San Ignacio, Misiones

If you ever need to stay the night in San Ignacio, El Descanso is the place for you. It's "no-frills", but the rooms have a private bathroom and they are clean. At AR$20 (US$6.50) a night, it is good value.

Now why have I come to San Ignacio? This part of South America was full of Jesuit missions. This includes Paraguay and Brazil. And these missions gave their name to this Argentinean province, Misiones. The ruins at San Ignacio are said to best preserved. San Ignacio is also on the main highway, Routa 12, up to Iguazú, so it is an easy stop to make on the bus.

The day was rather gloomy, but at least it was not raining. I checked out of El Descanso (they kindly looked after my bags) and headed to the ruins. I did not quite get there at 0700 when they open, but I was there before the crowds. I joined a guided tour (in Spanish), which I struggled to follow as the guide did not speak all that clearly. But, I persevered. When I the tour broke up, I went for a wander on my own. Most of the visitors stuck with the tour and then left, which meant that few explored far off of the main circuit. It felt like I had the place to myself. There is a set of photos of San Ignacio here.


I collected my gear and waited in front of the church on the main street for the next bus to Posadas. Posadas is the capital of the Province of Misiones, and, from the few accounts I have had, it is nothing special.