Choose from 5 Fun Things to Do in Puerto Iguazu
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San Ignacio Mini
Iguazu Falls aren't northern Argentina's only UNESCO World Heritage Site. History buffs may be tempted away from the falls by the Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis, a cluster of well-preserved ruins of reducciones, or settlements, built here by the Catholic order in the 1600s. There are four of these beautiful walled cities to explore: Sao Miguel das Missoes, in Brazil, and Argentina's Nuestra Señora de Loreto, Santa Maria Mayor, and San Ignacio Mini, the finest of them all.
San Ignacio Mini was originally founded in 1611, and moved to the current location in 1696. Hewn from beautifully carved red sandstone, it was designed to both protect and convert indigenous Guaranis, primarily children, to Catholicism. The remains of a magnificent church, as well as sleeping and living quarters, can all be explored on a guided tour.
After the Spanish Empire evicted the Jesuits in 1767, the recciones were systematically destroyed and forgotten. The ruins, rediscovered in 1897, have been partially restored. A nightly light show spectacular tells the story of Guarani life inside these crumbling walls.
San Ignacio Mini was originally founded in 1611, and moved to the current location in 1696. Hewn from beautifully carved red sandstone, it was designed to both protect and convert indigenous Guaranis, primarily children, to Catholicism. The remains of a magnificent church, as well as sleeping and living quarters, can all be explored on a guided tour.
After the Spanish Empire evicted the Jesuits in 1767, the recciones were systematically destroyed and forgotten. The ruins, rediscovered in 1897, have been partially restored. A nightly light show spectacular tells the story of Guarani life inside these crumbling walls.
Practical Info
The ruins are located about five hours from Puerto Iguazu by bus, not ideal for a day trip. Private tours in faster vans are a better option, and are often combined with the amethyst fields at Wanda Mine. If you aren't on a guided tour, note that these arrive en masse from Iguazu in the early afternoon.
Address: Calle Alberdi, San Ignacio, Argentina
Hours: Open daily 7am - 9:30pm
Admission: US$12
From $ 36
Iguazu Falls
Iguazu Falls, the largest waterfalls system in the world, are truly awe-inspiring to behold, spanning the border between Brazil and Argentina. Though Brazil boasts better views of the falls, Argentina is blessed with about 80 percent of this natural marvel’s 275 separate cascades. Paved trails and catwalks wind their way around the falls—sometimes reaching within an arm’s length of the water—and a free train connects the main trailheads.
The Basics
The best way to experience the Argentinean side of Iguazu Falls is by hiking the surrounding trails. The Upper Circuit Trail offers outstanding views over Mbigua Falls and the Iguazu River before dropping toward the Bernabe Mendez Falls. The Lower Circuit Trail has more viewpoints, as well as access to activities such as boat trips, white-water rafting, and a free ferry to Isla San Martin. A guided tour will help you find the best trails and can take you deeper into Iguazu National Park, or on ATV tours and hiking excursions in the area.
The park’s entry fee includes unlimited rides on the Jungle Train to different trailheads, as well as ferry service (depending on the water level) to Isla Martin. You can visit the park a second day for half price; be sure to get your ticket stamped after the first day.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Plan to spend at least one full day exploring this side of the falls.
- Regardless of which trail you take, prepare to get soaked: Wear waterproof clothing, and protect your valuables and electronics with waterproof bags.
- The Argentinean side is known for its hiking and opportunities to get closer to the cascades.
- Don’t miss the spectacular vistas over Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo).
- Many guided tours take you to both the Argentinean and Brazilian sides of the falls.
- If crossing the border without joining a guided tour, be sure to check visa requirements for your country.
How to Get There
Iguazu National Park is located 10 miles (17 kilometers) from Puerto Iguazu. Buses run from Puerto Iguazu to the park every half hour during park hours. If you're coming from Buenos Aires, take a 90-minute flight or a 24-hour bus ride.
When to Get There
Iguazu Falls is accessible year-round. For the best weather and the smallest crowds, plan to go between July and October or February and April. Morning visits reward with rainbows in the ever-present mist of Devil’s Throat.
Experiencing Devil’s Throat
Devil’s Throat, whose 14 thundering cascades comprise the tallest and most famous part of Iguazu Falls, is best viewed from the Devil’s Throat Walk, which takes you right up to the brink of the water. If that’s not close enough, you can also take a boat ride that glides right under the falls.
