The Gaucho and Guaraní Cultures

Explore the fauna and flora of a private wildlife reserve in the semi-tropical forests of Misiones with the Guaraní indigenous people of Kagui-Pora. The reserve is almost entirely surrounded by the upper Iquazu river – the same river then flows southward through the national parks of Argentina and Brazil, forming a gigantic horseshoe and the famous waterfalls. Then mount up to gallop off with the gauchos of Estancia Santa Cecilia, a cattle ranch that lies in the rolling hills of southern Misiones.

Itinerary

Day 1

You’ll be met by your guide at the small town of Puerto Iguazu. During the the three hour drive to Yacutinga the guide will give you an introduction to the forests of Misiones which you will be driving through. Once you have settled into your rooms there will be a short talk about the lodge and its conservation work.

Night in Yacutinga Lodge

The main house of Yacutinga

Day 2

After breakfast you’ll set off in a kayak down the San Francisco stream.  Gently paddling down these waters is extremely relaxing and the perfect way to spot the local wildlife of Iguazu.

In the evening there will be a trek into the forests to go wildlife watching as the sun goes down.

Night in Yacutinga Lodge

Kayaking down the San Francisco river

Day 3

Morning: nature walk of the Yacutinga’s flora (orchids, bromelias and other epiphytes) and bird-life.

Afternoon: representatives of the Guaraní village of Kagui-Pora will show you how they use the resources of the jungle for their own sustenance –  medicinal plants and traps. You’ll then learn how to make Caburé and Maté, a local cake and a type of tea, which you’ll then eat and drink with the villagers.

Night in Yacutinga Lodge

Guaraní children singing

Day 4

After breakfast, transfer back past Puerto Iguazu driving south along the province of Misiones. You’ll stop for lunch at the ruins of the Jesuit missions, made famous by the epic film The Mission, before reaching the rolling cattle plains of southern Misiones.

Night at Estancia Santa Cecilia

The ruins of the main entrance into the San Iganacio mission.

Day 5

Santa Cecilia’s main house is a grand British colonial design surrounded by a stunning garden dotted with the artwork of one of the owner’s daughters. The estancia’s 8,000 hectares is home to a 5,000 head of Brahma cross cattle and it is an ideal place to get a feel of the genuine gaucho way of life.

The very nature of a farm makes it very difficult to predict what the gauchos will be doing on any given day. However, whether it is moving the cattle between pastures, branding, castrating, vaccinating or any of the other numerous activities you will be able to be work alongside the gauchos (though it is of course not compulsory).

Night at Estancia Santa Cecilia

Gauchos herding the cattle between pastures

Day 6

Final day on the Estancia

Night at Estancia Santa Cecilia

Working with the gauchos in the corrals.

Day 7 

Transfer to Posadas, provincial capital of Misiones.

End of trip

Price

• Price includes – All food & beverages (excluding alcoholic drinks). All transfers mentioned in the itinerary. All accommodation: standard double rooms – please enquire if you require single accommodation. All activities mentioned in the itinerary. All local tax and most bank charges.
• Price does not include  – International flights to Argentina. Transport to Misiones. Bank charges, depending on method of payment. Personal medical insurance (compulsory). Any visa fees and extras such as tips, laundry etc.

Prices are quoted in US dollars. 

Notes

• As well as the above program we can organise trips in Yacutinga based around butterfly or bird watching as well as trips for families or team building expeditions for companies.
• Yacutinga does not accept children younger the six years old. Please enquire if you have children younger than ten as depending on the time of the year the lodge may have other restrictions.
• The horse riding in Estancia Santa Cecilia can be adapted to the level you need.

This program is an example of one of many programs we organize round Argentina. All our trips are tailor-made and we can adapt all our programs to your specific needs. And, if you would like help organizing transport, accommodation or any other activity in any other part of the country we would be very happy to help.