Posadas
Posadas is a pleasant, small, accessible city in Misiones province in the Mesopotamia region of Argentina. It makes a nice break on the long ride between Iguaçu Falls and Buenos Aires.
Get in
By bus
There's an international city bus connecting Posadas in Argentina and Encarnación in Paraguay. From Paraguay, it crosses the bridge, stops for Argentine customs (where everybody gets off for border control) and continues to Posadas bus station and beyond. The fare is that of a city bus, around 1.50 USD. Remember to ask the driver to drop you at the Paraguayan border post to get your exit stamp, as the bus will drive straight past it - keep your bus ticket to border another bus free when you're done.
The bus station, south of the city center, has frequent departures to Buenos Aires Retiro station (10 hr) and Puerto Iguazu (5 hr), and less frequent services to Concordia, near the border with Uruguay (12 hr), Porto Alegre (12 hr, with Ouro e Prata, Su Th 23:00), Florianopolis (21 hr, with Reunidas) and Santa Rosa/RS in Brazil (5 hr, with Ouro e Prata, M F 06:30).
- 1 Bus station, Av. Santa Catalina 6100.
By rail
There's also an international commuter train connecting both cities. The railway is only 8 km long, just enough to cross the bridge, and the ride takes a little less than 10 min. The fare costs Ar$35 or 10,000 guaranís. All border procedures are handled on the Argentine side, making it simpler for travelers. City bus line 32 (Villa Cabello - Centro - Hospital/Estación de Tren) connects it to the bus station, and the ride takes 15 min.
- 2 Posadas-Encarnación Train Station.
By plane
- 3 Libertador General José de San Martín Airport (PSS IATA Posadas airport). Receives flights from Buenos Aires (AEP IATA and EPA IATA airports) and Cordoba, operated by Aerolineas Argentinas and low-cost carrier Fly Bondi.
City bus line 28 (Aeroparque - Av. Polonia) connects the bus station to the airport - the ride takes approximately 20 min.
There used to be a long-distance train running between Posadas and Lacroze train station in Buenos Aires - the so-called Urquiza line. This service was suspended in November 2011.
Get around
In town you will find plenty of taxis and buses but the best way to get around is on foot.
See
Parque República del Paraguay, La Bajada Vieja, Botanic Garden, La Costanera riverwalk, Palacio del Mate, Anfiteatro Manuel Antonio Ramírez, and the local museums.
- 1 Regional Museum Anibal Cambas, Roque González 3300, ☏ +54 376 442-2860.
Do
There is a lovely walk along the river which can even be romantic in the evening. Depending on weather conditions it is possible to see the glittering lights of Encarnacion in Paraguay then. Don't forget to enjoy the Maté, Argentina's popular beverage. Although the first taste will be an unusual flavor for newcomers, it is a haunting taste that beckons you back time and time again.
Same day Paraguay Visa
The Paraguay Consulate in Posadas, Argentina is in a small, orange, old colonial house a couple of blocks from the town center at 179 San Lorenzo Street (the street numbers were changed but the locals still prefer the old numbers - the new number is on the 1500 block) between Santa Fe and Sarmiento streets. There is no sign on the building, just a Paraguayan flag (red, white, and blue broad stripes) hanging in front with the old street address number 179. The requirements for U.S. citizens are to get 3 photocopies for each of the following:
- Passport info page
- Argentina Entry Stamp (inside your passport)
- A credit card (only the front side)
- Round trip transport (it appears you can't just buy a bus ticket to Encarnación from Posadas - in the unlikely event they do require proof of onward travel you could book a tour to the Jesuit Ruins just 30 km inside Paraguay from one of numerous travel agents in Posadas)
In addition to the above you need to give them 3 passport photos which you can get along with the photocopies at a shop right next door for US$4.
A single entry visa cost US$65 and a multiple entry visa costs US$100 in cash only and they provide change.
You then fill out a simple one page personal info form (if you make a mistake and cross anything out, you will have to fill out a new form) After about an hour he will ask for your right thumb print on three pages which you will also sign.
You can also get a free yellow fever shot at the hospital two blocks from the bus station in Encarnación, after you cross the river into Paraguay.
The whole process can take around 2 hours. The frequent (every 10 minutes) and crowded local bus is clearly marked ¨Argentina - Paraguay¨ in front, and charges 6 Argentine pesos. It leaves from just a couple blocks south of the town center to Encarnación, Paraguay.
Buy
Beautiful artesanal objects handmade by the Guaraní Indians. You can find them at Plaza 9 de Julio in downtown Posadas.
Eat
Along the city's riverwalk, populary known as "La Costanera", there are plenty of great restaurants like Doña Chola, La Ruedita, and Barlovento. Most of these restaurants have a wonderful view of the Parana river.
Drink
The most popular bars in the city are: Bocatto, Español, Bahia, Vittragge, Mentecato, Status and Barlovento.
- Al-Arak. This restaurant has two locations: one on the "Costanera" and the other in the city center. The location in la Costanera has Arabic and Mexican cuisine, while the one in the center has only Arabic food.
Sleep
Hotel Continental, Hotel Posadas, Hotel Libertador, Hotel Julio Cesar, etc. Complejo La Aventura is for those who prefer to be in direct contact with nature.
- Hotel Residencial Misiones, Felix de Azara 1960 (Two blocks south of main square). Check-out: 10:00. Ar$120 for double room; Ar$140 with AC.
Go next
- Jesuit Missions of Trinidad and Jésus - from Encarnación bus terminal on the Paraguayan side, it's a 40-min bus ride away (7,000 guarani)
- Asunción - also from Encarnación bus terminal, it's 5-7 hours away (~70,000 guarani).
- Esteros del Ibera - can be reached by hiring a private 4x4 with driver for ~AR$1,000 one way. A slightly cheaper option is taking a bus to Virasoro (1½ hours - AR$34/person) and get a car from there ~AR$700.