In the far northeast of Argentina is the province of Misiones and it is here, on the border with Brazil and close to that of Paraguay, where you’ll find the spectacular cascading waters of Iguazu Falls, one of Argentina’s most visited tourist attractions which comprises the Parque Nacional Iguazu and the Parque Nacional do Iguacu. The falls are surrounded by sub-tropical rainforest full of magnificent butterflies and birds as well as stunning orchids, begonias, ferns and palms. At their heart is the massive Garganta del Diablo (devil’s throat).

To the south of Misiones is also where there are several remains of old 17th-century Jesuit missions. San Ignacio Mini, just north of Posadas, is one of the most intact and best preserved in the area. There are also several tea plantations in Misiones, which grow the yerba for the famous Argentine beverage mate, consumed religiously throughout the country.

South of Misiones in the province of Corrientes is the little-known Esteros del Ibera, a vast area of lagoons and marshes. Here you’ll find the Reserva Natural del Ibera and the Parque Nacional Mburucuya both teeming with bird and animal life. Corrientes, capital of the province and capital of Carnival was also the setting for Graham Greene’s novel The Honorary Consul.