Family-Friendly Adventures in !

Iguazu Falls

Why Visit?

Embark on a thrilling family adventure to the majestic Iguazu Falls, located on the border between Argentina and Brazil. Here’s a perfectly tailored itinerary to ensure a memorable experience for all ages.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

- Morning: Fly into Cataratas International Airport (IGU in Brazil, IGR in Argentina). Settle into your accommodation and prepare for an exciting adventure.

- Afternoon: Start with the Brazilian side of the falls for panoramic views. The walkway is about 1.2 km, manageable and stroller-friendly, offering spectacular vistas. Don’t miss the view from the lower boardwalk, which brings you face-to-face with the Devil’s Throat, the largest and most impressive waterfall.

Day 2: Adventure Day

- Morning: Head to the Argentine side, where the falls are more immersive. Begin at the Visitors Center, then take the Rainforest Ecological Train to the Cataratas Station. Explore the Upper and Lower Circuits. The Lower Circuit is a 1.4 km walk that provides close-up views and access to boat tours that take you right under the spray of the falls!

- Afternoon: Continue to the Devil’s Throat Station. The 1.1 km walkway leads to the most breathtaking section of the falls. The roar and might of the cascading water are unforgettable.

Day 3: Nature and Wildlife

- Morning: Visit the Parque das Aves (Bird Park) on the Brazilian side, where you can walk through tropical forests and interact with over 150 species of birds in their natural habitat, a great educational and fun experience for kids.

- Afternoon: Relax or explore the surrounding area. Consider a visit to the Iguazu Falls Museum or the nearby Itaipu Dam, one of the world’s largest hydroelectric plants.

Interesting Facts

- Iguazu Falls is taller than Niagara Falls and twice as wide.

- The name "Iguazu" originates from the Guarani or Tupi words "y" [water] and "ûasú [big].

This itinerary ensures that every family member gets the most out of the Iguazu Falls experience, combining adventure, education, and relaxation.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Devil"s Throat (Garganta del Diablo)

Why Visit?

Day 1: Arrival at Puerto Iguazú

Morning: Arrive in Puerto Iguazú, the gateway to Iguazu Falls, and check into your chosen accommodation. Prepare for an adventurous day by having a hearty breakfast with local flavors.

Afternoon: Begin your visit to Iguazu National Park by taking a bus from the main gate directly to the trails leading to Garganta del Diablo (Devil"s Throat). The park"s eco-friendly train can also take you comfortably to the trail"s entrance. This trail, known as the Devil"s Throat Walkway, is an easy 1km walk and is wheelchair accessible, making it perfect for families.

Evening: After experiencing the mighty roar and mist of the falls, dine at one of the eco-conscious restaurants near the park or back in Puerto Iguazú. Enjoy regional dishes such as the delicious "surubí" fish.

Interesting Fact: Garganta del Diablo is the tallest and most majestic of Iguazu"s 275 waterfalls, with water plummeting from a height of about 80 meters.

Day 2: Exploring More of Iguazu Falls

Morning: Head back to the park and explore other circuits like the Upper and Lower trails, which offer panoramic views and closer encounters with the falls. These trails are moderately easy and provide numerous photo opportunities.

Afternoon: Take a boat tour under the falls for an exhilarating experience, or enjoy the "Macuco Safari" - an adventurous jeep ride through the forest followed by a boat trip to the waterfalls.

Evening: Return to Puerto Iguazú and perhaps visit the Hummingbird Garden or the fascinating Güirá Oga Bird Rehabilitation Center, which are great for kids.

Interesting Fact: The Iguazu Falls are shared by Brazil and Argentina, offering slightly different perspectives and experiences from each country’s national park side.

Pack your trip with educational and thrilling activities, ensuring a memorable family adventure at Garganta del Diablo and surrounding attractions!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Wanda Mines (Minas de Wanda)

Why Visit?

Family Adventure at Wanda Mines: A Day Itinerary

Morning: Arrival & Exploration

Start your day early by driving to Wanda Mines, located about 40 kilometers from Puerto Iguazú, Argentina. The route is well-signed, making it easy to reach by rental car or taxi. Aim to arrive by 9 AM to beat the crowds and the heat.

Begin with a guided tour of the open-pit mines, usually lasting about an hour. These mines are famous for their semi-precious stones, particularly amethysts, agates, topazes, and quartz. The guides, often locals, are knowledgeable and engaging, making geology come alive for both kids and adults. They"ll explain the volcanic origins of these gem deposits and show you how the gems are extracted.

