Iguazu Falls & Jesuit Missions

" Argentina - Brazil"

The highlight of Northern Argentina is definitely the Iguazu Falls, by many considered to be the most beautiful and spectacular waterfalls in the world, perhaps because of the 200 streams that suddenly appear from the rainforest to form a myriad of gorgeous falls, large and small, which mingle and blend so graciously with the surrounding vegetation. For this reason, they have been declared a "World Heritage Site".
After colonising this beautiful region extensively, Spain expelled the Jesuits at the end of the 18th Century, when it became evident that they built practically a parallel empire and were seen as a potential threat to the Spanish crown. It is fascinating to visit the ruins of their churches, towns and ranches, remembering the epic days as depicted in the movie "The Mission".

Sample Itinerary

DAY 1:
You are welcomed either at Puerto Iguazu or Foz do Iguazu Airport and transfered to your hotel. Several hotels are at your disposition on the Argentinean or the Brazilian side, but we do recommend the Sheraton International (Argentina) or Das Cataratas hotel (Brazil), both ideally situated in front of the mighty Falls.

DAY 2:
In the morning, we visit the Argentinean side of the falls and hike the upper and lower trails, San Martin Island and the impressive Devil's Throat.(this excursion can be re-scheduled the previous day). For those lodged on the Argentinean side, in the afternoon we visit the Brazilian side of the falls. For those lodged at the Das Cataratas Hotel the afternoon if free to wander by yourselves around the falls or relax in your hotel. In option, we offer the macuco Safari, a 15 mn drive through the jungle followed by a zodiac excursion along the Iguazu River to the base of the falls. (B).

DAY 3:
Trasnfer to the airport for your flight out. People with less time can pick up a late afternoon flight on day 2. (B)

Options & Extension

Most of the visitors are just interested in the falls whereas there are numerous activities for nature lovers; half day to one day hike or drive along the Macuco trail throught the rainforest trying to oberve wildlife (monkeys, toucans and hundreds of butterflies are some of the almost always seen inhabitants), sailing the Alto Iguazu, bird watching.... Ask for information about our services or for tailormade arrangements.

Argentinean Jesuit Missions. Overland journey in coach to Posadas (Argentina), the capital of the province of the same name, in the heartland of the Jesuit territory. On our way, we visit the famous "San Ignacio" Jesuit Mission and the semi-precious stones mine of Wanda. Transfer to Posadas Airport for your flight out, into Argentinean territory. For those who wish to go to Brazil afterwards, we can arrange a transfer back to Foz do Iguazu this same day, but a supplement will be charged and an additional overnight may be needed.

Paraguayan Jesuit Missions. Paraguay shelters several magnifiscent jesuit missions. Visit our Jesuit trail program combining visits to Missions with the discovery of the colonial Asuncion and stays in Haciendas.

Iguazu National Park is one of the richest regions of Argentina and South Brazil in term of biological diversity. No other region can boast a comparable number of plant or animal species; more than 2000 vascular plants, 420 bird species and almost 80 mammal species. Nature hike, birdwatching tours can be organised upon request.


Ibera Marchlands. A natural extension to this journey for those who continue to Argentina is a stay at the beautiful Estancia San Juan de Poriahu, in the Ibera Marshlands (similar to the Pantanal), 2 hours from Posadas. Activities at this beautiful Estancia founded by the Jesuits 3 centuries ago, include wildlife watching (caymans, howler monkeys, capybaras, anacondas, foxes, deer and many different bird species), hiking, horseback riding....Other more affordable estancias are as well on offer.

Yacutinga Lodge & Wildlife Nature Reserve is located on the Iguazu River in the northeast of Argentina with modern concepts of sustainability, based on an eco- tourist activity within a pristine area of subtropical rainforest, with more than 2000 identified plant species, more than 400 species of birds, mammals and reptiles.

Adventure activities from the Brazilian side such as :
- Canopy tours. 8 meters high maximum but offer a wide range of sensations.
- Rock climbing. There is a 7 meter high climbing wall for training and the walls of the Iguazu Gorges offer about 30 climbing trails (10 to 30 meters high).
- Rapelling. A 55 meters rapelling right in front of the falls....views are absolutely sensational.
- Rafting from the Falls down the Iguazu River. (4 km, class III. Very easy rafting but nice sceneries and swimming)

General Information

The coolest season is from June to October, but the falls are more impressive during the wet and hot season from December to April.

Rated: Easy

We do recommend the Sheraton International or Das Cataratas Hotel, both ideally situated above the Falls. All other hotels of the Argentinean side are in the quiet city of Puerto Iguazu, 15 kilometres from the falls.

Prices : We do not display prices for this journey as it depends highly on your hotel standard, your hotel location as well as on the visits and activities programmed. For a quotation and advices, do not hesitate to contact us.

Included: Accommodation in double rooms with private bathroom, breakfasts, private or shared visits of the falls, transport, experienced bilingual guides, entrance fees

Not included: Other meals, tips, optional excursions

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