Laishí combines a remarkably tangible mission history with waterways and other destinations in the surrounding area. The historic sites in San Francisco de Laishí, the waterscapes near Herradura and the museums in Villa Escolar each offer a distinct focus.

San Francisco de Laishí: Traces of the Mission

A surprising starting point for exploring the town’s history is the Ford T: the mission in San Francisco de Laishí introduced the province’s first automobile. The Misión San Francisco de Asís was founded in 1901 on the banks of the Riacho Salado by Father Pedro Iturralde as a Franciscan mission.

The Museo Histórico San Francisco de Laishí preserves objects and records relating to the history of the mission and the province. It highlights the role of the Franciscan missionaries in founding and developing the mission, which was established in the late 19th century. Their work focused on evangelising and educating Indigenous communities, particularly the Qom, Pilagá and Wichí. Visits to the Museo Histórico are offered with a local guide; check the visiting arrangements in advance.

The buildings also make the mission’s different functions tangible. The first chapel was built using local palm materials and also served as a school, where Indigenous people learned to read and write and studied the Catholic religion. Franciscan sisters built the “Sagrado Corazón de Jesús” church, a convent dedicated to the education of Indigenous women, and a boarding school.

The Convento Franciscano in San Francisco de Laishí is an Argentine National Historic Monument. Built around 1913, it preserves period artefacts such as photographs, telephones, typewriters, clocks, records and books. These items add everyday objects and technology of the time to the story of the mission.

Herradura: Rivers, Camping and Summer Events

Near Laishí, Herradura lies on the Río Paraguay. The waterways in the area include the Salado, Coltapick and Ramírez rivers. Some of them flow into Laguna Herradura, which in turn drains into the Río Paraguay. Herradura can be reached via RN 11 and RP 1; a local road then leads to the town.

The Camping Municipal in Herradura has a boat ramp and a visitor centre with information services. The Complejo Provincial del Timbó offers spacious camping areas with barbecue grills, toilets, tables and benches. Excursions by motorboat and canoe are also available in Herradura, in Formosa Province. When planning visits to waterways and campgrounds, it is helpful to keep the specific destinations in mind.

The Fiesta Nacional de la Corvina de Río takes place every summer in Herradura. The programme includes live music and the participation of food businesses and artisans; admission is free. The programme and access arrangements may vary from one edition to the next, so it is a good idea to check the dates for your planned trip. The beach area at Laguna Herradura is also seasonal and is only sometimes open free of charge. It has lifeguards and recreational activities; before visiting, check whether it will be available on your travel dates.

Villa Escolar: Palaeontology and Nature

In Villa Escolar, the focus turns to natural history. The Museo Provincial de Ciencias Naturales opened on 8 September 2013 to house a palaeontological collection described as the most important in northern Argentina. The museum is considered a leading museum of its kind in the north and has the most complete collection of remains of extinct megafauna in the Chaco region. It also displays examples of present-day flora and fauna.

The museum thus brings together finds from past geological eras with today’s plant and animal life. The Parque Acuático in Villa Escolar offers a different focus: opened in 2020, it has two swimming pools, one for adults and one for children, as well as water-play equipment. As no current operating schedule is provided, check the opening hours before planning a visit.

The Río Bermejo draws visitors in Villa Escolar for fishing and for views of its banks and the surrounding natural environment. When looking for a holiday rental, it is worth first deciding which places you plan to visit and choosing accommodation based on its location in relation to those priorities.

Discover more destinations: Herradura, Pilcomayo Department, Pirané, Formosa Department.

For the overview of the wider region: Formosa.