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This is the ideal journey for those coming from Brazil and Argentina. Starting from your hotel in Iguazu, you cross the border with Paraguay to discover some of the most important Jesuit Missions of the New World, visit the colonial attractions of Asuncion and have the opportunity to overnight in a colonial style Estancia.
The Itinerary
DAY 1: Iguassu/Bella Vista (280 km, 4 hours)
Early departure (before 7 am) by private car towards the Friendship Bridge, the border with
Paraguay. We then continue to Bella Vista town, located close to Encarnación, the second biggest city
of the country. After lunch, we visit the
Jesuit Ruins of Trinidad, the most beautiful and best preserved Jesuit Mission of the country,
declared as a World Heritage Site in 1993 by the UNESCO.
Trinidad was founded by the Indians coming from the mission of San Carlos in Argentina. According to
descriptions from travellers, if finished, this mission would have held one of the largest
and most beautiful churches of all the missions.
During the excavations inside the church, interesting statues with their original colours were discovered
along with some bones of missionaries.
During week day, we can also visit a mate tea production in Bella Vista.
Overnight Hotel Papillon (3*) or similar
DAY 2: Bella Vista/Estancia Santa Clara (240 km)
Early departure to Estancia Santa Clara visiting on the way the Jesuit Missions and Museum of
Santa Rosa and San Ignacio Guazú.
Santa Rosa was founded in 1698 by families from Santa
Maria de Fé. In 1883 the main church was destroyed by fire and a new church was
built incorporating some of the ancient pillars. The most interesting vestiges are the original bell
tower and the chapel of Nuestra Señora de Loreto. In this chapel, we see frescos painted
on its walls and a group of sculptures representing the Annunciation, a master piece of baroque art.
Concerning urban organisation, the square is surrounded by the church and several Indian houses with
galleys of thick stonewalls and tile original roofs.
San Ignacio Guazú, is also denominated Guazú (big) in opposition to the younger San Ignacio Miní Mission
(currently in Argentina). In 1609, chief Arapizandú invited the Jesuits to build it. The mission was
transferred to its current site in 1677, on the road from Asuncion to Encarnación.
Unfortunately nothing was left from the main church concluded in 1694.
Nevertheless, in the ancient and still preserved cloister there is an excellent museum with
statues that used to ornate many of the reductions in what today is Paraguay, leftovers of the
ancient church that kept its original colours.
We finally arrive around 2 pm at Estancia Santa Clara, a typical Paraguayan Estancia. Located 141
kilometres from Asunción, Estancia Santa Clara superficies 2.100 hectares
and is specialised in water buffaloes raising. Visitors are received in the colonial style main house
(4 rooms) and can enjoy an afternoon at leisure or do some horseback riding.
(BLD)
DAY 3: Estancia Santa Clara/Asunción (140 km)
After lunch, departure to Asunción visiting en route the Franciscan Yaguarón Church, the only Baroque
Franciscan church in Paraguay with polychromatic wood ceiling. It gives us an idea of how were the
original Jesuit Missions Church Ceilings.
We then stop at an handicraft market where ceramic are produced according to old traditions
and techniques.
We arrive in the capital by the end of the day. Overnight in Hotel in Asuncion.(B).
DAY 4: Asunción
This day is dedicated to the exploration of the modern and colonial Asunción and its surroundings,
following the Golden Circuit. We visit historical places and national monuments such as
Baroque Franciscan churches, Basilic of Caacupé, Ypacaraí Lake, San Bernardino, Paraguari and
Piribebuy among others.
In the afternoon, we visit the Tobati Community, still following (partly) the lifestyle and social organisation
of their Indian ancestors. Ceramics and tiles are still made and cooked in big clay ovens just like 2000 years ago.
Overnight in Hotel in Asuncion.(BL).
DAY 5: Asunción/Iguassu (320 km)
Departure to Iguassu in regular bus line (comfortable bus with air conditioned
leaving Asunción approximately at 8am, 13h or 18h and lasting 5 hours).
There is also the option to drive in private car or fly to Ciudad del Este and drive to Iguassu (50 km / 30 miles). (B)
General Information
This tour should be combined with a visit of Iguazu falls.
Rated: Easy
| Tour Tariff | ||
| Per person | ||
| USD | $ 827 | |
| EUR | € 686 | |
| GBP | £ 463 | |
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