Chaco: Nature Reserves, Handicrafts and Culture

Discover Chaco through a range of travel interests: protected areas with diverse ecoregions, handicrafts and cultural sites in Resistencia.

Protected Areas and Diverse Ecoregions

Parque Nacional Chaco protects more than 14,900 hectares of the Chaco Húmedo ecoregion. Parque Nacional Laguna El Palmar protects 5,600 hectares across the Chaco Húmedo and Delta e Islas del Paraná ecoregions and includes wetlands of international importance. Parque Provincial Loro Hablador is a 30,750-hectare protected area in the Chaco seco ecoregion. Chaco Húmedo is therefore represented in two of the parks mentioned; Laguna El Palmar also includes part of Delta e Islas del Paraná, while Loro Hablador lies in Chaco seco.

Nearby, the Colonia Benítez Educational Nature Reserve includes a botanical garden with the Colección de Orquídeas Chaqueñas. Los Chaguares Nature Reserve protects 19 hectares of native forest and has three trails, including the more developed Galerías trail. As trail and visitor conditions can change, check them before visiting.

Discover Handicrafts

The Asociación N’TETAXANAQUI holds public basket-weaving workshops in its exhibition and sales hall in Miraflores, in El Impenetrable. The association has also developed a forest trail for collecting palm leaves, which are then used in its workshop. If you are interested in a workshop, check the current details locally in advance.

At the Asociación Chitsaj–Tokojchey, visitors can learn about natural dyeing and traditional handicraft-making techniques alongside Wichí craftswomen. The association has facilities in Paraje Nueva Población and Misión Nueva Pompeya. While N’TETAXANAQUI focuses on basket weaving and palm leaves, Chitsaj–Tokojchey offers natural dyeing and other handicraft techniques. This lets you choose an experience based on the topic that interests you most; check the latest activity details before visiting.

Visiting Parque Nacional El Impenetrable

Stays at Parque Nacional El Impenetrable and access to its trails are free. Visits must be arranged in advance with the park administration. Include this in your plans and confirm current visitor arrangements before you travel. La Fidelidad campground is located in the park by the Río Teuco and is open to the public free of charge. You should also confirm access and campground services before your trip.

Cultural Sites and Nearby Excursions

The Pigüen N’onaxá Nature and Cultural Reserve in the Campo del Cielo area is associated with the “Chaco” and “Gancedo” meteorites, which are among the largest meteorites in the world. Nearby, Resistencia offers a tour of a city-wide open-air museum with more than 660 sculptures in its squares and on its sidewalks. This number may change as works are added or removed.

The Museo del Hombre Chaqueño “Profesor Ertivio Acosta” in Resistencia preserves tangible and intangible cultural heritage related to the history and culture of Chaco. This heritage has been shaped by the contributions of the Indigenous Qom, Moqoit and Wichí peoples, as well as Criollos and immigrants. The Museo Provincial de Bellas Artes “René Brusau” preserves works in various disciplines by prominent artists from Chaco. Casa de las Culturas is a cultural and exhibition center; it is also home to literature, theater and dance, as well as the province of Chaco’s symphony orchestra and contemporary ballet. If you plan to attend an event, check the current program.

Getting Your Bearings: Places and Routes

Presidencia Roque Sáenz Peña can be reached from the provincial capital, Resistencia, via Ruta Nacional 16; the distance is 173 kilometers. Access to the Complejo Ecológico Municipal is at kilometer 1111 of Ruta Nacional 95, and public bus line 2 runs to the complex entrance. As transport information and road conditions can change, check the details before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Mayor Luis Fonta, Almirante Brown, San Fernando Department, Independencia Department, Fray Justo Santa María De Oro Department, Bermejo Department, Catamarca, Buenos Aires.

For the main travel overview: Argentina.