Corrientes, early morning

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.

Like most of Argentina's cities, Corrientes follows a rigid grid lay-out. The government house and the Iglesia Santisima Cruz de los Milagros fronts onto the city's main square, Plaza 25 de Mayo, an inviting, leafy space that for the past year has been home to a tent full of ex-soldiers who fought in the Falklands War and are appealing to politicians for a decent pension.  

Come siesta, the entire city seems to evacuate to Avenida Costanera, a tree-flanked riverfront promenade lined all hours of the day with avid fisherman hauling in dinner from the muddy river. It's also a popular place for young lovers, joggers and sunset freaks. If you're desperate to escape the summer heat, there's a number of small but not terribly inviting beaches here too.