Yacutinga Lodge
Misiones Forest, Argentina
A jungle lodge immersed in subtropical rainforest near the Iguazú Falls, combining adventure, conservation and insight
30 miles above the spectacular Iguazú Falls, where the river
flows lazily through virgin rainforest, Yacutinga Lodge offers a
unique experience. Sleep in a cosy, rustic cabin deep in
the jungle, and awake to cacophonous birdsong in the canopy high
above. Follow spiralling lianas through layers of fecund plant
life, spot toucans and orchids in the trees, walk on red-earth
paths strewn with a confetti of blossom. Around you flutters a
spectacular array of butterflies, and howler monkeys call
overhead.
Excellent bilingual guides and local Guaraní tribes-men help
make sense of this magnificent chaos, combining scientific
expertise with ancient insights into hunting, fishing and medicinal
plants. Take the wondrous boat trip down river: find caiman
alligators, plant a tree, spot birds from the treetop platform. At
dusk, sit round the fire with a beer, before tucking into a
delicious organic dinner lit by torches. Yacutinga Lodge is the
magical complement to the Iguazú Falls.
Reviewed by Christabelle Dilks
Last updated 23 November 2011
Highs
- This is adventure made comfy: hot showers, "natural" air-con, superb veggie food, even a swimming pool
- Rare chance to see Guaraní people, whose fragile culture is disappearing; owner Charlie and his wife Micki support local schools and projects
- Resident biologists have amazing knowledge of the 400 bird, 500 butterfly and 2000 plant species in Argentina's only subtropical forest
- Just getting there is an adventure: a 2-hour van ride from Puerto Iguacu into the jungle bordering Paraguay and Brazil, followed by a 4x4 truck for the last 15km (30 mins) to the lodge
Lows
- Bear in mind the 3-day package is quite busy, though you can opt out of parts, or stay for longer if you want
- You can't visit the Iguazú Falls directly from here; allow an additional night or two in Puerto Iguazú to visit them
- Not a luxury hotel - quite deliberately - so be prepared to get wet and muddy (and then clean and dry afterwards)
- You need to be mobile and reasonably fit for the walks and boat rides
- It might look expensive, but it includes all food and drinks, superb guided walks and activities which you just couldn't experience anywhere else in Argentina
