Argentina: Iguazú Waterfalls and Iberá Wetlands
Explore Northeast Argentina's rich culture and history, from the awe-inspiring Iguazú Falls to the wildlife-filled Iberá wetlands, with a visit to the fascinating Jesuit-Guarani Mission ruins along the way.
SPECIAL OFFER
8.4*
ECO SCORE
10
PASSENGERS
9
DAYS
3/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Argentina: Drink It In
Northeast Argentina is known as the Litoral or Mesopotamia, as the area is completely surrounded by some of the biggest rivers in South America. These rivers predominate in local culture, music and gastronomy, and all combined with the estancia and gaucho traditions create a wonderful and unique place to visit. The trip begins with a visit to the Iguazú National Park and Falls and finishes in the wildlife-rich Iberá wetlands. You'll also visit the Jesuit Missions of the Guaraní, San Ignacio Miní, the impressive remains of Jesuit Mission settlements established in the 17th and 18th centuries on lands originally occupied by Guarani indigenous communities.
Travel Curator’s Insights:
- • Learn about the production and cultural significance of yerba mate, combined with nature walks or kayaking along the Paraná River.
• Explore the remarkable ruins of 17th and 18th-century Jesuit-Guarani settlements, offering a deep historical and cultural insight into Argentina’s colonial past.
• Engage in a variety of outdoor activities like kayaking, night safaris, and horseback riding in one of the world's most important rewilding projects.
SPECIAL OFFER
Rates:
From $5,150 per person
Policies and protocols provided before you book.
Custom dates to fit your schedule;
Year-round dates available, but the best time to visit depends on your interests.
Please inquire with your preferred dates.
Custom dates to fit your schedule;
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Departures:
Trip Sustainability Awards
Food
Highlights wineries & restaurants that combine organic, vegan, & sustainable practices
Waste
Has eliminated use of single-use plastics
Community
Employs local suppliers for lodging, transport and activities
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to the Jungle
Arrive at Iguazú Airport/IGR on a midday flight, a driver will meet you for a 20-minute transfer to your lodge strategically located in the Iguazu National Park and surrounded by jungle and with impressive views of the falls. After checking in and getting into comfortable clothes, your guide will greet you for a short jungle walk during the late afternoon – when jungle life is settling for the evening. Briefing and planning of the next days’ activities.
Meals: N/A
Lodging: Gran Melia Iguazú OR Awasi Iguazu (4 nights)
Gran Meliá Iguazú is a luxury resort set inside Iguazú National Park, with stunning views of the falls, modern amenities, and an infinity pool overlooking the natural wonder. It’s ideal for guests seeking a grand, resort-style experience with direct access to the falls and plenty of on-site amenities.
Awasi Iguazú, on the other hand, is an intimate luxury lodge offering private villas, each with its own plunge pool and a personal guide for tailor-made excursions. It’s perfect for travelers looking for privacy, personalized service, and a deeper, immersive connection with the surrounding rainforest and local culture.
Day 2: Iguazu Falls Day of Adventure
Morning bike ride along route 101, on a red soil trail under a green canopy within the Iguazu National Park, in areas few people venture into as it is out of bounds for park regular visitors. The early morning ride increases the chance of seeing birds, small mammals, butterflies and insects, and learn about the different types of trees and plants. This is the territory of the biggest predator in America, our "Tigre criollo" called Jaguar.
After the ride you will arrive at the entrance of the Iguazú National Park, where you will buy lunch and spend the afternoon walking the different level catwalks to view the amazing Iguazu Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the Modern World, located on the border with Brazil. The falls are made up of over 275 waterfalls that stretch for about 2.7 kilometers, making it the world's largest waterfall system. The most impressive waterfall is the Devil's Throat, or Garganta del diablo, which has an 80-meter drop.
Iguazu Falls is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the area is home to many species of plants and animals, including jaguars, toucans, tapirs, and anteaters. Return to your hotel to freshen up in the swimming pool and relax over dinner surrounded by the sounds of the jungle.
Optional: Add some adrenaline with a boat tour of the falls.
