Parque del Fuerte is a historic and archaeological site in Puerto Gaboto. It covers about six hectares and lies a few meters from the confluence of the Río Carcarañá and the Río Coronda. Gaboto is also a gateway port to Parque Nacional Islas de Santa Fe.

Fuerte Sancti Spiritus and archaeological heritage

Parque del Fuerte preserves the remains of Fuerte Sancti Spiritus, founded in 1527 by Sebastián Gaboto at the confluence of the Río Coronda and the Río Carcarañá. It is considered the first European settlement in the Río de la Plata basin and in present-day Argentina. The first Christian church in the territory of present-day Argentina was also built at the fort. Archaeological investigations in Puerto Gaboto identified and recovered structures and artifacts from this first settlement.

The park includes a museum, a library, a multipurpose hall, and a lookout point overlooking the Río Carcarañá. These facilities are intended to give visitors access to Santa Fe’s cultural heritage. Opening hours may vary; check them before your visit.

River scenery and activities

Parque Nacional Islas de Santa Fe is located near Gaboto. It protects more than 4,000 hectares of wetlands in the Delta e Islas del Paraná ecoregion; these wetlands are of international importance. The Delta del Paraná Ramsar site also stretches opposite the coast of Gaboto to the shore of Entre Ríos. Its wetlands support tourism as well as recreational and sporting activities.

Recreational fishing is one of the main local activities in Puerto Gaboto. Boat storage and equipped boat departures are available for stays on the islands. A 2024 municipal tourism guide also listed boat and kayak excursions, as well as municipal and private camping, among the tourist options. Check in advance which services are available for your travel dates.

The food scene includes traditional dishes; a specialty is river fish caught and prepared locally.

Excursions in the San Jerónimo Department

Parque Nacional Islas de Santa Fe is located in the San Jerónimo Department and comprises eight river islands in the Río Paraná. To reach the park, drive to Puerto Gaboto; from there, the rest of the journey is by water. Check route conditions before setting out.

In the national park, you can take independent boat trips on the lake and go kayaking, canoeing, and rowing; hobby groups often set out from Puerto Gaboto. The El Timbó hiking trail is 2 km long (round trip) and has a moderate difficulty level.

In Coronda, also in the San Jerónimo Department, places for visitors include Parroquia San Jerónimo, Cruz de las Misiones, and Cristo de los Pescadores. At Coronda’s Museo Municipal, the Sala Alfonsina Storni is a particular highlight. In Desvío Arijón, in the San Jerónimo Department, the Fiesta Provincial del Frutillero takes place every year between the last weekend in October and the first weekend in November.

Discover more destinations: Maciel, Gálvez.

Back to the main travel guide: San Jerónimo Department.