San Ignacio Mission and Wanda Mines – Misiones, Argentina

EXPERIENCE

We will pick you up early in the morning from your hotels in Puerto Iguazú and drive to San Ignacio, about 230 km away. Among the thick missionary jungle rises the ancient ruins of the Reduction of San Ignacio, the remains of a civilization designed by Jesuits and built by Guaraní hands that stood out for its efficiency almost 400 years ago and that is why it must have perished. The façade of its temple was made entirely of pink sandstone in 1610 and its American baroque design was reconstructed by a group of scientists during the last century. The reduction had been buried under the jungle for almost two centuries.

Thousands of tourists visit it every year. It is located in the center of the town of San Ignacio, on Route 12, 60 kilometers from Posadas. The right wall of the temple today looks impeccable, since during the summer a group of specialists was restoring it. This is possible because the World Monuments Foundation donated 50,000 dollars so that, step by step, all the walls of this monument which, due to the tropical climate of the region, tends to be covered with small microorganisms that decompose it, can be left shining.

Then, after discovering the culture and heritage of the San Ignacio Ruins, we will go to the Wanda Mines, on the banks of the Paraná River, where we will find the entrance sign and different artisans offering some of the stones. Among the characteristics of this mine, its distinctive feature is the fact that it is in the open air. Visitors can walk around, explore its caves and even observe the exact moment when the operators make some of the explosions to continue drilling the basalt.

Then, after discovering the treasures that the Selva Misionera can hide, you will be taken to your hotels at the end of the day in Puerto Iguazu.

HIGHLIGHTS

Explore the history and culture of the Jesuit mission in Argentina
Visit and learn about the formation process of many minerals in the Wanda Mines
Discover the San Ignacio Mission and Wanda Mines from Puerto Iguazú, one of the most beautiful places in this region.

Discover more exciting & fun things to do in Misiones