Iguazú Falls in Argentina's far north east, is one of Argentina's and Brazil's most famous experiences. These spectacular falls and surrounding rainforest are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and listed amongst the new Seven Wonders of the World. They deserve their status with the falls spanning 4 kilometres wide and boasting around 275 separate cascades. At the height of the rainy season the Parana River pours 58,000 tonnes of water into a huge canyon every second - enough to make your chest reverberate with the force.

The falls are worthy of a visit at any time of the year, both the Brazilian and Argentinean sides. For our tailor made trips we provide private guides with in depth knowledge of the ecosystems wildlife, history and geology; and make extensive use of park's trail system to reach the most spectacular viewpoints. The Brazilian side provides the best overall panoramas; whilst the Argentinean side has long trails and bridges which bring you close to the raw, awe inspiring cascades. You can often see little rainbows arcing through the spray.

There is plentiful birdlife to see, including toco toucans, caciques, parrots and macaws. One of the easiest mammals to see is the opportunistic coatimundi with its racoon like tail and shrew like nose. Macro photographers will find the range of butterflies and insects most impressive, whilst luxuriant foliage can provide a wonderful image frames for the falls. Dusky swifts are a moving target as they fly to their nests behind the thundering walls of water. Their death defying flights are fascinating and unique to Iguazú.

To bring you closer to the nature of the area, we stay in a beautiful boutique lodge totally enveloped by lush forest of the Misiones National Park. The area comprises 550,000 acres critically endangered Atlantic Rainforest that formally extended non-stop up the south-eastern seaboard of Brazil. Biologically distinct from the Amazon, this area boasts a wealth of wildlife including jaguars, pumas and the elephant like Tapir. If you can hear a primeval call above the roar of the falls you may be hearing howler monkeys declaring their territorial rights to other groups over the forest canopy. Within the Misiones section some  448 species of bird have been recorded.

For a more in-depth exploration of the Atlantic rainforest and its wildlife, we can extend your visit to areas about 80km to the west. A fun and very refreshing activity in the vicinity of the falls is white water rafting trips down the forest fringed rivers. If returning from the chilly southern extremities of Patagonia, or an expedition to Antarctica, the Iguazú area provides a good value, warm, relaxing and highly diverse contrast.

Please note these are sample itineraries only and can be adjusted and tailored to your requirments

4 Day Iguazú Falls Experience Day 1                                                                                                                                                      Arrive at Puerto Iguazú and transfer to our boutique hotel in the Iryapú nature reserve Day 2                                                                     (B)                              Half day guided group exploration of the Brazilian side of the Falls (private guides are also available on request)   Day 3  (B)  Full day guided exploration of the Argentinean side of the falls, walk the parks extensive trail system.  Specific attention being is given to the regions rich wildlife and geology (B) Day 4 (B)  Private transfer to Puerto Iguazú for your onward flight

 

6 days Iguazú Falls and Misiones Rainforest Experience Day 1 Arrive at Puerto Iguazú and transfer to our boutique hotel in the Iryapú nature reserve. Day 2 Full day privately guided exploration of the Brazilian and Argentinean sides of falls, with specific attention being given to the regions rich wildlife and geology. Day 3 Today we offer a boat ride to the base of the falls and the 'devils throat'. The afternoon is free to enjoy the falls trails, enjoy some bird watching and wildlife viewing in the Iryapú nature reserve or just relax by the pool and appreciate the lodge's wonderful natural setting. Day 4 Transfer from Iguazú to our lodge deep within the Misiones forest. This lodge works for the preservation of the surrounding forest and with the indigenous Guarani community. Day 5 In the morning we kayak down a gently flowing jungle river - an ideal way to observe rainforest wildlife and take in the stunning scenery. After lunch, when the heat of the day is past we take a jungle walk observing the forest with an expert wildlife guide. Day 6 In the morning transfer to Puerto Iguazú. Note: An option is also available to extend your stay by one day by visiting a local Guarani indigenous community - the community will demonstrate their hunting and survival methods that they use in the forest - showing also there in depth knowledge of medicinal forest plants. In the evening enjoy a traditional Guaraní meal with the Community.