Iguazu Missions
5
Day Itinerary •
Argentina
Five days at Iguazu Falls and the Jesuit Missions of Misiones gives you the full extraordinary depth of the most spectacular natural site in South America alongside the remarkable UNESCO cultural landscape of the Guarani Jesuit missions. This extended route includes both the Argentine and Brazilian sides of the falls, the extraordinary Macuco jungle trail wildlife experience, the full Jesuit Mission circuit and the remarkable Atlantic Forest of Misiones. This extended route covers Iguazu and Misiones completely. Two full days at the falls including both sides and the extraordinary Gran Aventura boat ride, the remarkable Sendero Macuco jungle trail, the Paraguayan side from Ciudad del Este, the full Jesuit Mission circuit from San Ignacio Mini to the extraordinary Santa Maria la Mayor in the deep Misiones jungle, and the finest Argentine river fish and beef in the subtropical northeast.
Best Time To Visit
March to November for accessible walkways and wildlife
Getting There
Fly into Cataratas del Iguazu International Airport (IGR)
Getting Around
Bus to parks, transfers for Brazilian and Paraguayan sides
Budget Per Day
Approx 80 to 180 USD per person per day
Difficulity
Easy to moderate, jungle trail on Day 2 is 7km return
DAY 1
ARGENTINE SIDE
MORNING
GARGANTA DEL DIABLO AND UPPER CIRCUIT
Begin at the extraordinary Garganta del Diablo, the most powerful section of the falls, where 1.5km of catwalks across the Iguazu River lead directly above the extraordinary U-shaped chasm where 275 falls converge in an extraordinary curtain of water and mist. Then walk the upper circuit, a 1.7km clifftop walkway giving the finest elevated panorama over the entire 2.7km falls system. The extraordinary view across to the Brazilian side from the Argentine upper circuit is the finest single falls vista. 30 min train
MIDDAY
LOWER CIRCUIT AND RAINFOREST TRAIN
The extraordinary lower circuit descending to the base of the falls for the closest possible foot approach, looking up at the remarkable curtains of water from below and crossing the extraordinary San Martin footbridge to San Martin Island for the finest close-up of the falls from the middle of the river. The remarkable free train journey through the extraordinary Atlantic Forest between circuits is a fine experience in itself.
AFTERNOON
GRAN AVENTURA BOAT RIDE
The extraordinary Gran Aventura inflatable zodiac that deliberately drives at full speed directly under the largest falls in the system, soaking all passengers in warm subtropical waterfall water. The extraordinary combination of the boat's speed, the thundering noise and the complete submersion in waterfall spray is unlike any experience elsewhere at the falls. Boat approx 35 USD. Dry bags available to hire. Arrive early as queues build from noon.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary moonlight tour at the Argentine side of Iguazu on full moon nights from November to March allows visitors onto the Garganta del Diablo catwalks after dark, when the falls are lit only by moonlight and the thunder of the water in complete darkness is an entirely different and extraordinary experience. Book directly with the Argentine national park. Only offered approximately 12 nights per year.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Hotel breakfast Good breakfast before the 8am park opening rush. Arrive at gate by 7:45am. | Lunch: La Selva restaurant, park Outstanding restaurant inside the national park. River fish and local empanadas in a jungle setting. | Dinner: La Rueda, Puerto Iguazu The finest parrilla in Puerto Iguazu. Extraordinary Argentine beef, surubi river fish and Malbec.
