Full Day Tour to Jesuit Ruins from Iguazu – San Ignacio, Loreto & Santa Ana

  • Private tour with english guide
  • Full day activity
  • Visit three different jesuit reductions
From USD: 275

Visiting the Jesuit Reductions

Embark on a full-day tour to explore the rich history of the Jesuits in the region, visiting the three most significant Jesuit reductions: San Ignacio, Loreto, and Santa Ana. These historical missions, established in the 17th century in what is now Argentina, played a vital role in the colonization and evangelization of indigenous populations. The tour provides a deep dive into their cultural exchange and historical significance.

This private, guided tour is led by an English-speaking guide, ensuring a personalized and informative experience throughout the day.

Duration:

AM

Cancellation Policy:

72 hs before your tour

Availability:

Every day

Starting Time:

around 8 am

Finishing Time:

around 7 pm

Pick Up and Drop Off:

"From Your Hotel " -

 "At Your Hotel"

Language:

English, Spanish

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Booking:

1

Your journey begins with a pick-up from your hotel to start this private full-day tour, where you will visit three of the most important Jesuit reductions in the area: San Ignacio, Loreto, and Santa Ana.

Ruins of San Ignacio: Founded in 1632 and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Ignacio is located 60 km from Posadas and 237 km from the Iguazú Falls, accessible via National Route 12 and situated in the heart of San Ignacio. Its excellent state of conservation showcases the architectural and urban grandeur of 17th-century American Baroque. At the entrance to the ruins, the Jesuit-Guaraní Interpretation and Recreation Center features nine rooms that narrate the story from the arrival of the first Spaniards to a scale model of the reductions at their peak. Explore the central square, the church, the missionaries’ house, the cemetery, the workshops, warehouses, hospital, town hall, and chapel. Constructed from locally sourced red sandstone in large blocks, the site boasts substantial columns symbolizing the grandeur of Christianity. San Ignacio Mini was built according to the plans used by the Society of Jesus for reductions in other regions. Initially, the indigenous population lived in makeshift camps until completion; however, the design limited spontaneous growth—if a reduction exceeded 6,000 inhabitants, the surplus was relocated to another area experiencing a demographic decline. San Ignacio could accommodate 3,300 individuals.

Ruins of Santa Ana: Located just 45 kilometers from Posadas and 10 kilometers from San Ignacio, this significant architectural remnant was founded in 1637. Nestled amid the province’s typical vegetation, the temple steps and productive structures still stand, offering a glimpse into the life of the 4,400 Guarani who lived there. An Interpretation and Support Center is also available on-site.

Ruins of Loreto: Situated 53 kilometers from Posadas and 6 kilometers from San Ignacio, Loreto was founded in 1632. Though the ruins have deteriorated over time, their historical importance remains, as this site housed the first printing press in America, built by the Jesuits to serve the Guarani community, producing Guarani-Spanish bilingual dictionaries. Notable features include the vestiges of the temple, a sundial, and the Chapel of the Virgin of Loreto. An Interpretation and Support Center also operates in the area.

After approximately 10 hours of exploration, you will return to your hotel.

There's no optionals available for this excursions. Let us know if you need anything on your booking.

If for any reason, you decide to cancel the activity or excursion, the cancellation conditions specified in the product description or in the voucher will be valid.

In the event that the cancellation conditions in the product description do not differ, the provider of tourist services will charge you the following cancellation fees:

  • a. Up to 72 hours before the start of the activity: full refund (again we indicate that in certain specific cases the term may differ from this general policy)
  • b. After 72 hours before the start of the activity: no refund.

Is this tour available on DEC 24, 25, 31 and JAN 1st

Check this information with us.

Is the tour private?

Correct, the tour is entirely in private, including english speaking guides. We also can offer french or german guides, or even italian. Check with us supplement for guide in other language.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 11 hours, from around 8 am to 7 pm.

What should I bring on the tour?

We recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and a bottle of water. It’s also a good idea to bring a camera to capture the beautiful sights.

Is transportation provided?

Yes, transportation is provided from and to your hotel in Iguazu.

How does the booking process work?

After booking and finalizing payment, you will receive a confirmation for your purchase. Then, in less than 24 hours, you will receive the voucher that you can use to take the excursions. If the reservation is for the next day, we will be attentive and send you the voucher before your excursion begins.

What Our Travelers Says

March 24, 2025

PETER HISKEY

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bucketlist trip

"the company worked with us to change flights a few times due to cancellations out of Ushaia. Also our guide was great and very helpful!

March 13, 2025

David Tuturea

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Excellent stress free way to visit the Falls.

"Lucia at RipioTurismo did an excellent job arranging my three day Iguazu falls tour from Buenos Aires. Everything was included, except meals. All transport and tour arrangements were executed very well. It was very easy to communicate with the tour operator before and during my trip.

March 11, 2025

Manjula Vaghjiani

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Fantastic guide and jaw dropping views of Iguazu Falls

"We had a great tour guide - Lorena Cardenal. She was very calm, extremely knowledgeable about every little detail on Iguazú falls, flora and fauna. She and driver picked us up and dropped us at our hotel and border crossing was so easy with them. She let us spent as much time as we wanted and was cognizant of us taking rest whenever we needed. We saw both sides of Iguazu falls with her. Iguazu falls is so fantastic, no word can describe how beautiful it is and both sides have its own unique features, so see both sides as well as boat ride under water falls on Argentina side was awesome! She even made Matte for us to try, which she made and brought it for us next day. She was so gentle and caring about the park being kept clean. I highly recommend her as your private tour guide.

March 12, 2025

Janet webb

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Iguazu Falls in a day from a cruise ship

"Everything went very smoothly. No complaints at all! My guide Jorge was wonderful. I learned so much from him. Be prepared to walk a lot. Be sure to include the boat ride on the Argentina side. It is well worth it, but be prepared to get drenched! If you go to the Brazilian side, don’t think twice about taking the helicopter for -about $125 USD. It will give you a spectacular view even though it is a short ride. ( I didn’t have time to get to the Brazilian side to do it). I understand the hotels are wonderful, so if you go, do two days if you can. Passing all the information on to a travel agent I know to have anyone interested in going to Iguazu Falls to use this company! I flew at 6 am from Buena Aires to Iguazu Falls and flew back at 8:15! It is easily possible to do this Argentina side in a day.

March 11, 2025

Bert

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Jala, our guide as fantastic

"Jala, our guide as fantastic - fun, informative and attententive. The bus driver was great. All went well.

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