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Beyond Iguazu Falls

Posted by James Carter on 01-11-2026

Travel and Fun

Argentina’s Misiones Province is often associated with the spectacular Iguazu Falls, but the region has much more to offer beyond its best-known attraction.

Located in the country’s northeast, Misiones is a landscape of green forests, winding rivers, small communities and distinctive red soil. Travelling beyond the waterfalls gives visitors a chance to enjoy a slower side of the province, where nature, local traditions and outdoor activities shape the experience.

A Rainforest Worth Exploring

Misiones is known for its lush Atlantic rainforest, which once covered much of the region. Today, only around 6% of the original forest remains, making the protection of its remaining natural areas particularly important. The province is roughly the size of Belgium, yet its landscape contains an impressive network of rivers, streams and smaller waterways.

Awasi offers visitors an opportunity to experience this environment beyond the usual tourist routes. The lodge operates 14 private villas near Iguazú National Park, surrounded by subtropical vegetation. Its approach focuses on helping guests appreciate the natural surroundings while supporting efforts to protect the remaining forest.

Misiones Province

Kayaking Along the Yacu-I River

One of the experiences highlighted in the region is kayaking along the Yacu-I River. The water has a distinctive reddish-brown appearance, reflecting the colour of the surrounding earth. The river forms part of a much larger network of waterways that eventually flow towards Iguazú Falls.

The reserve is located just over 60 miles from the famous waterfalls. Reaching the area involves an approximately 90-minute drive along Route 101, a rural dirt road surrounded by forest vegetation. Kayaking offers a peaceful way to appreciate the scenery from the water. Rather than following a crowded sightseeing route, visitors can enjoy a slower journey through the natural surroundings. The experience also provides an opportunity to understand how closely the rivers and forest are connected throughout Misiones.

Understanding Guarani Culture

The Guarani people are an important part of Misiones and have maintained a long-standing relationship with the surrounding rainforest. According to the National Geographic feature, approximately 11,000 Guarani people continue to live in the province, including communities located near the Awasi lodge.

Visitors can arrange special cultural experiences with local guides who introduce them to community life and traditional knowledge. One such experience involves visiting a nearby village with a local guide named Karaí José. During the visit, travellers can learn about everyday activities, local agriculture and the importance of passing cultural knowledge between generations. Families grow crops such as corn, sweet potatoes and cassava, which remain important ingredients in their daily lives.

Another interesting aspect is the traditional understanding of local plants. Certain plants continue to be used for medicinal purposes, showing how knowledge of the surrounding environment remains relevant to community life.

Protecting the Forest Through Local Knowledge

The relationship between the Guarani communities and the rainforest is an important part of the Misiones experience. Their knowledge of the natural environment has developed through generations of living close to the forest. Traditional practices include understanding which natural resources can be used and which areas should remain undisturbed. This knowledge encourages visitors to think about conservation as more than simply protecting beautiful scenery.

Awasi's approach brings tourism and local participation together through guided experiences. Instead of treating the forest as a background attraction, the lodge introduces guests to the people and knowledge connected to the area.

Where to Stay and How Much It Costs

Awasi Iguazú offers 14 private villas surrounded by the Atlantic rainforest. The accommodation provides a comfortable base for visitors who want to combine outdoor experiences with time to relax in a natural setting. A standard villa costs approximately €805 per room per night. The larger Master Villa starts at around €1,521 per room per night.

Misiones offers much more than a visit to Argentina's famous Iguazú Falls. Its remaining rainforest, peaceful waterways and Guarani cultural experiences provide a different reason to spend more time in the province. For those seeking a quieter and more meaningful journey through northeastern Argentina, Misiones deserves a place on the itinerary.