DAY 2
JUNGLE WILDLIFE
MORNING
SENDERO MACUCO WILDLIFE TRAIL
The extraordinary 7km return jungle trail inside the Argentine national park, the finest wildlife walk at Iguazu, through extraordinary primary Atlantic Forest to the hidden Arrechea waterfall. The remarkable wildlife encountered along the trail includes toucans, coatis, the extraordinary paca rodent, capybaras, and the remarkable South American tapir which visits the trail regularly at dawn. The hidden waterfall at the trail end, unreachable from any other point in the park, is extraordinary. Entry included in park fee. 30 min train back
MIDDAY
BUTTERFLY HOUSE AND WILDLIFE CENTRE
The extraordinary butterfly house inside the Argentine national park, one of the finest in South America, with dozens of Misiones butterfly species including the remarkable morpho butterfly with its extraordinary iridescent blue wings. The remarkable wildlife rescue centre adjacent cares for extraordinary animals confiscated from illegal trafficking, including the remarkable giant anteater, margay cat and extraordinary harpy eagle chick. Entry included in park fee. 20 min walk
AFTERNOON
PUERTO IGUAZU TOWN AND TRES FRONTERAS
The extraordinary Hito Argentino monument at Puerto Iguazu's Tres Fronteras viewpoint, where the broad brown Iguazu and Parana rivers divide Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay at three remarkable obelisks visible simultaneously across the water. The extraordinary panorama over the confluence of two of South America's great rivers is the finest view from Puerto Iguazu town. The small town market and mate culture are the finest introduction to Misiones daily life.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Iguazu National Park holds one of the finest assemblages of Atlantic Forest birds in Argentina, with over 400 species recorded including the remarkable great dusky swift, which nests behind the falls themselves in an extraordinary colony visible from the Garganta del Diablo platform. The extraordinary toco toucan is so common on the park trails that it is almost impossible not to encounter.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Early breakfast before trail Light breakfast at 6:30am before the extraordinary Macuco trail departure. Bring water and snacks. | Lunch: Park restaurant after trail Lunch at the extraordinary park restaurant after the Macuco return. Excellent river fish and salads. | Dinner: El Quincho del Tio Querido The most celebrated parrilla in Puerto Iguazu. Extraordinary Argentine beef and Misiones-style preparations.
DAY 3
BRAZIL AND PARAGUAY
MORNING
BRAZILIAN SIDE PANORAMIC WALKWAY
The extraordinary Brazilian side of Iguazu gives the finest full-length panoramic view of the entire falls system from across the river. The remarkable 1.2km elevated walkway shows the Argentine upper circuit, the Garganta del Diablo, San Martin Island and the full 2.7km arc of 275 falls simultaneously. The end of the walkway at the extraordinary Garganta viewpoint, where a small platform overhangs the whirlpool below the Devil's Throat, is the most dramatic single spot in the falls complex. Entry approx 25 USD. 30 min transfer
MIDDAY
PARQUE DAS AVES BIRD PARK AND LUNCH
The extraordinary Parque das Aves adjacent to the Brazilian park entrance, with over 1,500 birds representing 150 species in walk-through aviaries within extraordinary Atlantic Forest. The remarkable toucans, extraordinary scarlet macaws, magnificent harpy eagle and the extraordinary flamingo lagoon are the finest bird attractions. Entry approx 30 USD. The finest close-range bird photography opportunity at Iguazu. 30 min transfer
AFTERNOON
CIUDAD DEL ESTE AND PARAGUAYAN BORDER
The extraordinary border crossing into Ciudad del Este, Paraguay, one of the world's largest duty-free shopping zones on the remarkable Friendship Bridge over the Parana River. The extraordinary chaos of street vendors, electronics shops, counterfeit markets and remarkable street food vendors in the Paraguayan border city is a remarkable cultural contrast to the extraordinary natural spectacle of the previous days. The extraordinary Parana River crossing by bridge is remarkable.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Itaipu hydroelectric dam between Brazil and Paraguay, 20km north of Foz do Iguacu, is the world's largest hydroelectric power station by electricity generation, producing 14,000 megawatts from the extraordinary Parana River. Day tours from Puerto Iguazu include the remarkable internal dam tour, extraordinary engineering of the highest order. Approx 40 USD.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Hotel breakfast Good breakfast before the transfer to the Brazilian border crossing. | Lunch: Porto Canoas, Brazilian park Outstanding restaurant at the end of the Brazilian walkway. Extraordinary views over the falls while eating. | Dinner: Zeppelin, Puerto Iguazu Outstanding Argentine restaurant. Extraordinary surubi river fish, empanadas and Malbec.
