Urugua-í Provincial Park and Andresito

Misiones

One of the most beautiful and picturesque regions in Misiones, located in Andresito, almost on the border with Brazil. Nature reserves invite ecotourism, especially bird watching.

It can be visited all year round. January and February are very hot.

What to see

Urugua-í Provincial Park

This is the largest protected area in Misiones. From the Uruzú Park Ranger Station, on Provincial Route 19, several trails flow out into the forest, leading you to its heart.

There are good chances of seeing tapirs (the largest mammals in the forest) and black-fronted piping guans (an emblem of the region). A must for bird lovers.

You can visit this place for the day or go camping. It has a service area and toilet facilities.

The “peninsulas” of the Iguazú River

To the north of Andresito, in an area known as “the peninsulas” of the Iguazú River, there are several private reserves and lodges that offer accommodation in the middle of the jungle and activities such as kayaking on the Iguazú River, hiking, bike tours and bird and wildlife watching, whilst surrounded by a landscape that combines rainforest and settlers’ farms.

Urugua-í – Foerster Biological Corridor

To the south of Andresito, National Route 101 (asphalt-paved in this section) leads to the Urugua-í – Foerster Biological Corridor, an area where several private nature reserves (which offer accommodation and activities) converge at Urugua-í Provincial Park through an “aerial wildlife walkway”: a large rainforest bridge above the road that animals use to go from one side to the other without the risk of being run over.

The not-so-well-known side of Iguazú National Park

An alternative way to discover Iguazú National Park from Andresito is to head west along National Route 101 to the entrance to the park. At this point, the asphalt ends and a 40 km red-dirt scenic road leads to Puerto Iguazú and the Falls through the rainforest.

How to get there and move around

Andresito is located at the northeastern end of Misiones, on Provincial Route 19. It can be reached from Iguazú, along National Route 101 (40 km of dirt road and 30 of asphalt-paved road). National Route 12 and Provincial Route 19 also lead to Andresito, through the city of Wanda and Urugua-í Provincial Park.

From Andresito, the “penínsulas” reserves can be reached by dirt roads (in case of rain, a 4x4 vehicle is required). The wildlife walkway and the Urugua-í – Foerster Corridor reserves are located to the south of Andresito, on National Route 101 (asphalt).