Carnival takes place in Gualeguaychú from the beginning of January until early March, but February is the main carnival month here and around Argentina.
Gualeguaychú and the entire province of Entre Rios is otherwise a laid-back, pretty, and generally under-appreciated Argentine destination.
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Getting to Gualeguaychú from Buenos Aires
Driving to Gualeguaychú
Gualeguaychu is 225 km north of Buenos Aires. The trip take about 2.5 hours in a car and three hours in a bus.
Renting a car isn’t a bad option, especially for a family or group of friends because sharing the cost, it will work out to be cheaper than taking the bus. Plus, Gualeguaychú is close to Buenos Aires and the drivers in Entre Rios are some of the most relaxed in the country.
To get there head north out of town on 9 de Julio until you hit Au Pres. Arturo Umberto Illia. This is a toll road, so make sure you have some change before setting off.
To get there: Take route 9 north until you reach Zarate. In Zarate take the roundabout to veer into Route 12 (also a toll road) toward the east. Take Route 12 for 75 kilometers until reaching Ceibas. From here follow the signs to Route 14, continuing north. After another 56 kilometers, veer left to stay on Route 14.
Three kilometers later, take the Gualeguaychú exit, which is Urquiza road, 15 minutes away from downtown.
Gualeguaychú from Buenos Aires by bus:
Buses depart approximately every half hour from Retiro bus station in Buenos Aires. Carriers include Flecha Bus, Ciudad de Gualguay, and San Jose S.R.L.
While timetables can be viewed on the Retiro station’s website, tickets must be purchased on the carrier’s respective website, on the phone with a credit card, or in person at Retiro station.
Make sure to book the tickets in advance if traveling to Gualeguaychú at the peak of Carnival.
Accommodation in Gualeguaychú
There is a wide selection of lodging options in Gualeguaychu, but you’ll want to book ahead for carnival season.
Among the offerings are campsites, hostels and all-inclusive hotels.
Those who wish to be more removed from the town’s booming carnival nightlife can opt for something near Gualeguaychu’s natural hot springs about one mile outside the city or consider staying at an estancia—Argentina’s quintessential, ranch-style bed and breakfast accommodation, just outside of town.
Carnival Camping in Gualeguaychu
Necessary items for a Carnival camping excursion include a tent, sunscreen with a high SPF, toilet paper, a bottle opener, mate gourd and thermos, beach wear — and if you’re a female as proud as the Latina locals — a thong bikini.
When going to hang out on the beach, leave valuables at home, and conceal cameras while swimming on the rio’s sandy banks
If camping, arrive well-rested, as parties go well into the night and campers wake up a few hours after the heat of the sunrise resurrects them from their tents.
Carnival Tickets
Carnival celebrations take place every Saturday in February, and on the national holiday of the four-day Carnival weekend at the end of February.
Tickets to the parade and competitions can be purchased with a major credit card online or paid for with cash at the corsódromo’s ticket window.
Parade goers who choose online purchase should bring emailed vouchers to the corsódromo ticket office to redeem the actual tickets.
Ticket office hours are listed below. As for seating options, the more front and center the seat, the more expensive the ticket.
Corsódromo ticket office:
Monday— Friday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday — 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Tel:(03446) 433-086/431-283/430-528
-Cash only at the window
Gualeguaychú Tourist Office
Plazoleta de los Artesanos – Paseo del Puerto
Tel: 03446- 422-900 / 423-668