Ruta 12 - Other Activity Puerto Iguazú - Argentina

The road heading out to the national park is lined with much more than multi-star hotels. Along Ruta Nacional 12, just a few kilometers outside of Puerto Iguazú, are many portals leading into the natural and human diversity of the jungle.

• M’bya Guaraní communitites—At Kilometer 4 are the turn-offs for Yriapú, directly off the north side of the highway, and Mbororé, four kilometers (2.4 mi) off the south side. These hamlets welcome visitors to learn about their culture, life vision, dances and songs (9 a.m.-4 p.m. Km 4. Entry: free).

• Cabalgatas Ecológicas—Spend an hour or two exploring the forest on horseback with a local guide (4 trips 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Km 4. Tel: 54-3757-421-543 / 54-3757-1550-9940, E-mail: cabalgatas_rodas@yahoo.com.ar, URL: www.cabalgatasecologicas.com. 1 hr $19, 2 hr $23).

• La Aripuca—This theme park exhibits 30 species of centuries-old trees, a typical Guaraní choza and crafts, a house made of 500 tons of stone from all over Misiones Province and lots more (8:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Km 4, 200 m / 650 ft south, Tel: 54-3757-423-488, E-mail: aripuca@aripuca.com.ar, URL: www.aripuca.com.ar. Entry: $2.25).

• Parque Botánico Ibirá Retá—Take a guided tour through this 1.5-hectare (3.7 ac) botanical garden dedicated to native medicinal, culinary and ornamental flora species (8 a.m.-6 p.m. Km 4.5, south side, Tel: 54-3757-420-872, E-mail: ibirareta@arnet.com.ar. Entry: free).

• Casa de Botellas—This family home built entirely of reused plastic bottles is tribute to modern man’s ingenuity (8 a.m.-7 p.m. Km 5, 150 m / 500 ft south of the highway, Tel: 54-3757-405-621 / 54-3757-1554-2981, E-mail: lacasadebotellas@hotmail.com. Entry: $2.25).

• Güirá Oga—The Birds House gives tours of its avifauna rescue and recovery center (Km 5, Tel: 54-3757-423-980, E-mail: sjanfuso@arnet.com.ar, URL: www.guiraoga.fundacionazara.org.ar. Entry: $9, under 10 years old $4.50).

• Santuario Nuestra Señora del Yguazú—Special masses to this Virgin are held during Semana Santa and on August 16. The crucifix was carved by renowned local artist, Rodolfo Teofilo Allou, nephew of writer Jules Verne (dawn to dusk. Km 5, north side. Entry: free). At the entry to the sanctuary is Museo Imágenes de la Selva, a museum of Allou’s sculptures (8 a.m.-6 p.m. Km 5, Tel: 54-3757-1551-5591, URL: www.imagenesdelaselva.com.ar. Entry: $7, children under 13 years old free).

Location:
Puerto Iguazú, Argentina

Other Activity Types:
Culture center, Village, Church, Wildlife refuge, Natural park, Scenic route, Liesure drive

Getting There

Take the yellow El Práctico bus run from along Avenidas Tres Fronteras and Aguirre, or the bus terminal ($0.40). A taxi round trip with one-hour costs about $10. Some tour agencies also offer excursions to many of these sights.

Travel Tips:

Guides at the Museo Imágenes de la Selva speak Spanish, English and Portuguese.

Relative price: Budget

Travel Skills: beginner/easy.

You Need to Bring:

If walking, protect yourself against the sun (hat, sunblock) and take water.

Check out the city’s museums and murals. Smell the flowers at an orchid house. Take a boat trip on the rivers. Daytrip out to the semi-precious stone mines in Wanda. And, of course, visit the national park and Iguazú Falls.

Currencies accepted
Argentine Peso

About this Page

By Lorraine Caputo

Upon re-declaring her independence at age 29, Lorraine Caputo packed her trusty Rocinante (so her knapsack's called) and began...

Updated: 30 Jun 2010