Meals: Breakfast + snacks
Day 3: Nature & Local Culture
Today we head 45 km south of the Iguazu Falls, to a private spot on the Paraná River, with Paraguay just across the river. This small private reserve of native forests was created to preserve a portion of the Atlantic Rainforest in the Northeast of Argentina. This is the setting for a day of exploring that combines jungle, river and local culture. Surrounded by jungle and farms inhabited by families who live off what they grow, you will learn about yerba mate production, taste its varied flavors and learn about its different uses. For active people spend the day walking and kayaking. Or if you prefer exploring nature, walk on jungle trails with a nature photographer that is also a biologist. You will have a lunch prepared with local ingredients, relaxing on a deck overlooking the river. Afternoon private drive back to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 4: Brazil or Extra Day in Iguazú
(NOTE: Activities for this day not included in quote for the Melia lodging option, but are included for the Awasi lodging option)
Morning drive to Brazil, to explore the falls – Iguazú – from the Brazilian side or spend a day at your lodge and exploring the different views of the Iguazú.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Iguazú to Iberá
Today head off with our guide on a private drive south across the province of Misiones, stopping at the San Ignacio Jesuit Missions, the impressive remains of Jesuit Mission settlements established in the 17th and 18th centuries on lands originally occupied by Guarani indigenous communities. In Argentina, the Jesuit-Guarani Missions, provide an exceptional example of systematic and organized territorial occupation. The surviving ruins depict the experience of the Society of Jesus in South America that established settlements – referred to as reducciones – that included ranches, mate plantations, and networks of trails and their influence still survives. During the late evening arrive at the very small town of Carlos Pellegrini, located on the edge of the Iberá lagoon. Check into the lodge. Meet with your host to organize the days ahead.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Lodging: Rincón del Socorro OR Puerto Valle (3 nights)
Rincón del Socorro is an eco-lodge located on a restored cattle ranch in the heart of the Iberá wetlands. Focused on wildlife conservation, it offers a rustic, nature-immersive experience with guided wildlife tours, birdwatching, and outdoor activities. Ideal for nature lovers seeking an authentic, eco-friendly stay in Argentina's wild wetlands.
Puerto Valle, by contrast, is a refined boutique hotel on the banks of the Paraná River, combining luxury and nature. With elegant rooms, gourmet dining, and curated wildlife excursions, it’s perfect for those looking to explore the Iberá wetlands while enjoying a more upscale, comfortable environment.
Days 6-8: Esteros Del Iberá
Wake up in the wetlands. For the next days explore by kayak, walking, photography, horseback riding, night safaris and in a 4x4 with your local guide. Iberá – meaning shiny water in Guaraní indigenous language – is today a national park and home to an ongoing and successful rewilding project, originally spearheaded by Doug and Kris Tompkins through The Conservation Land Trust, in 2018 Iberá National Park was established. CLT now operates as “Rewilding Argentina,” and has acquired about 370,000 acres in the marshlands region with more than half already been donated to the national government and became the Iberá National Park.
The lodge is immersed in the Park and surrounded by diverse natural ecosystems: temporarily flooded grasslands known as malezales, beautiful Caranday palm groves, broomsedges, savannas, espinal woodlands and gallery forests. During these days you will not only enjoy the outdoors and gaucho style experience, but learn about conservation, rewilding and a different way to take care of the environment.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Day 9: Iberá to Posadas & Buenos Aires
Private drive to Posadas airport. Take a flight to Buenos Aires to connect with your international flight or other Argentine destinations.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
***Please Note: You have a choice of two lodging combinations on this trip. You can either choose to stay at the Rincón del Socorro and Gran Melia Iguazú OR the Puerto Valle and Awasi Iguazu. These are both luxury accommodations, with the latter offering an even more upscale, high luxury experience.
Rates
Questions?
Wildlife lovers and bucket listers unite! This fantastic itinerary includes an off-the-beaten path experience of iconic Iguazú Falls plus a journey deep into the Ibera Wetlands to marvel at capybaras, giant otters and black-necked swans! Two lodging levels lets you choose your favorite travel style.
Joy Martinello, Founder
Questions?
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
Lodging in Superior Rooms w/breakfast at mentioned hotels; Transport private with driver and guide with water and snacks in vehicle; Guides for each activity and required equipment (bikes, helmets, etc); Tour Leader/local host: at each lodge and/or destination (TL throughout the whole trip upon request); Lunch: as mentioned with water; Dinner: as mentioned with water and Argentine wine; Activities as mentioned (Awasi does not include La Lorenza, replaced by other lodge equivalent activity); All entrance tickets and permits.
NOT INCLUDED:
Meals not mentioned; Alcoholic beverages; Activities not mentioned; Changes to the itinerary; Domestic flights; Travel and medical insurance (required).
