Highlights
- Marvel at mighty Iguazú Falls from both the immersive Argentinian side and the panoramic Brazilian side
- Navigate beneath plunging waterfalls on the thrilling Gran Aventura boat expedition
- Trek rainforest catwalks to the dramatic Devil’s Throat viewpoint
- Track caiman, capybara, marsh deer and exotic birdlife by boat, 4×4 and horseback
- Take a private charter deep into remote Iberá wetland ecosystems, a fascinating rewilding success story
- Feast outdoors on asados and homemade dishes of organic local ingredients
- Deep dive into the history of yerba mate plantations and Jesuit pioneers in Misiones
- Walk through subtropical jungle surrounding the UNESCO-listed Jesuit ruins of San Ignacio
- Unplug in wilderness lodges
Day by Day
- ESTEROS DEL IBERA
Make your way to the airport in Buenos Aires for your flight to Posadas (own arrangements).Arrive at Posadas airport and connect to the Iberá Marshlands in a private turbo-propeller aircraft. During the flight you will be able to appreciate the vastness of this incredible 1.3 million hectare ecosystem.
After a one hour flight, arrive at Estancia Rincón del Socorro (included), a 12,000-hectare former cattle ranch on the edge of the Iberá wetlands which has been transformed into a nature reserve (initially with the support of the Doug Tomkins foundation). Six rooms in the main house and three small bungalows/cabanas 50 meters away come with private bathrooms and most have living rooms. The main house has a large indoor living room, a screened porch, a large indoor dining room, a terrace dining area and a children’s play.
On the grounds are a swimming pool, a screened barbecue and a barn with engine room from which all the rides depart.
Meals are prepared primarily with organic fruits and vegetables, most from the estancia’s own garden. Meats are all free-range. The hostería is equipped with a professional kitchen and offers full bar service. It specializes in fine dining and honours the Argentine barbecue tradition. When weather permits, lunch and dinner can be served outdoors.
Once settled in, you can take a walk around the main house and its surroundings to learn more about the history of the place and the ongoing environmental restoration at Iberá
Before dinner, you will go out on the 4×4 to observe wildlife and learn about the environment.
Some tips for your stay at the Rincon del Socorro: horse riding is one of the best ways to explore the destination from a different perspective. To ensure everybody’s safety and enjoyment, the maximum weight limit is 110 kg. Due to a sustainability policy, air conditioning is not available and rooms are kept cool through quality construction, cross ventilation, and ceiling fans. There is no TV on site to allow guests to completely disconnect from daily life and immerse themselves in the great spectacle offered by nature. Electricity is 220 volts. WiFi is available but intermittently and is only accessible in some areas of the lodge, not inside the rooms.
Rincon del Socorro, rooming according to family make up and preference.
Lunch and dinner included.
- ESTEROS DEL IBERA
After breakfast you will head towards the quincho next to the pier, 23 Km away from the Estancia on the way to Colonia Carlos Pellegrini. Here you will start a boat ride through the Iberá Lagoon. This area has been protected the longest, so it is the perfect place to observe local flora and fauna. Your guide will tell you about the different species: caymans, carpinchos and with luck, a marsh deer will approach us.After a morning outing, a barbeque lunch is served in a beautiful barbeque hut beside the boat dock, weather permitting. Good wildlife watching is possible right here for those who would rather relax there and wait for the others to return in the boat.
Before returning to the Estancia you will visit the Information center of the Provincial Reserve of Iberá, were you can learn more about the flora and fauna of the area. You will have a chance to visit the Monkey Trail and the jungle.
Rincon del Socorro, rooming according to family make up and preference.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
- ESTEROS DEL IBERA
Continue enjoying the activities offered by Rincon del Socorro. You may choose two activites per day among the options offered by Estancia.Rincon del Socorro, rooming according to family make up and preference.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
- ESTANCIA SANTA INES
Morning flight by charter plane to Posadas Airport (included).On arrival, take a private transfer to the beautiful Estancia Santa Inés (approx 1.5 hour drive) for a homemade lunch, followed by a gentle trek to discover the local flora.
The Estancia was founded by Pedro Núñez in 1903. Back then, this area was called Trinidad, because it had been part of the Jesuit Reductions’ estancias. Advanced in agricultural techniques, the Jesuits knew how to cultivate yerba mate, a secret that they took with them when they were expelled.
For years, later generations tried in vain to recover it: yerba grew wild, but it was impossible to make it grow on its own. Don Pedro Núñez is considered one of the pioneers in recovering this ancestral method. He had arrived in Posadas following in the footsteps of his half-brother, who owned Ramos Generales stores, and although everyone called him crazy, he began to plant yerba in the countryside, placing little tents covered with grass over the plants, which imitated the shade of the bush. The trick was a great success, and the method is still used today in the yerba mate farms.
