Argentina Travel Planet

Misiones

Misiones, Argentina

Misiones is the northeastern most province of Argentina, and, while small, it is one of the richest in terms of natural beauty and sights. Brazil loops around its northern, eastern and southern sides, and Paraguay is to the west.

Originally, this province was inhabited by the Guaraní, who still have an influence on the culture there today. In the 1600s, many Jesuit Reductions were built by Jesuit missionaries, who sought to organize the indigenous populations in order to educate them, among other things. By the end of the 18^th century, the Reductions had mostly been stopped by Portuguese leaders, leaving the Guanaries to work as slaves on local plantations. In the 1800s, the province was fought over by Argentina and Paraguay, but Argentina eventually gained control.

Today, there are nearly 1,000,000 people living in Misiones, most of whom are of European or other origin, and whose families originally immigrated through Brazil, rather than through Buenos Aires.

The climate is subtropical, with very little in the way of actual seasons. Instead, it rains nearly all year, which has been taken advantage of for farming and ranching. In fact, Misiones’ largest source of income is the production of yerba mate, the unique loose-leaf tea drunk widely throughout Argentina.

The original landscape has been preserved in some select areas of the province, such as Iguazú National Park.

Iguazú Falls, a series of over 250 waterfalls at the border of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, is the biggest tourist attraction in the province, and is considered one of the top places to see not only in Argentina, but in all of South America. It is a breathtaking display of nature’s wonder, fed by the Iguazú River. The nearby city of Puerto Iguazú has plenty of infrastructure to accommodate the thousands of local and international tourists that flock each year to see the majestic falls. To read more about Iguazú Falls, visit this Argentina Travel Guide.

There are several other waterfalls to see throughout the province, such as the Saltos del Moconá, which features a 3-kilometer long waterfall, almost falling sideways rather than down. The area surrounding the Moconá falls is considered a Provincial Park, including the Reserva de Biosfera Yabotí. Here, you can go rafting, enjoy motorboat rides, kayak, and go out in wooden canoes on the Uruguay River. There are a number of other adventure sports offered here, as well.

In addition, there are mines, wildlife, Jesuit ruins and archeological sites to see in this small province. In short, there is no opportunity for boredom here.

The city of Posadas is the capital of the province, and it also offers a variety of cultural activities and sights. It is located on the Paraná River, and acts as the center of communications for the entire region. The Guaraní culture continues to grow here, and maintain old traditions, as well, although it is as much for tourist reasons as for personal cultural reasons.

Misiones may be tucked into the northern corner of the country, but it is well worth the trek to see the incredible landscapes and experience the diverse culture.