The Carnaval de Corrientes 2026 runs from Saturday January 17 through Saturday February 14, across 6 to 8 scheduled nights at the Corsodromo Nolo Alias (Av. 3 de abril, Corrientes capital). It is Argentina\'s biggest carnival, with capacity for 70,000 spectators per night, the historic comparsas Ara Bera ("Bright Sky" in Guarani, white/sky blue, founded 1965) and Sapucay ("Shout" in Guarani, red/gold, founded 1967), and individual costumes for star dancers ranging from USD 8,000 to USD 25,000. Each night, 2-3 comparsas parade with 80-100-minute runs, gates opening at 21:30 and closing between 4 and 5 AM. Tickets range from USD 15 (general admission) to USD 200 (VIP box on Grand Final Saturday). This guide covers confirmed dates, how to buy tickets from abroad, where to sleep near the corsodromo, transport and recommended combos with Esteros del Ibera.
When is the Carnaval de Corrientes 2026
The official 2026 dates are January 17 – February 14 with 6-8 active nights. "Carnival nights" are spread across Friday-Saturday-Sunday on consecutive weekends. The Grand Final (the last Saturday, February 14) is the most expensive and sought-after night — it includes the closing performances of Ara Bera and Sapucay alongside the king and queen coronation. For 2027, tentative dates are January 16 – February 13 (same pattern).
What to expect at the Corsodromo
Each night, 2 to 3 comparsas pass through the 1,000-meter runway with this internal structure:
- Opening (21:30-22:00) — musical show and jury introduction
- Court Ladies and Queens — opening of the first comparsa, 10 min
- Themed wings — 4-7 wings of 50-80 members, 40-50 min
- Batucada — 60-100 percussionists, 15 min
- Star dancers — monumental costumes (4-8 m tall), 30-second solo runs each, 10 min
- Royal Float — 25-meter mechanized float, comparsa king and queen, 5-8 min
- 30-minute break between comparsas with musical shows
How to get tickets
Official site: carnavalcorrientes.com — sales open in September-October of the previous year (2025 for the 2026 edition). Argentine and international cards accepted (8-12% commission charge). For foreigners without an Argentine card, alternatives: wholesale packages (Civitatis, GetYourGuide) with 15-25% markup. Resale on social networks: watch for authenticity — fake tickets exist. Recommendation: buy official 60+ days ahead for VIP box and Grand Final Saturday, 30-45 days for general bleachers. Payments in Argentine pesos (daily exchange rate) or USD depending on gateway.
Carnaval Corrientes 2026 prices (USD per person)
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| General admission (bleachers) | USD 15-25 | — | — |
| Covered grandstand | — | USD 30-55 | — |
| Premium platea | — | USD 50-90 | — |
| VIP box (armchair + bar) | — | — | USD 80-150 |
| Saturday Grand Final VIP | — | — | USD 120-200 |
| 3-star hotel downtown (double) | USD 90-140 | USD 140-200 | — |
| 4-star Howard Johnson | — | USD 130-190 | USD 220-320 |
| Hostel shared dorm | USD 25-40 | — | — |
| Flight AEP-CNQ round-trip | — | USD 180-300 | USD 380-550 |
| Dinner with wine | USD 15-25 | USD 30-50 | USD 60-110 |
| Remis hotel ↔ corsodromo | USD 4-7 | — | — |
Carnival season prices (January-February) in USD. Hotels run 60-120% above normal season. Early purchase 30-60 days: 10-15% discounts.
Where to stay
The Corsodromo Nolo Alias sits on Av. 3 de abril, southern exit of Corrientes capital. Stay 5-15 blocks away (30 min walking or USD 4-7 by remis). Top 3 hotels: Hotel Turismo (3-star, 5 blocks, USD 90-140 double during carnival), Howard Johnson Plaza (4-star, USD 130-190), La Alondra Boutique (3-star historic, USD 100-150). Budget option: Hostel Boheme or Corrientes Hostel, USD 25-40 shared. Strategic alternative: Resistencia (capital of Chaco, 18 km across the Puente General Belgrano), 30-50% cheaper but requires a late-night remis back.
Book hotel Hotel near the Corsodromo
3-4 star hotels 5-10 blocks from the Corsodromo Nolo Alias. Book 60+ days ahead to avoid sellouts.
Combine Esteros del Ibera tour
2-3 day excursion to Esteros del Ibera from Corrientes capital. Pairs perfectly with the carnival.
Full package Flight + Hotel + Carnival package
4-night package with AEP-CNQ flight, 3-star hotel and Corsodromo grandstand entry.
How to get there
By air: AEP-Corrientes (CNQ) with Aerolineas Argentinas and Flybondi, 1h30, USD 90-200 one-way in high season. Camba Punta airport sits 11 km from downtown — taxi USD 12-18. By bus: Retiro-Corrientes 11h direct, USD 50-90 (Crucero del Norte, Flecha Bus, Rio Uruguay). By car: 1,040 km via RN 14 from Buenos Aires (12-13h, tolls USD 25-35). Recommended: fly if your time is tight, bus if you want to save.