Midday: Interactive Gem Workshop

Post-tour, participate in a gemstone workshop where family members can choose their own raw stones and learn how to cut and polish them under expert supervision. This hands-on activity is not only fun but also educational, providing a deeper understanding of the gem"s journey from rough stone to polished beauty.

Afternoon: Leisure & Learning

After lunch at the on-site café, offering simple, kid-friendly fare, spend some time in the gift shop where you can admire (and perhaps purchase) professionally finished stones and jewelry. It"s a great opportunity to discuss with children the value of natural resources and craftsmanship.

Interesting Fact

Did you know that the town of Wanda was named after a Polish princess, symbolizing the hopes of Polish immigrants who settled in this area?

Late Afternoon: Relax and Reflect

Conclude your visit by taking a stroll around the mining area, equipped with several picnic spots. It’s a perfect time for the family to relax, discuss the day"s discoveries, or simply enjoy the unique landscape before heading back to Puerto Iguazú.

Safety Note

Ensure all family members wear closed shoes and carry hats and sunscreen, as the tour involves walking in direct sunlight.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

La Aripuca

Why Visit?

Day 1: Discovering La Aripuca

Morning: Arrival & Exploration

Start your day by arriving at La Aripuca, located just outside Puerto Iguazú. You can easily get there by taxi or bus from the town center. La Aripuca, a large eco-tourism complex, is designed to educate visitors on the importance of preserving native forests. The main attraction is the impressive structure built from rescued giant trees, some over 500 years old.

Interesting Fact: The name "Aripuca" is derived from an indigenous trap used for catching birds, mirroring the complex’s aim to ensnare visitors with its natural beauty and educational value.

Upon arrival, delve into the various interactive exhibits that teach about local flora and fauna. Kids will enjoy the hands-on activities like the mini aripucas designed to demonstrate how the traps work.

Afternoon: Craft Workshops & Snack Break

After exploring, participate in a craft workshop where the family can learn about indigenous Guarani crafts. Create your own souvenir using local materials under the guidance of skilled artisans.

Following the workshop, take a snack break at the on-site café, which offers refreshments made from locally sourced ingredients.

Late Afternoon: Nature Walk & Animal Spotting

Cap off your visit with a guided nature walk through the surrounding forest. The guides are excellent at spotting and explaining the various species that make up the regional biodiversity.

Interesting Fact: Keep an eye out for the vibrant toucan, commonly spotted in this area, and learn about its role in the ecosystem.

Evening: Return to Puerto Iguazú

As the day winds down, head back to Puerto Iguazú. The return trip is a great time to reflect on the lessons learned about conservation and the importance of protecting natural habitats.

This engaging and educational tour of La Aripuca is sure to leave your family with a deeper appreciation for nature and an unforgettable experience of Argentina"s cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

San Ignacio Miní

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to San Ignacio Miní, Argentina

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Begin your adventure in San Ignacio by settling into a family-friendly hotel near the ruins. Spend the afternoon exploring the town, which offers a peaceful ambiance and quaint eateries perfect for a relaxed meal.

Day 2: Visit San Ignacio Miní

Start your day early to beat the crowd and the heat at the San Ignacio Miní ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This once-thriving Jesuit mission was built in the 17th century and is among the best-preserved missions in Argentina.

- Getting there: The ruins are located within walking distance from most accommodations in town. You can also hire a taxi for convenience.

- Touring the Site: Opt for a guided tour to make the experience more enlightening. Tours usually delve into the fascinating history of the Guaraní people and the Jesuit missionaries. Kids will enjoy hearing about the daily lives of those who lived there centuries ago.

- Activities: Participate in interactive workshops often held on-site, like pottery or Guaraní language lessons, perfect for keeping children engaged.

Day 3: Local Culture and Departure

- Morning: Visit the Museo Horacio Quiroga, located 5 km from town. Learn about the famous writer who lived in the region. The museum is accessible by local bus or taxi.

- Afternoon: Before heading home, stroll through the local market to pick up some artisanal crafts and enjoy some traditional Argentine snacks like empanadas.

Interesting Facts

- San Ignacio Miní was one of the many missions established by the Jesuits in an effort to convert the local Guaraní tribes to Christianity.

- The site features impressive remains of its grand church, a cloister, cemetery, and living quarters, showcasing the unique blend of European and Indigenous architectural styles.

This itinerary promises a blend of education and excitement, perfect for a family looking to explore historical treasures while enjoying the local culture of Argentina.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.