San Ignacio Ruins and Wanda Mines in Iguazu

Early in the morning, we will pick you up from your hotels in Puerto Iguazú and head towards San Ignacio, about 230 km away. Among the thick missionary jungle rises the relief of the ruins of the Reduction of San Ignacio, the remains of a civilization designed by Jesuits and built by Guarani hands that stood out for its efficiency almost 400 years ago and that is why it must have perished. The facade of its temple was made entirely of pink sandstone in 1610 and its American Baroque design was rebuilt by a group of scientists during the last century. It is that the reduction had been buried under the jungle for almost two centuries.

Thousands of tourists visit it per year. It is located in the heart 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 grooming it. This is possible thanks to the fact that the World Monuments Foundation donated $ 50,000 so that, step by step, all the walls of this monument are left shiny, which, due to the tropical climate of the region, tends to become covered with small microorganisms that decompose it.

Then, after discovering the culture and heritage of the Ruins of San Ignacio, we will head to the Wanda Mines, founded by Polish settlers in 1936.

Wanda was the name of a Polish princess who liked gems. Hence the name of the town that today is located on the banks of the Paraná River, where the entrance sign is located and different artisans offering some of the stones. Among the characteristics of this mine, its peculiarity of being outdoors appears. Visitors can hike, explore its caves, and even watch the exact moment when operators perform some of the blasts to further drill into the basalt.

Then, after discovering the treasures that the Missionary Forest can hide, you will be taken to your hotels at the end of the day in Puerto Iguazú.