| > | | | | Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Ignacio |
| Wanda Stone Mines and San Ignacio Ruins near | | | | Mini was one of the missions founded by the Jesuits |
| Iguazu Falls, an Argentina travel destination, explained | | | | that came to South America during the Spanish |
| by a Latin America travel expert at Latin America For | | | | colonial time period. It was constructed in 1610 by two |
| Less With Iguazu Falls being one of the most | | | | priests named Jose Cataldino and Simon Maceta in a |
| spectacular natural sites in the world, it is a likely | | | | region known as Guayra by the locals. |
| destination on any Argentina and Brazil travel itinerary. | | | | The mission grew and by the 18th century there were |
| The falls can be visited from both countries and it is | | | | a few thousand people living there. In 1767 the |
| recommended that you take two days just to see the | | | | Suppression of the Society of Jesus, generally forced |
| falls in order to appreciate the unique perspectives | | | | the Jesuits out of the mission and in 1817 it was |
| offered from each side. Once you’ve seen the | | | | destroyed along with many missions in the area. The |
| falls, you may want to consider seeing some other | | | | ruins, however are very well preserved and a |
| sites in the area before moving on to your next South | | | | spectacular destination on your Argentina vacation. |
| America travel destination. There are many options of | | | | The restoration began in 1940 and the church is |
| exciting things to do in the area, one of which is a visit | | | | probably the most spectacular building on the site |
| to the San Ignacio Ruins and Wanda Mines. | | | | because of its size and the fact that it was built with |
| The remains of a Jesuit Mission and San Ignacio Mini | | | | red sandstone. It received its World Heritage |
| are located 140 miles from Iguazu Falls. The Wanda | | | | declaration in 1984 and there is a museum called the |
| Stone Mine is on the way to the falls so your tour will | | | | Museo Jesuitico de San Ignacio Mini museum. It is not |
| stop there first. The stones are formed underneath a | | | | the only ruins in the region worth visiting. There are also |
| hard basalt rock which is the basis of the entire region | | | | Reduccion de Santa Ana, Santa Maria La Mayor and |
| of Misiones. On a tour of the mines you can really | | | | Nuestra Senora de Loreto. |
| enjoy semi-precious stones in their raw, uncut form. | | | | Your tour to the ruins will have a professional English |
| You will also learn how they are cut and made into | | | | speaking guide who will explain the details of this |
| beautiful jewels and decorative pieces. | | | | well-preserved beautiful area. You will be brought back |
| Continuing along on your bus after the exciting tour of | | | | by bus to your Iguazu hotel in late afternoon. |
| the stone mines, you will arrive at San Ignacio Ruins. | | | | |