Puerto Valle is more than a tourist destination combining nature and comfort on the banks of the Paraná river. It has a fascinating story that dates back to the 19th century, when a visionary seaman, Bernardino Valle, came from Italy to these lands and started to shape his dreams.
A journey through time
In the 19th century, the waters of the Paraná River witnessed the arrival of an exceptional man. Bernardino Valle, born on August 16, 1830, in Rapallo, Italy, undertook a singular journey that would leave a deep mark on the history of the Iberá Wetlands. A seaman, Valle also stood out as a military strategist thanks to the experience he had gained in Giuseppe Garibaldi’s militias. After a life in Europe and a first stopover in Asunción, Paraguay, he finally found his final port on the Argentine territory.
His journey through the highlands of the Paraná River led him to settle in the region, where together with other entrepreneurs such as Juan Rivera and Francisco López, he perceived the potential for commerce and development of certain towns in Corrientes province. Thus, in 1860, after the Corrientes campaign, he built his home on the banks of the Paraná, started a family and began to sow the seeds of an enduring legacy.
The legacy of an Italian pioneer
Valle’s vision went beyond family boundaries. Driven by the need to consolidate stable populations and strengthen the Argentine position against Paraguay, he embarked on the creation of a town that came to be known as Ituzaingó, a name that honors the battle fought on February 20, 1827. His desire to build a port to boost trade and to support actions in the regional War of the Triple Alliance marked a milestone in the history of the area.
Today, the legacy of Bernardino Valle is materialized in Puerto Valle, our lodge that preserves the cultural heritage of its founder. Restored and revitalized in 2007, the Puerto Valle complex offers a unique experience, combining the history of its origins with the natural beauty of the Iberá Wetlands. From its traditional grounds to the typical architecture of a Corrientes estancia, every corner of Puerto Valle is a living testimony of the past, inviting travelers to connect with time and nature, all in one place.
Would you like to learn more about the history of Puerto Valle and all it has to offer? Book your stay and discover a unique destination: the Iberá Wetlands. We invite you to come on a journey that fuses the story of an Italian pioneer with the indomitable beauty of nature in Corrientes. Puerto Valle, where the adventure begins.