What to bring
- Light jacket (nights drop to 18-22°C after 3 AM)
- Strong repellent (riverside mosquitoes)
- Water and constant hydration
- Cash in pesos for food trucks
- Cap and sunscreen if you arrive early
- Cushion for popular bleachers (no seats)
- Optional earplugs (powerful batucadas)
Combine with
- Corrientes province — full regional guide
- Carnaval Correntino details — history and comparsas
- Esteros del Ibera — the perfect natural follow-up, 5 days post-carnival
- Yapeyu — birthplace of San Martin, 400 km south
- Mercedes — gateway to Ibera, 240 km
- More events in Argentina — 2026 calendar
- Festival de la Chacarera — folk alternative in January
- Iguazu Falls — 2-3 day extension, 680 km
Frequently asked questions
When is the Carnaval de Corrientes 2026?
The official nights of Carnaval Correntino 2026 are scheduled between Saturday January 17 and Saturday February 14, with 6-8 consecutive nights (typically Friday-Saturday-Sunday across back-to-back weekends). The final program is published in September of the previous year on carnavalcorrientes.com — exact dates are confirmed in October. The Grand Final featuring Ara Bera vs Sapucay is reserved for the last Saturday of February.
How much do Corsodromo tickets cost in 2026?
2026 rates: General/popular USD 15-25 (standard bleachers), Covered grandstand USD 30-55, Premium platea USD 50-90 (parade-floor level), VIP box USD 80-150 (armchairs, bar, catering), Saturday Grand Final VIP USD 120-200. Early purchase (60-90 days ahead) gets a 10-15% discount. Official site: carnavalcorrientes.com. For foreigners without an Argentine card: packages via Civitatis or GetYourGuide (15-25% markup but international payment accepted).
How do you get to the Carnaval from Buenos Aires?
Flight AEP-Corrientes (CNQ): 1h30 with Aerolineas Argentinas and Flybondi, 5-7 daily flights, USD 90-200 one-way (carnival high season). Camba Punta airport sits 11 km from downtown — taxi/remis USD 12-18, shared transfer USD 8-12. By bus: Retiro-Corrientes 11h, USD 50-90 (Crucero del Norte, Flecha Bus). By car: 1,040 km via RN 14 (12-13h). Book your flight 60+ days ahead — they fill up fast in February.
Where should you stay for the Carnaval Correntino?
Downtown Corrientes capital, as close as possible to the Corsodromo Nolo Alias (Av. 3 de abril, southern exit). Top 3-star and 4-star: Hotel Turismo (5 blocks from the corsodromo, USD 90-140 double during carnival), Howard Johnson Plaza (USD 130-190), La Alondra Boutique (3-star historic, USD 100-150). Hostels USD 25-40 shared. Rates jump 60-120% above normal season. Book 60-90 days ahead. Cheaper alternative: Resistencia (Chaco, 18 km across the Puente General Belgrano), 30-50% less but you'll need a late-night remis (USD 12-18).
What should you bring to the Corsodromo?
Recommendations: light jacket (Corrientes nights run 22-26°C but drop to 18-20°C around 4 AM), strong repellent (mosquitoes near the river), water/hydration, cap and sunscreen if you arrive early (gates open at 21:30, get there 30 min before), cash in pesos (food trucks may not take cards), optional earplugs for the batucadas (60-100 percussionists), a seat cushion for the popular boxes. NOT allowed: large umbrellas, folding chairs, outside food in VIP zones. Dress code is open — most attendees wear casual sport, no formal attire required.
Is it worth going if you've never been to a carnival?
Yes, especially if you're curious about the culture of Argentina's Litoral region. The Carnaval Correntino blends the family-friendly atmosphere of an Argentine soccer match with a Rio-style runway spectacle — but more stylized and less sensual. It's beginner-friendly: seated bleachers, restrooms, food trucks, security checks. Ideal as a first carnival experience before tackling Rio or Gualeguaychu. Kids 6+, seniors and pregnant attendees are all welcome. If you're going as a group of 4-6, premium platea (USD 50-90/person) offers the best value.
How does it differ from the Carnival of Rio or Gualeguaychu?
Rio de Janeiro: more massive (5 million total spectators), more sensual (pure samba), permanent 700-meter Sambadrome. Gualeguaychu (Argentina, Entre Rios): the country's second-biggest carnival, more compact format, 5 Saturday nights, USD 25-60 general admission. Corrientes: Argentina's largest, more stylized and artistic (emphasis on feathers and embroidery, less on body), mixed chamame-samba music, more family-friendly and respectful vibe. If you want pure hot samba: Rio. If you want the largest feathered-artistic display in Argentina: Corrientes. If you want a mid-tier carnival close to Buenos Aires: Gualeguaychu.
Can you combine Carnaval with Esteros del Ibera?
Yes, this is the classic combo. Sample itinerary: 3-4 nights in Corrientes capital (carnival + Parana riverfront + historic district), transfer to Mercedes (240 km, 3h by bus) or Carlos Pellegrini (340 km), 3 nights in Ibera (lake excursions, jaguar / giant anteater / marsh deer spotting). Total 7-8 days. Operational tip: schedule carnival first, Ibera second — Ibera lodges offer a calm circuit ideal for resting after the corsodromo's late nights.