DAY 4
SAN IGNACIO AND POSADAS
MORNING
SAN IGNACIO MINI UNESCO JESUIT MISSION
The most extraordinary Jesuit mission ruin in South America, a UNESCO World Heritage site 260km south of Iguazu where remarkable red sandstone ruins of a 17th-century Guarani mission city cover 9 hectares. The extraordinary church facade, the remarkable cloister, the outstanding Guarani-Baroque stone carvings and the extraordinary light and sound show available in the evening tell the remarkable story of the Jesuit reduction experiment. Entry approx 1,500 ARS. 30 min drive
MIDDAY
SANTA ANA AND LORETO MISSION RUINS
The extraordinary smaller mission ruins of Santa Ana and Loreto in the deep Misiones jungle, where the subtropical Atlantic Forest has partially reclaimed the remarkable 17th-century red sandstone structures. The extraordinary sight of fig trees growing through the ruined church walls and the remarkable forest silence broken only by birds and insects makes these the most atmospheric mission ruins in the province. Entry approx 800 ARS each. 1 hour drive south
AFTERNOON
POSADAS AND MISIONES PROVINCE ARRIVAL
The extraordinary provincial capital of Posadas on the Parana River border with Paraguay, a remarkable riverside city with an extraordinary malacon waterfront overlooking the Paraguayan city of Encarnacion directly across the river. The extraordinary Posadas artisan market and the remarkable Guarani cultural centre are the finest introduction to Misiones indigenous heritage. The extraordinary sunset over the broad Parana River from the Posadas malacon is remarkable.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Santa Maria la Mayor Jesuit mission ruins 70km south of Posadas is the most remarkable and least visited major mission in Misiones, where the extraordinary red sandstone church and cloister ruins stand in extraordinary isolation in the subtropical forest with almost no visitors. Entry approx 800 ARS. The finest hidden mission in Argentina and more atmospheric than the famous San Ignacio.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Early breakfast, Puerto Iguazu Good breakfast before the early bus south to San Ignacio Mini. | Lunch: Restaurant in San Ignacio town Simple local lunch near the mission ruins. Extraordinary chipas and empanadas. | Dinner: La Querencia, Posadas Outstanding Posadas restaurant. Extraordinary Misiones river fish and local reviro bread.
DAY 5
HIDDEN MISSIONS AND RETURN
MORNING
SANTA MARIA LA MAYOR, THE HIDDEN MISSION
The extraordinary Santa Maria la Mayor mission ruins 70km south of Posadas, the most remarkable and least visited major Jesuit mission in Misiones, where the extraordinary red sandstone church and cloister ruins stand in complete solitude in the subtropical forest. The remarkable carved stone decorations on the church facade combine extraordinary Guarani symbolic elements with Baroque European religious iconography in a way found nowhere else. Almost no tourists visit. Entry approx 800 ARS. 1.5 hours drive north
MIDDAY
POSADAS MALACON AND GUARANI CULTURAL CENTRE
The extraordinary Posadas malacon riverfront promenade overlooking the remarkable Parana River boundary with Paraguay, one of the finest riverside walks in northeast Argentina. The extraordinary Guarani Cultural Centre in Posadas contains the finest collection of Guarani archaeological and ethnographic material in Misiones, with remarkable ceramics, extraordinary stone tools and the finest explanation of the Guarani mission experience available in the province. 5 hours bus back
AFTERNOON
RETURN JOURNEY TO PUERTO IGUAZU
The extraordinary bus journey north through the full length of Misiones province, passing through the remarkable red earth landscape of mate plantations, extraordinary Atlantic Forest reserves and the remarkable Guarani communities of the provincial interior. The extraordinary sight of the subtropical forest closing in on both sides of the highway for five hours is the finest farewell to one of Argentina's most remarkable and least visited provinces.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Saltos del Mocona on the Uruguay River in southern Misiones, a rare longitudinal waterfall running parallel to the river bank for 3km rather than across it, is one of the rarest waterfall formations on earth and the finest hidden natural attraction in Misiones. Arrange a visit from Posadas with a local tour operator. Visibility depends entirely on river levels.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Hotel breakfast, Posadas Good breakfast before the drive to Santa Maria la Mayor. | Lunch: Packed lunch or roadside stop Simple lunch on the road back north. Excellent chipas from roadside stalls throughout Misiones. | Dinner: El Quincho del Tio Querido A final extraordinary Argentine parrilla dinner in Puerto Iguazu before departure.
Where To Stay
Puerto Iguazu, All 5 Nights Belterra Hotel or Loi Suites Iguazu. Jungle settings. Approx 80 to 250 USD per night. Luxury Option Hotel Cataratas within the national park. Extraordinary dawn access before crowds. Approx 400 USD. Budget Option Hostel Peter Pan or La Aldea de la Selva Lodge. Approx 20 to 70 USD per night.
Top Tips
1. Arrive at the Argentine park at 8am opening. The Garganta del Diablo platform fills by 10am.
2. Do the Macuco jungle trail before 9am for the finest wildlife. Toucans and tapirs are most active at dawn.
3. The Gran Aventura boat ride is extraordinary. You will be completely soaked. Bring a dry bag for cameras.
4. The moonlight tour (Nov to Mar, full moon only) is the finest hidden experience at the falls.
5. San Ignacio Mini in late afternoon light is extraordinary. The red sandstone glows at dusk.
6. Book Argentine park entry online. Card payment only at the gate, no cash accepted for entry.
Total Budget
70 to 450 USD/day