Another Reason to Visit Iguazu
I am often asked if Iguazu Falls is worth including in an itinerary for a trip to Brazil or Argentina. As I mentioned in an earlier post, it's a tough question. The falls are spectacular and, time permitting, should definitely be considered on any itinerary. The main problem is with access and flight schedules, requiring visitors to spend an unnecessarily large amount of time in the area. There is little else to do, aside from a bird park - a tourist attraction where visitors can see native birds caged up for viewing purposes.
The New York Times this weekend ran an article on the Guaraní Missions in the area, giving travelers another reason to explore this region where Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay meet. Although the Missions have been on a steady decline since the Jesuits were expelled in the 1760s, a rise in tourism in the area combined with the exposure from the 1986 film 'The Mission' has prompted a restoration effort that might make the journey worthwhile. The Brazilian government has even set up 'The Missions Route' in an effort to promote the area.
The article points out that it is difficult to see the area independently due to international restrictions imposed by local car rental agencies and the fact that the Missions are scattered across all three countries. It is recommended to take a bus tour with one of the local agencies. I imagine that if the tourist trail becomes popular enough the car rental agencies will amend their rules, but by then the Missions Route may be overrun by tourists. Either way, it will make for a great extension on a trip to Iguazu Falls.
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