of the less frequented channels. You feel you are alone in the world, in communion with nature in idyllic surroundings.

I'd often heard that Tigre was the Venice of Argentina. Having never been to this part of Italy, I can't confirm this but I imagine it's the truth.

The town is on the water's edge and its inhabitants use 'lanchas' or little motor boats to get around, be it for private use or as water taxis, little shops or even to sell petrol. Thanks to the delta, the landscape is lush and green. Its buildings are constructed on stilts and you can get from one to the other via wooden pontoons. It's also a favourite place for second home owners, a retreat for rich 'Porteños' who give the town a slight jet set feel.

Typical outings include trips to the delta's islands, enjoying rides at the amusement park or dining in the fancy restaurants that line the river. I lived in Buenos Aires for a while and Tigre was without a doubt my favourite escape from the capital's noise. I usually took a taxi boat, often heading to the outskirts and parks that are a few kilometres from the centre of town. I highly recommend you pay it a visit during your trip to Argentina! And there's no reason not to, as the town is only an hour by train from Buenos Aires.