The Top 10 Things to See and Do in Misiones, Argentina

One of Argentina’s most popular tourist destinations is located in Misiones province. The world-renowned Iguazu Falls, a collection of over 250 waterfalls that crash over a horseshoe-shaped cliff edge, are a huge draw for people from all over the world. Located within a national park of the same name, the Iguazu Falls are surely one of the most amazing natural spectacles you are ever likely to see and are an unmissable part of the Misiones experience.

Argentina’s best-preserved Jesuit reduction is San Ignacio Minu, a religious settlement erected by Jesuit missionaries in 1632. It is located in the province of Misiones and is notable for its huge ruins made of bright-red sandstone. These used to be a church, designed by an Italian architect priest in the Guarani baroque style, a mixture of Italian and indigenous architectural styles.

While San Ignacio Mini might be the biggest, best and most well-preserved of the Jesuit reductions in northern Argentina, there are in fact three other reductions that can be visited in Misiones. They are in worse states of repair, but Santa Ana, Nuestra Señora de Loreto and Santa Maria la Mayor are all worth the trip if you didn’t get your fill of religious ruins at San Ignacio Mini.

The state capital of Posadas is not one of the most visited cities in Argentina, but it is worth visiting if you are spending some time in Misiones. Check out the coastal boardwalk along the banks of the Parana River, which separates Argentina from Paraguay, and marvel at the weird and wonderful steel monuments that are dotted throughout the city.

Indiana Jones fans will feel right at home in Misiones. This jungle province provides those with a sense of adventure with ample opportunities to live out their jungle fantasies in this overgrown haven. The red earth contrasts sharply with the dark green vegetation that surrounds it, and there are plenty of tours that can take you through the jungle to see the various animals that live there.

Misiones is home to an incredible number of butterfly species. Just by taking a trip to the falls, you will come into contact with many different types of butterflies, and by the end of the day you will have trouble remember how many you have seen. These friendly creatures love to land on unsuspecting tourists and drink their perspiration, such is the humidity of the jungle.

Wildlife-lovers will delight in seeing coatis, a type of South American racoon, and capuchin monkeys running around wild in the jungle. If you are lucky, you might spot an enchanting ocelot. Make sure not to get too close to any of the animals; although they are used to the presence of humans, they are still wild animals and are known to bite and scratch if disturbed.

Another one of Misiones’ natural wonders is the Mocona Provincial Park. Home to the beautiful Mocona Falls, this park is often overlooked in favour of Iguazu National Park. However, it is well worth visiting, as it is far less touristy, and the falls are linear as opposed to vertical.

Many travelers to Misiones will want to experience both the Argentine and the Brazilian side of the Iguazu Falls. The Argentine side allows you to fully experience the Misiones jungle that surrounds the falls, while the Brazilian side will let you get better panoramic views of the falls themselves. You can also tick Brazil off your list if you venture across the border. Be sure to check beforehand whether you require a visa to enter Brazil, as this must be done before attempting to cross the border.

Many people head to Paraguay to do some cheap shopping while they are in the Misiones area. Ciudad del Este in Paraguay is a shopper’s paradise, as it is a city almost entirely constructed from shopping malls. You can get whatever your heart desires here, so come ready with empty suitcases and enough cash.