A small town called Colonia Carlos Pellegrini, located in the heart of the Esteros del Iberá (Corrientes), achieved historic recognition by being selected by UN Tourism as one of the 52 most outstanding rural destinations in the world in the 2025 edition of the Best Tourism Villages.
The distinction, announced at a ceremony in Huzhou, China, rewards communities that promote sustainable tourism development, strengthen the local economy, and protect their natural and cultural heritage. Along with Maimará (Jujuy), Colonia Carlos Pellegrini represented Argentina among more than 270 applications from 65 countries.
A town with history in the heart of Corrientes
Founded on the shores of the Laguna Iberá, in the General San Martín Department, Colonia Carlos Pellegrini is located 360 km from the city of Corrientes.
Its history is marked by isolation: until 1972, crossing the lagoon was done on barges towed by oxen. The construction of the causeway and Bailey bridge integrated the town with the rest of the province, transforming its social and economic life.
Today, the town preserves adobe houses, celebrates the chamamé —Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO— and keeps its Guarani roots alive in its cuisine and traditions.
Sustainable tourism and unique experiences in Iberá
Colonia Carlos Pellegrini is recognized as the main gateway to the Esteros del Iberá, one of the most important wetlands in South America. Its tourism offering combines bird watching, photo safaris, kayaking or boat excursions, hiking, and horseback riding.
The Portal Laguna Iberá, managed by the Iberá Park authority, concentrates the largest tourism offering with more than 35 accommodations, guided excursions, night walks, astrotourism experiences, and gastronomic proposals. Additionally, visits to artisans, Guarani language workshops, and chamamé shows are organized.
Gastronomy with Guarani identity
The local cuisine reflects the cultural heritage of the region. Among the typical dishes are:
- Mbaipy (thick corn and meat stew)
- Chipa So’ó (starch dough filled with meat)
- Mbejú (cassava starch and cheese cake)
These meals are enjoyed in family dining rooms that often combine dinner with music and cultural activities.
International recognition and global projection
The selection of Colonia Carlos Pellegrini in the Best Tourism Villages 2025 was based on criteria of:
- Preservation of natural and cultural resources
- Economic and social sustainability
- Integration into the tourism value chain
- Community safety and quality of life
In this edition, UN Tourism distinguished 52 villages from 29 countries, including Agaete (Spain), Antônio Prado (Brazil), Bled (Slovenia), Asuka (Japan), and Ezcaray (Spain).
A model of sustainable rural tourism for Argentina
The recognition of Colonia Carlos Pellegrini not only places Corrientes on the world tourism map but also reinforces the value of community rural tourism as a development engine.
The town demonstrates that it is possible to conserve biodiversity, strengthen cultural identity, and generate economic opportunities through a sustainable model.
The Esteros del Iberá, with its natural and cultural wealth, thus consolidate themselves as a strategic destination for international tourism, and Colonia Carlos Pellegrini becomes an example of how a small town can achieve a global impact.
Cover photo: @MatiasRebak
