Iguazu Falls has over 275 distinct cascades tumble through lush subtropical forest. The falls is on the border between Argentina and Brazil, and we'll explore the Argentine side to get up close to the plummeting water. With a few more days, visit the subtropical rainforest and discover the thousands of species of flowering plants, birds, butterflies and mammals that make this their home. Explore one of the most awe-inspiring sights in South America.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Yacutinga Lodge (D)
Fly from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazú, and enter one of the last pristine rainforests in Argentina. As you cross through the Iguazu National Park, your local naturalist guide will point out local rainforest plants and wildlife. At La Blanquita Bay on the shores of the Iguazu River, you board a motor launch for the 45 minute ride to Yacutinga Port. The final stretch of this portion is a short jeep ride through the Yacutinga Wildlife Nature Reserve to Yacutinga Lodge. After check-in and a short orientation to the activities available and facilities, wander the lodge grounds and explore the Argentine Rainforest. This evening, enjoy a welcoming dinner!
Day 2: Yacutinga Lodge (B,L,D)
After an early breakfast, begin your day with a short hike to the San Francisco River. Wildlife is most active early in the day, so being up and about at sunrise increases your chances of seeing animals. Enjoy a peaceful float through quiet, safe waters - this stretch of the river is known as the "Forest Gallery" and is a great chance for camera enthusiasts to take advantage of the landscape! Wild fauna tracks are common along the muddy shoreline.
Return to the lodge for a delicious lunch before heading out to explore the various interpretive trails with one of the resident naturalist guides. The biodiversity of the area is incredible, with ancient trees, medicinal plants, orchids, bromeliads, butterflies, beetles, bird life and some mammals. Scattered through the nature reserve are a number of subtly built observation towers and blinds, allowing you to view flocks of parakeets and other animals at close proximity.
This evening you might take a walk to one of the swamps located in the Yacutinga Reserve, where the humidity produces an array of life. Watch as the swamp becomes a hive of activity at dusk, and listen as a jungle symphony commences once darkness descends. Alternatively, visit one of the observation towers and use the scopes, binoculars and spotlights for nighttime game-viewing. Be sure to look for toucans nesting at sunset!
Day 3: Yacutinga Lodge/Iguazu Falls (B)
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading out to spot fresh wildlife tracks, complete the lodge's checklist of viewed fauna, or stroll along the "Orchid's Trail" or hanging "Cat-Walk." You, of course, are always welcome to simply spend your morning relaxing at the pool! Mid-morning we bid farewell to the magic of Yacutinga and continue our Argentina travels to our new home close to the spectacular Iguazu Falls.
We'll stop and drop our bags at the hotel before heading out for our first adventure. We set out on a four-hour jeep safari through the Iguazú Forest, where we'll traverse the jungle trails and wind our way past waterfalls and 300-year-old giant ferns. Our adventure includes hiking and exploring the jungle canopy with a "bird flight," using a cable car-like system suspended among the trees. Those looking for additional adventure have the opportunity to rappel down to a small waterfall along the trail - but be prepared to get wet!
Day 4: Iguazu Falls and Forest (B)
Today explore the Falls and watch the cascading water from various angles. Begin the day by boarding a small train to Devil's Throat Station, where there's a suspended walkway with spectacular views. Later explore the two walking circuits, beginning with the upper walk. This is about a quarter-mile long and takes approximately 45 minutes. The lower circuit has been described as the "most beautiful thousand meter walk in the world." Heading in a clockwise direction you get a very different perspective of the falls.
We make our way through the jungle in a rugged 4x4 vehicle, traveling the limited-access Yacaratia Trail to Puerto Macuco. Leave the truck behind for an inflatable speedboat, in which you'll navigate four miles (7 kms) along the lower Iguazu River. Bring your swimsuit and be prepared to get wet in the refreshingly cool spray from the falls! Approaching the picturesque falls in Devil's Throat Canyon, we'll brave a mile of rapids before finishing our adventure surrounding San Martin Island. Return with zodiacs to Macuco port and back to the hotel.
Day 5: Return to Buenos Aires (B)
Accommodations: 2 nights rainforest lodge, 2 nights comfortable hotel
Food Includes: All meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); most of our hotels offer free continental breakfast.
Transportation: local flights, vans, boats, your own feet!
Weekly departures - any day of the week.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Single Supplement: US$465
Note: Flights Buenos Aires-Iguazu-Buenos Aires not included. Please add US$520/person (flight cost subject to change).
Personal Budgeting: Allow $80 for meals that are not included.
Pre & Post Tour Accommodations: Buenos Aires: Share US$75 pp, Single US$150
Arrival/Departure Transfers: 1 person US$50 each, 2 or more people US$25 /person
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Argentina
Rainforest
Wildlife Viewing
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