San Ignacio and Wanda mines from Iguazú

What it is

It is a trip to the Jesuit ruins of San Ignacio Miní and the Wanda mines, in Misiones. It lasts between 4 and 12 hours, depending on the option, and departs from Puerto Iguazú, with hotel pickup and return included. The highlight is visiting the best-preserved mission in Argentina, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and exploring the semi-precious stone mines.

The itinerary

1. Pickup at your hotel in Puerto Iguazú, at the meeting point you choose when booking.
2. Bus ride of about 240 kilometers by road to the San Ignacio Miní ruins.
3. Visit to the Jesuit ruins with a Spanish-speaking guide, and the story of Jesuit Roque González Santa Cruz.
4. Light and sound show during the visit to the ruins.
5. Drive to the Wanda mines, a source of semi-precious stones mined by miners.
6. Explore the remains of the Wanda mines on site.
7. Bus back to your hotel in Puerto Iguazú.

What you will see

The San Ignacio Miní Jesuit ruins are a monumental complex declared a World Heritage Site. According to the tour information, they are the best-preserved mission in Argentina. The mission was founded in the 17th century by Jesuit Roque González Santa Cruz to evangelize the local native population. You will see buildings in carved stone and baroque-style sculptural details, developed by indigenous artists of the time. The visit includes a light and sound show.

After the ruins, the tour continues to the Wanda mines, an important source of semi-precious stones mined by miners. There you explore the remains of the mines. It is the part of the day that changes pace

Tips

• When booking, choose your hotel in Puerto Iguazú as the pickup point, since the tour starts there.
• If you travel with children, check the age limits: free up to age 5 at the ruins and up to age 6 at the mines.
• Keep in mind that the road trip to the ruins is about 240 kilometers.

Who it suits

• Families: Children under 6 do not pay to enter the ruins, and children under 7 do not pay at the mines.
• History lovers: You visit one of the best-preserved Jesuit missions in the country, with a guide in Spanish.
• Mining enthusiasts: You see the Wanda mines, a source of semi-precious stones.
• Travelers with limited time: There are options from 4 hours up to the full 12-hour trip, depending on the option.