Craft your personalized itinerary upon arrival at the lodge. Your private guide will take your preferences and the weather conditions into account, and together you will design the ideal experience for your stay. Each day you will be able to choose either one Full Day or two Half Day excursions. From the incredible Iguazú Falls to places only accesible for Awasi guests, here’s a sneak preview of what is waiting for you.
Did you know the Iguazú Falls are part of the Atlantic Rainforest? This area is a melting pot of cultures and nature.
This area of incredible beauty is not connected to any other rainforest, and is home to thousands of endemic plants and animals.
Explore jungle trails, relax at hidden waterfalls and creeks, connect with the secrets of local Guarani tribes or discover archaeological Jesuit ruins.
Admire hundreds of waterfalls from every possible angle. You will be able to walk right up to the San Martín, Bossetti and Dos Hermanas waterfalls, each set in lush vegetation boasting with birds, butterflies and coatis. We recommend heading out early from the hotel in order to enjoy these circuits before the crowds arrive, taking a gentle stroll along 3.5 km of walkways. This excursion can be enjoyed on its own, or combined with the Devil's Throat for a full day activity.
Notes: The Iguazu National Park is a Natural UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited attractions in Argentina. Trust our Guides to suggest the best times to visit in order to avoid the biggest crowds.
A first approach to the Atlantic forest and its fauna in one of the least visited circuits of the Iguazú National Park. With a total distance of 7km, this walk allows visitors to discover the wilder side of this popular park at their own pace. A smaller waterfall of 20 meters, the Salto Arrechea, and the natural pool that forms at its feet marks the end of the way. This excursion can be combined with either the Upper and Lower circuits or the Devil's Throat for a full day activity.
Notes: bring comfortable walking shoes and a hat or extra sun protection.
The Iguazu Falls are shared between Argentina and Brazil. In fact, the river Iguazu serves as a natural border between both countries, and it's possible to comfortably visit both sides from our lodge. While it's necessary to cross the international border, seeing the Falls from the Brazilian side offers a complementary perspective. From their walkway, visitors can get panoramic views of the waterfall system. It is possible to either comfortably explore the 1,2 km path on foot, or add a little adventure to the experience by cycling the 12 kilometers that separate the entrance of the Park from the walkways.
IMPORTANT: This excursion is subject to border crossing conditions. Schedules and/or entry requirements from the Argentine or Brazilian Governments could vary on short notice. Our staff will be able to advice accordingly.
Along the second largest river in the continent, at the point where the jungle meets the Urugua-í Creek, the most unusual geological formations are found. With semiprecious stones encrusted in the rocks, archaeologists believe this was the home of the pre-Guaraní civilizations, as the area provides readily available food and shelter. Explore along the waters of the calm Urugua-i creek, either by boat or kayak, finishing with a refreshing swim in the waters below the hidden Yasí Waterfall.
Note: Local authorities determine if the weather forecast allows this activity to take place, so last-minute changes could occur.
*IMPORTANT: Due to an abnormally high water flow of the Iguazu River registered in October 2022, the Devil's Throat Circuit was damaged and will remain closed for repairs until the safety of visitors and workers of the National Park is guaranteed. All other circuits within the Park are fully operative while enjoying record-breaking levels of water.
----
Allow yourself to be awe-inspired by one of the most impressive cascades of the Iguazú Falls, walking right up to its 80-meter (260 feet) drop. Walk a little over one kilometer on the boardwalks that cross the upper River Iguazú until you reach the massive fall. On the way, appreciate the jungle scenery and enjoy bird watching - there are many swifts in the early morning and at sunset before they return to their nests behind the waterfalls. This excursion can be enjoyed on its own, or combined with the Upper and Lower Circuits of the Iguazu National Park for a full day activity.
Notes: The Iguazu National Park is a Natural UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited attractions in Argentina. Trust our Guides to suggest the best times to visit in order to avoid the biggest crowds.
Even though it was originated by a dam, this lake was turned into a natural sanctuary to preserve the quality of its ecosystem. The scarce human intervention, the existence of hidden salt water springs and peculiarities such as a submerged forest favor the presence of animals such as capybaras and otters. We can explore parts of this special landscape by boat or by Stand Up Paddle Board, or simply enjoy the landscape leisurly.
Note: Local authorities determine if the weather forecast allows this activity to take place, so last-minute changes could occur.
An adventurous bike ride, crossing the red dirt roads in a lesser- visited area of the National Park. After a 30-minute drive we arrive at the starting point, from where we will travel on rough roads surrounded by jungle. We will reach the banks of the Iguazu River, just behind the Devil’s Throat, possibly being able to appreciate some of its mist in the distance.
Note: This activity might be shared with other Awasi guests.