Since 1997, the estancia has been open to the public, where the Núñez family invites you to share part of its history, visit the yerbales (the oldest dates back to 1907), walk through the virgin forest and discover the flora and fauna of Misiones.
Tea time with delicious delicatessen goods and dinner will be served in the Estancia.
Estancia Santa Ines, rooming according to family make up and preference (full board).
Breakfast and lunch + tea + dinner at Estancia Santa Ines
- JESUIT RUINS: SAN IGNACIO and SANTA INES RUINS
Today begins with a drive towards the Jesuit Ruins of San Ignacio (approx. 60 km, 1h15 drive).This region was extensively colonized by the Jesuit missions for nearly two centuries and is still inhabited today by the Guaraní people and their descendants. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the Jesuits established a highly organized network of missions, churches, villages and ranches, creating a prosperous and self-sufficient society deeply rooted in education, agriculture and craftsmanship.
At the end of the 18th century, Jesuits were expelled by the Spanish Crown, once it became clear that their economic, political and social influence in the region had grown too powerful. Their system functioned almost as a parallel empire, which was perceived as a potential threat to Spanish authority. Following their expulsion, the missions were abandoned and reclaimed by the jungle.
A guided visit of the impressive ruins of San Ignacio allows you to explore the remains of churches, central plazas and residential areas, evoking the epic history of the Jesuit missions, famously portrayed in the film The Mission. Today, the Jesuit Ruins of San Ignacio are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, valued for their historical, cultural and architectural significance.
Optional extensions
(depending on timing and interests)
Santa Ana Jesuit Ruins
(approx. 45 km/1h drive from San Ignacio), a quieter and less-visited site, offering a more intimate experience surrounded by lush subtropical forest.Horacio Quiroga’s House-Museum
(approx. 30 km / 45 min drive), dedicated to the renowned Uruguayan-Argentinian writer, located in a natural riverside setting that deeply inspired his literary work.In the afternoon, the journey continues north toward Iguazú.
Transfer to the Mercure Iguazú Hotel Iru approx. 240 km / 4h30 to 5h drive from San Ignacio, depending on traffic and border procedures.
Arrival at the Mercure Hotel in the early evening.
Total driving distance for the day: approximately 300–330 km, with an estimated total travel time of 6 to 7 hours, including stops and visits.
Mercure Iguazú Hotel Iru, rooming according to family make up and preference (standard)
Breakfast included.
- IGUAZU FALLS
Visit Iguazú National Park and its three circuits: Superior, Inferior and Devil’s Throat. You will find a variety of plant life including ferns, orchids and begonias with a wealth of birds, exotic butterflies and native´s species. It is common to see coatis, monkeys and some turtles.
Argentine Falls Tour
Transfer to Iguazú National Park to explore the jungle and marvel at the magnitude of the Iguazú Falls, where 200 rivers collide and cascade over a rock plateau into the jungle. Declared a UNESCO National Heritage in 1984, the national park was one of the first areas in the Americas to be protected. Some 67,000 hectares comprises 275 falls of up to 70 metres tall.
A gas-propelled tourist train will take you to the Devil’s Throat Catwalks, the farthest one, which extends for 1,100m over the Upper Iguazú River. Cross several islands on the way to a strategic lookout point resting on the side of the dramatic Devil’s Throat. Boardwalks are elevated to preserve jungle fauna.
Superior Walk: 800 metres catwalk with panoramic views and lush foliage along the walkways. Easy circuit, no stairs: this can be completed in one hour.
Inferior Walk: 1,600 metres catwalk. Descending to the inferior level of the Iguazú River this walkway offers a different perspective of the falls, with the natural amphitheater that illustrates the geologic fault. This is a more tiring circuit which can be completed in around two hours. The Gran Aventura boat trip starts here too.
Devil’s Throat: access by the Throat Station, (18 minutes from the Cataratas Station). After 1,200 metres you reach the main balcony where you can enjoy the privileged view from the Devil’s Throat. A simple circuit without stairs, this can be done in two hours.
*We have included the Gran Aventura boat trip, see below. Your guide will discuss with your preference for the catwalks.
Gran Aventura – Iguazú National Park
Enjoy the Gran Aventura, one of the most exciting experiences in Iguazú National Park, combining jungle exploration and river navigation.
The adventure begins with a 4×4 open vehicle ride through the subtropical rainforest along the Yacaratiá trail, accompanied by a specialized guide who will introduce you to the region’s unique ecosystem. During the journey, you will learn about local flora and fauna, including orchids, towering trees, birds, butterflies, and, with luck, monkeys and coatis.
After the jungle exploration, you will arrive at the river dock to embark on a speedboat navigation on the Iguazú River. Equipped with life jackets and safety gear, you will head upstream toward the base of the waterfalls, navigating rapids and approaching the impressive cascades for an unforgettable experience. The highlight is the thrilling approach to the San Martín Falls, where you will feel the full power of the water and get completely soaked — a moment of pure adrenaline and fun.
