The steaming, subtropical city of Corrientes doesn't offer much in the way of conventional attractions, but its historic centre and attractive aspect on the Parana River makes it an ideal place to grab a decent coffee and stretch your legs in between long bus ride.

If you're travelling to or from Iguazu Falls, you might want to make a stop at the tumbleweed town of San Ignacio. Set a few blocks back from the highway, the superstar attraction here is the atmospheric Jesuit mission ruins of San Ignacio Mini, which are ever-so-slowly being reclaimed by subtropical jungle.

San Ignacio Mini was founded in 1631 by Jesuits intent on 'civilizing' the Guarani indigenous tribe, and at its peak was home to around 4,500 people.