For those interested in local culture, this excursion gives an insight into the life, customs and traditions of the Guaraní people, the original inhabitants of these lands, guardians of the Iguazú Falls. Experience this melting pot of cultures, enjoying the unique experience of being guided by locals, who will reveal the hunting traps they used to use to catch food, their traditional medicinal plants and the artisan crafts they make from materials found in the jungle.
Note: on certain occasions, members of the Guarani community come to the lodge to do basketry or craft workshops with our guests, please inquire at the Front Desk.
Take a boat ride to the confluence of the rivers Iguazú and Paraná (the second largest river in South America), serving as a natural triple frontier between Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. This is also the point of origin of the Iguazú Falls, according to geologists. Learn about the history of Puerto Iguazú, visiting the port that initially drove this region's economy: yerba mate and products of the logging industry were historically shipped out from this point.
Note: Local authorities determine if the weather forecast allows this activity to take place, so last-minute changes could occur.
“Mate” tea is more than a drink: it is a true cultural icon in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and southern Brazil; and it's cultivated right here in the province of Misiones. Discover the secrets of the plantations, the drying of its leaves and the production process of one of the region’s main economic engines.
Note: This activity is only available during harvest season (from March to September).
Due to the abundance of wildlife that lives in the Rainforest, illegal trafficking, hunting and road accidents involving endangered animals are a common problem. Güira Oga is a rehabilitation centre for native fauna that is affected by these issues. Visiting this refuge is a way to learn about these problems while supporting the professionals who work for the preservation of threatened species and try to reintroduce them to their natural habitat.
Note: More active guests can opt to get to Güira Oga by bike, which would take roughly 30 minutes per way.
This is in one of the protected areas which is closest to the town of Puerto Iguazú. We will enjoy an interpretive hike while looking for evidence of animal presence and checking trap cameras that are placed in high traffic places such as paths, water sources or mineral licks.
Discover the region’s best-preserved area of Atlantic Rainforest. Cross right through the Iguazú National Park on the picturesque National Road R.101, where you will see extremely rare species, such as Rosewood Trees (Palo Rosa), Palm Heart Trees (Palmeras Palmito) and primitive tree ferns. Once we reach the Awasi Yacu-í Reserve, guests can take out the kayaks to explore the tranquil Yacuí creek, help our Guides inspect some trap cameras or simply enjoy a moment of rest and contemplation at the creek's shore.
Note: The red-dirt road towards this reserve (Road 101) is a highlight in itself. And, if you are interested in Yerba Mate, the region around this reserve concentrates several plantations.
The Uruzú ranger station is one of the gateways to the Urugua-í Provincial Park. It is the most extensive protected area in the Misiones Province, with excellently preserved jungle, globally recognised for its biodiversity. This area is preferred by local biologists to conduct their research and conservation projects. Its extensive trails are a must for birdwatchers. A salt lick offers the chance, with a little luck, to find some of the larger and elusive mammals.
This area is on the opposite side of the Misiones Province and a long way from Awasi, but if you are a fan of history, architecture or anthropology, this UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site is well worth considering. San Ignacio Miní, Loreto and Santa Ana are some of the best preserved and most accesible remains to appreciate what is left of colonial history in the area. During the 17th and 18th centuries european Jesuit missionaries arrived in the Rainforest and lived side by side with the Guarani Communities, building impressive reductions. It is the ruins of these buildings we can still see today. It is possible to learn more about this subject in the 1986 award-winning movie "The Mission", with Robert De Niro and Jeremy Irons.
Note: Due to the long travel distance, we include this excursion only in 3+ nights itineraries. Another option would be combining it with a stay in Esteros del Iberá (Iberá Wetlands) or an in/out flight from the Posadas airport. Please inquire with our Reservations Executives.
If you are looking to complement a visit to the Jesuit Missions with a walk though nature, this protected area is ideal. From the Teyú Cuaré Park you can appreciate stunning views of the Paraná River and its crags, since the geography is different from that around Puerto Iguazú. Near the southern limit of the province, this is the transition area between the Atlantic Forest and the grasslands of the Corrientes area.
Note: For time/distance reasons, this activity is only advisable as an add-on to a visit to Jesuit Missions.
For literature fans, the jungle in southern Misiones bears a small surprise. Horacio Quiroga (1878-1937) was one of the most acclaimed writers of Latin America, and his former residency can be visited in the outskirts of San Ignacio. Surrounded by dense rainforest, one can imagine how this environment inspired his work. With a style that has been compared to Edgar Allan Poe's, with a dark, sometimes bizarre narrative. Some of his writings are set in this area and feature local references, legends and tales. If you wish to get acquainted with his work, this includes "Jungle Tales", "Stories of Love, Madness and Death" and "The Feather Pillow", among many others.
Note: For time/distance reasons, this activity is only advisable as an add-on to a visit to Jesuit Missions.