Address: RA 12, KM17 Puerto Iguazu, Argentina
Hours: Daily 8am–5pm
Admission: US$23
From $ 15
Wanda Mines
The Wanda Mines, home to some of the best agate, amethyst, quartz and topaz found in Argentina, make for a fascinating visit in the north of Argentina. Located less than 40 miles (60 km) from Puerto Iguazu in the rain forest along the Paraná River, this open pit mine is a delight for the eyes. Wanda, the town where the mines are located, was founded mainly by Polish settlers, and in fact, it was named after a Polish princess who had a fondness for gemstones.
The family-owned mine, where minerals are found near the surface, is especially interesting to enthusiasts of gemstones and collectors. Visitors to the mines learn about the formation of the gemstones, when lava coming from the core of the earth cooled and the trapped gas bubbles formed into crystals with amethysts, agates, topazes and quartz.
Mining companies, which have been operating since the 1950s, have guided tours to show tourists the variety of gemstones found in the area, the different parts of the mines, as well as workshops and showrooms where cut and polished stones are on display.
Practical Info
The Wanda Mines are located on National Route 12 in the Misiones Province, 40 miles (62 kilometers) from Puerto Iguazu.
Address: Ruta Nacional 12, Puerto Iguazu, Argentina
From $ 36
Rafain Churrascaria
What do you do when you're in rural Brazil? Feast on churrasco and enjoy a lively dance show, of course. In the city of Foz do Iguaçu near Iguazu Falls, the Rafain Churrascaria dinner show gives a flamboyant introduction into Central and South American music, dress and dance cultures: 45 brightly-clad musicians and dancers put on a lively two-hour show bursting with Argentine tango and Brazilian samba, Cuban salsa and Mexican mariachi music.
Established in 1959, at Rafain Churrascaria the popular all-you-can-eat buffet has over 200 hot and cold dishes with Brazilian specialties that include a typical churrasco barbecue as well as international dishes ranging from sushi to Italian, and there are also many dessert options.
Practical Info
On Av. das Cataratas, 1749 in Foz do Iguaçu, the shows at Rafain Churrascaria run from Monday to Saturday at 8:45 p.m. As the city of Foz do Iguaçu is near the border with Argentina, it's also easy enough to come here for the evening from the Argentine town Puerto Iguazú, though do check your country's visa requirements for coming into Brazil. Dinner-only tickets for Rafain Churrascaria cost 50 reals, while dinner and a show costs 90 reals.
Address: Av. das Cataratas, 1749, Vila Iolanda Foz do Iguaçu, PR 85853-000, Argentina
Hours: Varies
Admission: Varies
From $ 37
Devil's Throat (Garganta del Diablo)
With 14 cascades tumbling over 260 feet (80 meters) into a cloudy mist as they hit the frothing water below, Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo) is easily the star of Iguazu Falls. The tallest of Iguazu’s 275 waterfalls, Devil’s Throat is evenly split across the border of Argentina and Brazil, making it easy to visit no matter your starting point.
The Basics
Many tours visit both sides of Iguazu Falls so you can get the best of both vistas. The Argentinean side of Devil’s Throat offers better hiking options, including a catwalk that gets close enough for you to get soaked with spray, as well as a boat ride that takes you beneath the famous cascades. The Brazilian side boasts postcard-perfect views of the U-shaped falls: Ride an elevator to the top of a viewing platform for the best vista. Those interested in seeing Devil’s Throat from above can catch a helicopter ride on the Brazilian side (the Argentinean side does not support helicopters in the park). For a full-day adventure, look for tours that combine a trip to Devil’s Throat with other activities such as rafting trips and safaris.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Brazilian vistas are open year-round.
- Be sure to wear waterproof clothes, and pack your electronics and valuables in waterproof bags.
- Plan to spend at least two days visiting Devil’s Throat and the rest of the falls, especially if you plan to see both sides.
How to Get There
In Argentina, Iguazu National Park is located 10 miles (17 kilometers) from Puerto Iguazu. Buses run from Puerto Iguazu to the park every half hour during park hours. If you're coming from Buenos Aires, take a 90-minute flight or a 24-hour bus ride. On the Brazilian side, the closest town to Iguassu (Iguaçu) National Park is Foz do Iguaçu. Catch a bus from town to the park for only a few dollars; buses and taxis also run directly from the airport. Foz do Iguaçu is a two-hour flight from Rio de Janeiro.
When to Get There
Devil’s Throat is accessible year-round. For the best weather and the smallest crowds, plan to go between July and October or February and April. The falls are at their most powerful during the rainy season, which can sometimes result in trail closures on the Argentinean side. Morning visits sometimes afford rainbows in the ever-present mist of Devil’s Throat.
Visa Requirements
Be sure to check the visa requirements for your country before crossing the Argentina-Brazil border.
Address: RA 12, KM17 Puerto Iguazu, Argentina
Hours: Open daily 8am - 5pm
Admission: US$23
From $ 32