Jesuit Missions and Iguazu

The Jesuit Missions were the product of a cultural mixture and represent a real example of political and social organization; its architecture and artistic manifestations were devoted to decorate and beautify the missions, which, after the expulsion of the Jesuit Fathers, were left to ruins that are seen now.

Day 1: Arrive in Oberá - Encarnacion
Arrival at Posadas airport. Reception. Transfer to Encarnación (Paraguay) crossing San Roque González bridge to visit two out of the eight settlements of the Paraguayan region: the ruins of Trinidad del Paraná, to admire the remains of its imposing church and its sophisticated construction; and the ruins of Jesús de Tavarangue, to appreciate the facade of the church and its Spanish-Moorish influence. Return to Posadas. Lunch. Visit Oberá, located in the subtropical jungle’s heart, founded and conformed by immigrants of fourteen different nationalities, whose culture and traditions are still untouched. Accommodation. In the afternoon, we will take a short city tour that will allow us to visit the major points of interest, such as the Park of the Nations, the Bird Garden,and the Zootoxicological Centre.

Day 2: Oberá - San Javier
Breakfast. Departure to San Javier. We will cross the Uruguay river by boat, to arrive to Brazil to visit the ruins of San Miguel Das Missiones (1634), which was the capital of all seven Missions in southern Brazil. Its renaissance style church was built in 1735, with stones brought by the Indians from 20 km (12 miles) away. Visit the interesting museum, whose assets include pieces from the missions spread over the region. Lunch. In the afternoon, return to Oberá.

Day 3: Oberá - Santa Ana
Breakfast. Visit to the ‘yerba mate’ and tea processing plant. Transfer to Santa Ana village to visit the Jesuit settlement’s under the same name, which is located in the middle of the jungle, where the main square, the church, the houses and the cemetery are still visible. Visit Nuestra Señora de Loreto ruins (1632) which had the outstanding privilege of having the first printer of the region. Visit to the renowned ruins of San Ignacio Miní (1632). This mission, which once had more than 3,000 inhabitants, is nowadays the best preserved; therefore, it is the clearest representation of the Jesuit culture. These ruins have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Lunch. Accommodation in Oberá.

Day 4: Oberá - Iguazú Falls
Breakfast. Departure to the Iguazú Falls. On the way, visit to the semiprecious stone field in Wanda. Arrival at Iguazú. Visit to the Argentine falls, surrounded by the most exuberant subtropical flora, and declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Walk trough the Upper and Lower paths for a closer view of this beauty. Dinner.

Day 5: Iguazú Falls
Breakfast. Take an open train departing from the Visitor’s Center and travel up to ‘Garganta Station’ where you will get off for a 1,200 meter (3/4 of a mile) walk up to the Devil’s Throat balcony, to share one of the greatest scenarios on Earth. Return by train to the Visitor’s Center. Once there, we will take the ‘Great Adventure’, a brief navigation that will let us approach the bottom of the San Martín and Tres Mosqueteros Falls with an outstanding view of the Devil’s Throat. Take a 4WD truck for a fascinating jungle safari along the Macuco trail, to get in touch with the rainforest’s secrets. Return to the hotel. Dinner.

Day 6: Fly out from Iguazú
Breakfast. Visit to the Brazilian side for a panoramic view of the falls framed by myriad rainbows. Transfer to the Iguazu airport.