A lesser-known travel destination is comprised of several tiny islands and has been hailed as the “Venice of South America”.
The city of Tigre in Argentina, and the surrounding delta region, earns comparisons to the iconic Italian city because of picturesque marinas, islands and canals with a succession of boats ferrying locals through the area.
The delta is around 45 minutes by train from the capital Buenos Aires, and is known for its “latte-colored waters, tinted by sediment that results from large quantities of water from South America’s great rivers being forced through smaller tributaries”, as per Lonely Planet.
It’s one of the few river deltas that empties into empty into fresh water rather than the sea, and its islands are “dotted with beautiful stilted houses”, and restaurants, travel blog Sol Salute says.
There’s also plenty of culture to get stuck into, including Museo de Arte, said to be Tigre’s grandest museum. Located in a grand 1912 social club, the gallery showcases works by Argentine artists from the 19th and 20th century, according to Lonely Island.
Other top attractions include the Museo Naval, which explores the country’s rich maritime history, and if you’re looking for something more nice there’s the Museo Del Mate decicated to Argentina’s national drink.
Exploring the narrow rivers in the Parana Delta is said to be another reason to visit this intriguing city, and trips to popular tourist hotspots like Isla Tes Bocas, Rama Negra and the stunning nature reserve at Terra Delta.
There’s also Puerto de Frutos, a well known fruit market where you can browse handmade crafts, furniture, and food from local producers.
One TripAdvisor reviewer who visited in December described the area as stunning, and gave it a five-star review.
“Booked without knowing what this was but wow,” they wrote, adding: “Tigre Delta is amazing. Very interesting place to visit and see how people live here.
“Very different to Buenos Aires and so pretty. 14000sqkm and 350 rivers and tributaries make for a great place to visit. see the school, church and grocery boats!”
According to Buenos Aires Free Walks, the quickest and cheapest way to get there from the capital is the Mitre Ramal Tigre line which departs from Retiro train station, a trip which takes around an hour.
Others opt to take the more expensive coastal train which offers “greater style and with a more picturesque tour of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the north”.