If you are visiting Argentina or Buenos Aires and looking for an alternative, why not visit Rosario situated on the banks of the Parana?
Rosario is the largest city of the province of Santa Fe, Argentina. It is situated on the banks of the Parana about 320km from the capital, Buenos Aires. As well as being Che Guevara’s birth place it also offers visitors good camping, lovely architecture, a decent nightlife, art galleries, beaches and of course the river.
Things to see and do
The Monumento Nacional a la Bandera: located behind Plaza 25 de Mayo this monument to the flag contains the crypt of the designer of the flag, General Manuel Belgrano. For a great view of Rosario take the elevator to the top.
The Museo Historico Provincial Dr Julio Marc provides the visitor with displays about indigenous peoples and cultures from the continent.
For fine art you can try the Museo Municpal de Bellsa Artes Juan B Castagnino.
There is also a planetarium which opens on the weekends.
If you are a beach lover then jump on a bus from the town centre to Av Puccio. From there have a stroll up the rambia along Catalunya beach. There are restaurants and snack bars so taking along lunch is not necessary.
Events
Encuentro Internacional de Escultura en Madera-Piedra-Hierro de Rosario (International Meeting of Wood-Stone-Iron Sculpture in Rosario). Annual event in September/October.
Encuentro y Fiesta Nacional de Colectividades (Communities Meeting and National Celebration). Annual event usually around November showcasing music, song, dance, cuisine and customs of foreign communities in Argentina, in the ample room provided by the Parque Nacional a la Bandera.
Festival Internacional de Poesía de Rosario (International Poetry Festival). Annual event in November.
How to get to/from Rosario
Rosario is well connected by both bus and train. From Rosario bus station you have access to Buenos Aires, Santa Fe and Mendoza. The train station, 3lm northwest of the town centre, has a service to Buenos Aires from Monday to Saturday.
Visit the official Rosario website (all in Spanish though).
