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San Ignacio Ruins Plus Wanda Mines Full-Day from Puerto Iguazú
3.7
26 Ratings
Puerto Iguazu
Discover the captivating San Ignacio Ruins, the best-preserved Jesuit Mission in Argentina, and explore the stunning Wanda Mines, home to precious stones and turquoise. Book your full-day tour now!
Duration:
12 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Puerto Iguazu - This tour starts at Puerto Iguazu
-
Ruinas de San Ignacio - We will drive 230 kilometers till we arrive to the city where the ruins are located.
In 1984, the Jesuit Missions of San Ignacio Miní, along with Nuestra Señora de Loreto, Santa Ana and Santa María la Mayor (located in Argentina) were declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO. San Ignacio City is a tourist destination with breathtaking landscapes such as the Teyú Cuaré State Park reserve, the Yabebirí river and other natural beauties spread throughout the region. The city is surrounded by native flora in each corner.
The ruins we are going to visit was designed by the Jesuits and built by the guaranies. The building was finish in 1610 and used for 400 years. Later it was covered by the jungle and last century was discovered and re-builded by a group of scientists.
- Wanda Mines - Inside the Wanda Mines agates, jasper, original topaz, among other varieties can be observed and purchased by tourists who come to visit this exciting place. The stones extracted from the mines are turned into gems and used for jewelry making. In line with this and the legend, this place of great tourist importance is named after a Polish princess who was very fond of the beauty of the stones that are generated there.
- Puerto Iguazu - At the end of the day we will return to the hotel in Puerto Iguazu where the tour ends.
What's Included
- Professional guide
- Round-trip shared transfer
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
What's Not Included
- Entrance Fees
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
Additional Information
San Ignacio Miní stands as the best preserved Jesuit Mission of the 16th and 17th centuries throughout the Argentine territory. Around the main square, you find the Church, the “Casa de los Padres”, the cemetery, the houses and town hall. Native stones and large pieces of red sandstone were used to build San Ignacio city. The Wanda Mines is a great place especially known for its deposits of precious stones, turquoise, amethyst and rock crystal. Since 1976 they have become a tour for all those who come to these distances known as the Jungle region.
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
- Each traveler is allowed a maximum of 1 suitcase and 1 carry-on bag. Oversized or excessive luggage (e.g. surfboards, golf clubs or bikes) may have certain restrictions, please inquire with the operator prior to travel to confirm if your excess luggage is acceptable
- The tour is conducted in Spanish. Only a brief explanation will be given in English at strategic stops.
Location
Puerto Iguazu
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
3.7
(26 Ratings)
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Larirfv
May 21, 2024
Great experience - It's worth it if you want to learn a little about the Jesuit missions and the past of the Guarani people. It's a very beautiful view, where we are immersed in the past.
Wanda's mines are enchanting and the guide is extremely attentive, full of knowledge on the subject.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Laurobittencourt
Apr 29, 2024
Tiring tour, but very interesting. - Great tour... just a little tiring (departure at 8 hours and return at 8:30 pm), we left the agreed meeting point, as the company is in Puerto Iguaçu they don't come to Foz to pick us up so we need to leave our hotel and going to Puerto Iguaçu, crossing the border as it was very early, was quick.
They came in a new minibus with a well-spoken driver (Spanish only) who explained the characteristics of the region.
We stopped at the Wanda Mine...a very interesting place that shows how rock crystals are explored.
The journey to San Ignacio is long, but the road is good without potholes.
The place preserves what's left of the Jesuit mission... there's a guide (only in Spanish) who explains the history, a shame it rained right at the time, but it doesn't take away from the place.
On the way back, another long stop at a mate exploration cooperative....which I thought was unnecessary, as I was already tired, but for them (Argentines) it is an important culture.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
909jacintap
Mar 13, 2024
Two places worth knowing! - I traveled with my family last year to Iguazu and this excursion seemed like a must. And he was right! It was wonderful to learn about the history of the Jesuits in the country, and see all the heritage they left behind.
The Wanda mines, for their part, are not far behind. They are very beautiful and transmit a beautiful energy. All very beautiful!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Soniaq503
Oct 10, 2023
When nature and history come together - Excellent excursion! It really lasts all day but it's worth it. First we visit the Wanda mine and then the ruins of the Jesuit mission of San Ignacio.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Delaney_d
Apr 14, 2024
Started Rough, Ended Beautiful - So, I was forgotten twice. HOWEVER, the company did a great job at sending someone to make me feel excited about the tour. They sent a man named Nicholas, whom I hesitated about since I was a solo 20-year-old girl. Nicholas was absolutely wonderful! He truly made my trip so wonderful and showed me so much kindness, despite me being nervous and upset about the initial chaos. Once reconnected with the group, everything went smoothly. Juan, the tour guide, was very kind and made sure that I understood what was going on, since my native language is English and everything was in Spanish. Despite being alone, young, and a woman in a foreign country, I felt comfortable and cared for by the tour guides, the company, and Nicholas, who retrieved me after being forgotten. I would absolutely go on this tour again.
Review provided by Viator
Dena_k
Nov 12, 2023
Long day but worth it! - The Mines and Ruins were amazing. I met some great people. IT'S a long day so be ready for that. Bring water and sna ks. Driver does not speak english, and i was told he did. Guides at sites spoke english so it worked out
Review provided by Viator
Sazzlebobs
May 15, 2024
Too long - This tour was way too long - it actually covers pretty much the length of Missiones province in 1 day. In my opinion the mines are not worthwhile (it’s mainly a shop) and would be better if concentrated just on the ruins which are genuinely interesting.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Danielasm8015is
Nov 23, 2023
bad service - The driver really seemed like he was taking us for free, the truth is he seemed like a scam to me, and another thing if it rains like a flood that type of excursion has to be cancelled, I stop to get soaked and only travel by van, I really don't recommend this service.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
490keithg
Feb 7, 2024
Book with another tour operator - I cannot review this tour because the tour company did not take us. We paid in advance, but there were several communication problems arranging our pickup. We were left searching for a non-existent address at 0630, only to discover that the employee responsible for arranging our excursion works 9-5. The “emergency contact” did not respond, so we were not picked up as promised. Now this company refuses our refund (despite admitting their numerous errors in arranging)
We would strongly suggest another tour company if you want to actually visit this location.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bearhunter888
Nov 30, 2023
Not a pleasant tour - This is the worst tour I ever had. Booked a tour in English but ended up with all Spanish tourists. The driver spoke only Spanish on the bus which was ok to us. The worst part was whenever he dropped us, he didn't even bother to talk to us, even told us where we were, what we were going to do there, how long we would be there. We had joined many other tours in languages other than English, at least the driver would tell you how long you would be there and what you are going to do. If you speak Spanish, it maybe ok but certainly not for English speaker. The time management was bad too. We went to the Wanda Mine and was told to leave 2:30 but ended up leaving. Pick up was scheduled 7:45 but only picked up 8:05. The tour started 8am for us and we returned back to home 9pm. When you considered there's only two sites to visit, the mine and the ruin, it does not seems to worth the time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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