Santiago del Estero

About

Set on the shores of the Dulce River, Santiago del Estero is the capital city of the Santiago del Estero province in northern Argentina. Impressively, it is the oldest city in Argentina, founded in 1553 by Francisco de Aguirre. Walking through the city streets you will find hints of its colonial past, such as the well-preserved Cathedral Basilica, which dominates the leafy, cafe-lined Plaza Libertad. Despite its long colonial history, the city is surprisingly contemporary in design. You'll discover modern architecture all around, such as at the Forum, a former train station swishly remodeled into a convention center and cafe where you can find charming remnants of the station well-preserved. Continue walking towards the riverside to Aguirre Park and relax amongst the fragrant eucalyptus trees while admiring the scenic views of the Dulce River. Finish your stop with a captivating Chacarera show, folk music originating in the city, for an authentic Argentinian experience. Photos by Gergas, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons