Refugio TingazúThings to do in Misiones beyond Iguazú Falls
Beyond Iguazú Falls, Misiones offers walks through the Atlantic Forest, swimming in streams and waterfalls, caves, birdwatching and Mbya Guaraní culture. Much of it lies in the centre of the province, on National Route 12, about 2 hours from Puerto Iguazú.
Most travellers come for the falls and leave without seeing the rest. Adding two or three days in central Misiones lets you see the forest from the inside, the red earth and the small towns along the road.
Places to visit near El Alcázar
These are Déborah's recommendations, with approximate driving time from Refugio Tingazú:
- Paranay bridge on Route 12: 15 min
- Mbya Guaraní community and forest trail: 15 min
- Paraná River forest shore and Paranay Fishing Club: 15 min
- Old bridge over the Paranay stream: 15 min
- Paranay stream and its waterfalls: 20 min
- Gruta India: 30 min
- Salto Orquídeas: 30 min (difficult)
- Cueva del Yaguareté: 40 min
- Monte Seguín Municipal Nature Park: 40 min
- Cueva Miní: 50 min
- Piedras Blancas campsite and waterfall: 50 min
- Salto Encantado Provincial Park: 50 min
- Salto Alegre: 1 h
- Cruce Caballero Provincial Park: 1 h 50 min
- Urugua-í Provincial Park: 2 h
- Moconá Provincial Park: 2 h 30 min
Guided experiences
Guided outings can be arranged from the refuge: the Paranay stream, Cueva del Yaguareté and Gruta India in one day, a farm-and-waterfalls day, a visit to the Perutí Paranay Mbya Guaraní community, birdwatching in Urugua-í Provincial Park or a birding safari by vehicle.
How many days to add
We recommend at least two or three nights in the forest on top of your days at the falls. That leaves time for one big outing, an afternoon at a stream and an early morning of birding.
Stay in the forest
Refugio Tingazú is a private wildlife reserve with a single wooden cabin for 3 people in El Alcázar, Misiones, about 2 hours from Iguazú Falls.
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Is Misiones worth it beyond Iguazú Falls?
Yes. The falls alone are worth the trip, but Misiones also has rainforest, streams, waterfalls, caves, birds and Mbya Guaraní culture. Two or three extra days show a different side of the province.
What is there to do in El Alcázar, Misiones?
The Paranay stream and its waterfalls, the Paraná River shore, Gruta India, Salto Orquídeas, Cueva del Yaguareté, the Perutí Paranay Mbya Guaraní community and birdwatching.
How far is El Alcázar from Iguazú Falls?
About a two-hour drive along National Route 12.