At a Glance
For visitors to Argentinian side of Iguazú Falls, Awasi Iguazú is the only luxury option in the region. Like its sister properties in Chile, it offers intimate seclusion and personalized excursions among one of the world’s most beautiful landscapes.
Indagare Loves
- The excellent food, highlighting seasonal produce
- The customized excursions, from cultural immersion to kayaking
Review
Awasi—the brand behind two of South America’s top hotels, Awasi Atacama and Awasi Patagonia—has replicated its successful formula in a third location: the Argentinean side of the thundering Iguazú Falls. Like the Chilean properties, Awasi Iguazú promises high-touch luxury in a remote locale and personalized excursions through spectacular surroundings—similar to Africa’s top safari lodges, meals and activities are included in the room rates. Located 20 minutes from the legendary waterfalls, the 13-villa lodge is nestled within the Atlantic Rainforest, along the banks of the River Iguazú. What you lose in exclusive early access to the Falls (enjoyed only by guests at the Belmond Las Cataratas on the Brazilian side), you gain in spectacular accommodations. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed at the main lodge, an open-plan building that has ample space for wildlife chats with your private Awasi guide and a comfortable bar that acts as the perfect place for a much-needed drink after a day of adventuring. There is also a dining space, and the hotel’s exquisite gastronomy highlights seasonal produce, including vegetables picked from the kitchen’s own garden.
The 13 thoughtfully designed villas feel like secluded treehouses scattered through the rainforest. Built on stilts, each has a private terrace and plunge pool, as well as a spacious living and sleeping area. Like the main lodge, the décor throughout is inviting and comfortable, with handicrafts from the local indigenous communities. While the property as a whole feels more couple-centric, families with young children are welcome—one master villa has a larger pool and living room with enough space for families or two couples. Due to the spread out location of the villas, there are golf carts available for moving about the property, but those with mobility issues will be best off requesting a villa close to the main lodge.
While the most common reason tourists visit the region is to see the iconic falls, Awasi has done a wonderful job introducing additional activities and excursions to their portfolio of offerings. Each accommodation is assigned a private guide and 4WD that can be used for custom exploration, and with an all-inclusive program, visitors are able to choose between private full-day excursions (six to eight hours long) or two half-day excursions (two to five hours long). A day’s outings might include birdwatching, kayaking, visits to local historic sites, cultural immersion with members of the local indigenous community, excursions deep into the rainforest and, of course, seeing the majestic Falls. There is a plethora of options to choose from, all of which are fully customizable. Visitors must keep in mind, however, that some of the more exciting experiences can be over a two hour drive from the property.Who Should Stay
Couples or families looking for customized adventure and luxe accommodations, who want to stay on the Argentinian side of the Falls
Written by Caroline Hansen
