Rating: Deluxe
Awasi Iguazu is a Relais & Chateaux property set in the Misiones jungle, a short drive from the famous Iguazu Falls. You have your own guide and 4x4 vehicle for your entire stay, enabling you to spend days exploring at your own pace, and taking part in specially chosen activities, exactly as you wish.
There are 14 guest villas, each with a spacious bedroom, en-suite bathroom with bath and separate shower plus an outdoor shower, and a sitting area with a coffee machine and minibar. This leads out to a deck with a plunge pool and loungers. Each villa is surrounded by lush jungle, ensuring privacy. One of the villas has 2 en-suite bedrooms and is ideal for families or 2 couples travelling together.
Days can be as busy as you like with full day, morning and afternoon activities available. Iguazu Falls are a must, and you can visit both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides of the falls to witness their power. There's much more available, such as kayaking on the Parana River, watching wildlife in the rainforest, and visiting the impressive ruins of 3 historic Jesuit missions which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Between times you can unwind at the lodge. The main areas include a lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows perfect for taking in the views as you socialise with other guests, a bar and the restaurant where you are treated to superb quality and beautifully presented cuisine.
Open: Awasi Iguazu is open from April to February each year.
Location: Awasi is in the Misiones jungle, a 15 minute drive from Iguazu Falls, on the Argentinian side. The lodge is a 20 minute drive from Cataratas del Iguazu airport in Argentina, and 35 minutes from Foz do Iguazu airport in Brazil. Return transfers are included from and to these airports.
Rooms: There are 14 guest villas comprising 13 standard villas and 1 master villa. Standard villas cover 100sqm and have a bedroom, en-suite bathroom with a supply of toiletries, hairdryer, bathrobes and slippers, lounge and coffee area, and terrace with plunge pool, outdoor shower and sun loungers. The master villa occupies 150sqm and has 2 bedrooms and a larger plunge pool. All are air conditioned. Villas are linked to the main lodge by stone pathways.
Activities: A private guide with a 4x4 vehicle is allocated to each villa and works with you to create your own itinerary. Excursions are arranged to Iguazu Falls and in the surrounding area which includes the Atlantic Rainforest, where you can go bird watching and kayaking, spend time with the local Guarani tribes people and visit Jesuit mission ruins from the 17th and 18th centuries. Full and half day trips are offered. Guides are trained in natural history, archaeology, history and first aid. Excursions are included in your stay.
Facilities: The main lodge is made up of the restaurant, bar and lounge. Dining: Meals are of a very high standard and are created with fresh local produce. All meals and drinks are included in your stay.
Children: Children aged 10 years and over are welcome. The master villa is suitable for families.
Health: Iguazu Falls is not a malarial area.
Communication: There is Wi-Fi internet access in the main lodge, though this can be a little slow. Mobile phone signals can be unreliable at times.
Notes: Awasi Iguazu is a member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux collection.