Formosa Province Holidays

Formosa (province)

Find refuge from the big-city rush in this mostly rural region, which features sweeping plains and a nature reserve inhabited by caimans, tapirs and maned wolves. 

Formosa, part of Argentina’s Gran Chaco region, is a mostly flat province with plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure. Discover native plants and animals in protected nature reserves, fish for your dinner in a local river and enjoy picnics in pretty parks.

A mostly rural region, Formosa’s economy relies on cotton and fruit cultivation, as well as cattle ranching. Tourist infrastructure remains largely undeveloped here, making it the perfect choice for travellers looking to experience authentic Argentinian life. The region was named for the old Spanish word “fermosa” meaning “beautiful,” so expect picturesque natural scenery and lush green jungles and forests.

The capital is the riverside city of Formosa. Though it’s not a common tourist stop-off, the city does offer plenty to do. Stroll along the banks of Río Paraguay, go sport fishing and see the towering Cruz del Norte, a white cross structure that sits in a palm-tree lined park. Also of note is the well-preserved Catedral Nuestra Señora del Carmen, the city’s Catholic cathedral.

In the northeast of the province lies the Río PilcomayoNational Park. Located on the border of Paraguay and the Pilcomayo River, the park offers the chance to spot exotic wildlife amid a diverse landscape. Explore the marshes, trek through small rainforests and be alert to see birds including bright green monk parakeets and pale-crested woodpeckers. Other species that live here include monkeys, aquatic snakes and maned wolves, which look a little like a cross between a fox and a wolf.

Nature lovers should also stop by Formosa Natural Reserve, a protected ecosystem founded in 1968. Look for ducks, chameleons, anteaters and alligators, all of whom call this reserve home. The woods here are particularly precious, as they are filled with the Palo Santo tree, a species that has been cut down drastically in other areas.

Come prepared with plenty of water and light clothes. The subtropical climate means warm weather almost year round, including extreme temperatures in the summer months. Due to the geographical remoteness, a car is the best way to explore the unspoiled landscapes of the far-flung Formosa province.