Parana, capital of the Entre Rios province is situated on the eastern banks of the Rio Parana, just 30 km south of Santa Fe on the western side of the river. It was settled by inhabitants of Santa Fe in their search for higher ground and a better port.

It’s an attractive tranquil city with lovely views and some fine old buildings. At the centre is the Plaza Primero de Mayo and the late 19th-century neoclassical domed cathedral. The Museo Historico de Entre Rios Martiniano Leguizamon and the Museo de la Ciudad recount the history of the province and the city. Nearby is the attractive Teatro Municipal 3 de Febrero constructed in 1851.

The excellent Museo Unico del Mate has a fabulous display of objects to do with the national beverage, yerba mate, not just from the Argentine but all around the world, while the Museo de Bellas Artes houses paintings by Argentine artists.

Alongside the river bank is the Parque Urquiza,designed by French landscape architect Charles Thays, which is on three levels, full of beautiful trees, a rose garden and lovely walkways. The lowest level is alongside the costanera where there are sandy beaches, bars and restaurants. To the west of the park is the pretty barrio of Puerto Viejo, the old port, with lovely houses and cobbled streets.