The main thing to see in Tigre is the delta itself and the various islands and resorts that dot the area. Within the town of Tigre, where the train station and boat docks are, there are a few services and various other places of interest. Many people simply stay in this area and dine in the restaurants, sunbathe along the shoreline, or wander the town. Ponies march up and down the eastern shoreline in the city center, near the intersection of calles Lavalle and Fernández (no address or phone); children love riding them. From this area, head along what is called Paseo Victórica, a collection of Victorian mansions along the waterfront of Río Lujan, until it intersects with Río Conquista. This is one of the prettiest parts of Tigre, and you will find many people sunbathing along the shore here. In the midst of all this Victorian splendor is the Naval Museum, Paseo Victorica 602, at Martínez (tel. 11/4749-0608). On the other bank, across from here, is the Parque de la Costa, Vivanco, at Montes de Oca (tel. 11/4732-6000), full of rides for kids and grown-ups. Just outside of the center of Tigre is the famous Puerto de Frutos (tel. 11/4512-4493), at Calle Sarmiento 160, along Río Lujan. Fruit farming was integral to the early development of the Tigre Delta, and this market is a leftover from those days. Most people rave about seeing this site, but in general, I have always found it disappointing, with almost no fruit. Besides the traditional basket weavers who create their wares using the reeds growing in the delta, the market is now mostly full of odds and ends and less interesting crafts that can be found in many places. Still, it is worth a quick visit. Definitely worth a visit, however, is the Museo Municipal de Bellas Artes, Paseo Victorica 972 (tel. 11/4512-4528), built into what had been the Tigre Casino. The building is among the most impressive Argentine Beaux Arts buildings outside of Buenos Aires and took years to restore. The redesign of the casino as a museum was done by Gabriel Miremont, the curator of the Museo Evita and numerous museums throughout Argentina. The museum has free admission and is open Wednesday to Friday 9am to 7pm, and Saturday and Sunday noon to 7pm.
A 3-hour boat ride each way from the center of Tigre will take you to Martín García Island. It is famous for its upscale political prison, where various Argentine presidents, including Juan Perón, have been incarcerated, but exploring here will take a full day once you account for the round-trip boat ride.
If you are doing any trekking on the islands, even in hot weather, you will need hiking boots, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts. Saw grass and other very sharp plants inhabit the area and will rip into unprotected skin. You should also bring mosquito repellent, though malaria is not a problem in the Delta, only painful itching. It's also a good idea to pack binoculars, to view birds and other wildlife.
Excursion Companies Serving Tigre Delta -- Various travel companies in Buenos Aires provide day-trip excursions to the Río Tigre delta or will arrange longer stays in the numerous bed-and-breakfasts, bungalows, and adventure lodges in the area. Say Hueque Tourism, with two locations (Viamonte 749, Office 601, 1053 Buenos Aires, tel. 11/5199-2517; Guatemala 4845, Office 4, 1425 Buenos Aires, tel. 11/4775-7862; www.sayhueque.com), is one that I highly recommend, especially for longer trips and adventure excursions to see the natural beauty of the area. Travel Line (tel. 11/4393-9000; www.travelline.com.ar) offers Tigre Delta day tours, among many other excursions. The full-day Tigre tours are Sundays only (ask for an English-speaking guide), and include lunch, a ride to and from Tigre by train, and a boat ride among the rivers of the Tigre delta for about $65 (£44) per person.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
