Tigre and its nearby jungle island delta is and was understandably one of the most popular weekend retreats, formerly for aristocratic Argentines, who built their summer residences here, hence the quantity of old colonial style mansions. It was and still is a popular rowing venue and is home to over 15 different clubs.

Tigre was once called Las Conchas because of the number of shells on the riverbed, but the town changed its name to Tigre after local jaguars (often called tigres) which inhabited the region up until the early 20th century. Many upper-class Argentines used to frequent the Tigre Club, home to the Tigre Hotel as well as Argentina’s first casino, which closed in the 1930s. The town subsequently lost its popularity and with it many of its punters.

In recent years Argentines have returned to construct quaint wooden houses on stilts or more substantial residences, many on the nearby delta and only accessible by boat. Needless to say restaurants and other services have been quick to follow.