The excursion lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes in total and is suitable for those wanting the excitement of getting close to the falls. It is recommended you wear light clothing, water-resistant footwear and to protect cameras and electronic devices.
Note: This activity is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, or travellers with heart or back conditions.
Mercure Iguazú Hotel Iru, rooming according to family make up and preference (standard).
Breakfast included and Park Fees
- PUERTO BEMBERG – IGUACU FALLS
Half-day visit to the Brazilian side of Iguazú Falls.After breakfast, depart from your hotel for a half-day excursion to the Brazilian side of Iguazú Falls (approx. 30 km/45–60 minutes, depending on border formalities).
On arrival at Iguaçu National Park (Brazil), enjoy a guided walk along panoramic walkways offering breathtaking views of the waterfalls from a different perspective. The Brazilian side provides wide-angle vistas of the falls, allowing you to fully appreciate the magnitude of the Devil’s Throat and the surrounding cascades in a relatively short but spectacular visit.
The walking circuit is easy and well-maintained, lasting around 1h 30mins to 2 hours including access to scenic viewpoints, mist-filled platforms and photo stops overlooking the Iguazú River canyon. Your guide will provide insights into the geology, biodiversity and history of the national park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
At the end of the visit, the excursion continues directly to the Iguazú Airport, Argentinean Side.
Estimated total duration: Half day (around four to five hours, including transfers, border crossing, and guided visit).
Fly from Iguazú back to Buenos Aires (flight not included).
Breakfast included and Park Fees
Trip price
From US$3,750 per person for a family of four (two rooms throughout)
Itinerary Notes
Iberá
- For the inbound flight to the Ibera region, the best option is to fly from Buenos Aires to Posadas as this flows better (this flight is not included). From the nearest airports (Posadas or the alternative, Corrientes) the drive takes six to seven hours on gravel roads and in case of rainfall, road conditions may become more challenging. For this reason we are recommending private charter flights to/from the estancia as the most comfortable way to travel out and back (these round trip flights are included in the quote).
- The baggage allowance for the private charter flight is 15 kg per person, soft bags are preferable. Any excess luggage must remain in Posadas and will be returned to you after your stay at the estancia.
Estancia experience
- We have included the Rincon del Socorro while in Ibera, an authentic and beautifully located estancia offering accommodation with full board and guided activities within the Ibera National park. The experience is based on close contact with wildlife in a completely natural and wild environment. Activities include walking, horse riding, cycling and boat outings, giving access to different ecosystems that make up these unique wetlands. Daytime safaris are also included, nighttime safaris are possible but not included. As part of your stay here, you are staying on a full board basis and you are entitled to two guided activities per day.
- The estancia is located in a remote area, with limited mobile phone signal and unstable Wi-Fi. The property has a generator in case of power outages, a swimming pool, and does not have air conditioning or televisions. Any dietary restrictions must be informed in advance. All activities are shared with other guests.
Misiones
- For this segment we have included a private transfer with a guide who will collect you from the Posadas airport on your return from Ibera and take you directly to the beautiful Estancia Santa Ines. This way you can enjoy the surroundings with the guide to help spot wildlife and provide historical context to this fascinating area. On arrival at Santa Ines, you will experience another traditional estancia in Misiones surrounded by jungle and plantations.
- You will travel from Misiones to Iguazu in a private transfer with guide with stops to learn more about the history and culture of the region. You will visit the Jesuit ruins of San Ignacio, Loreto and Santa ana, all UNESCO world heritage sites where you will gain a deeper insight into the Jesuit-Guarani legacy and its historic and cultural importance in the region.
Iguazu
- You will spend two nights at the world famous Iguazu Falls which is long enough to experience both the Argentine and Brazilian sides of the falls, each with their own unique appeal.
- While at Iguazu you will enjoy a guided visit to the Argentine side of the falls. For an unforgettable adventure, we have included the Gran Aventura boat, which combines boat navigation with jungle trails. A highly recommended experience for your older children: fun with a touch of adrenaline. You will also enjoy a guided visit to the Brazilian side of the falls.
- After your time here, you will be taken back to Iguazú airport for your return flight to Buenos Aires (not included).
General
- For meal inclusions, please refer to the day-by-day itinerary.
- In respect of flights, flights from Buenos Aires to Posadas and Iguazu to Buenos Aires are not included. Private charter flights to/from the Estancia are included (see luggage limits).
- If you are looking for an Argentine adventure full of both natural and historic wonders this trip is an excellent option. The private charter flight adds a unique dimension to this special itinerary packed with exclusive activities, exploration and adventure. Due to the nature of the trip the trip is recommended for those with children aged 12+.
- The trip is available year round so if you are stuck for ideas during the northern hemisphere school holidays between June and August it is worth considering.