Gran Chaco, Jesuit Missions & Iguazu Falls Tour

From the Mennonite settlements of the Chaco to the southern Jesuit missions, then north through Argentina to Iguazu Falls.

An in-depth, long-distance itinerary. Head north first into the Gran Chaco to explore Mennonite towns, salt lakes, and Chaco War historical sites. Then, travel south to visit three Jesuit missions in Paraguay and San Ignacio Miní in Argentina, before concluding at the falls. This fully chartered road trip involves several long driving days, making it ideal for travelers who have already seen the main highlights and want to delve into Paraguay's history and wilderness.

The Chaco is extremely hot from Oct–Mar, with temperatures exceeding 40°C; May–Sep is the best time to see flamingos at the salt lakes.

Day by day

Day 1 · Arrive in Asunción & Explore the Old Town

Asunción（Casa de la Independencia、National Pantheon of the Heroes、Asunción Metropolitan Cathedral、Palacio de los López）

Take a transfer from the airport to the historic center (about 30 minutes). Enjoy a guided walking tour of the old town's core in the afternoon.

Stay: Historic Centre

Day 2 · Golden Circuit Lakeside Towns

Asunción（Basilica of Our Lady of Caacupé、Lake Ypacaraí (San Bernardino)、Areguá）

Take a chartered ride east to Caacupé, then follow Lake Ypacaraí through San Bernardino and Areguá before returning to the city (about 6 hours total).

Stay: Historic Centre

Day 3 · Cross the Chaco to Filadelfia

Filadelfia

Depart early, cross the Remanso Bridge, and drive northwest along the Trans-Chaco Highway (PY09) for about 470 km (about 7 hours including rest stops).

There are very few supply points along the route; fill up your tank and stock up on water and cash before departing.

Stay: Filadelfia

Day 4 · Mennonite Museums & Fortín Boquerón

Fortín Boquerón

Visit the museums in Filadelfia in the morning, then drive about 60 km south to Fortín Boquerón in the afternoon, returning the same day.

Museum visits require advance booking; most shops are closed on Sundays and during lunchtime.

Stay: Filadelfia

Day 5 · Loma Plata & Laguna Campo María

Loma Plata

Drive about 30 km east to Loma Plata, then take a chartered 4WD along 65 km of dirt roads to Campo María, making it a full-day round trip.

The salt lakes are accessed via dirt roads which can become impassable after rain; arrange your visit through the local cooperative's tourism office.

Stay: Filadelfia

Day 6 · Return to Asunción via the Trans-Chaco Highway

Asunción（Costanera de Asunción）

Drive back along the Trans-Chaco Highway for about 470 km (about 7 hours including rest stops). Stroll along the Costanera in Asunción in the evening.

Stay: Historic Centre

Day 7 · South to Encarnación via Yaguarón

Asunción（Church of San Buenaventura, Yaguarón） → Encarnación（Costanera de Encarnación）

Drive south along PY01 for about 370 km, stopping at the Yaguarón Church along the way (about 6–7 hours including stops).

Stay: Costanera and San José Beach

Day 8 · Trinidad & Jesús de Tavarangue Ruins

Encarnación（Jesuit Mission of La Santísima Trinidad de Paraná、Jesuit Mission of Jesús de Tavarangue）

Take a chartered ride northeast for about 45 minutes to Trinidad, then continue 12 km to Jesús de Tavarangue, returning to Encarnación in the afternoon.

The entry ticket is valid for 3 days across three sites; the schedule for the Trinidad night show changes frequently, so confirm locally.

Stay: Costanera and San José Beach

Day 9 · San Cosme y Damián Mission & Dunes

Encarnación（San Cosme y Damián Jesuit Mission、Playa San José）

Take a chartered ride west for about 90 km to San Cosme y Damián (about 3–4 hours round trip), and return to the city to visit San José Beach in the evening.

Stay: Costanera and San José Beach

Day 10 · Cross into Argentina and Head North to Iguazú

Encarnación（Santa Ana Jesuit Mission Ruins、San Ignacio Miní） → Iguazu Falls（La Feirinha (Puerto Iguazú)）

Cross the bridge to Posadas, then drive via Santa Ana and San Ignacio Miní to Puerto Iguazú (about 5–6 hours plus border crossing time).

Confirm Argentina's entry requirements in advance; immigration procedures must be completed at the border.

Stay: Puerto Iguazú

Day 11 · Full Day on the Argentine Side of the Falls

Iguazu Falls（Upper Circuit / Lower Circuit、Devil's Throat (Garganta del Diablo)）

Drive from Puerto Iguazú to the National Park (about 30 minutes). Explore the park on foot and via the ecological train (about 6 hours).

The Devil's Throat trail has been closed since August 2026 with no reopening date set; check the official website first.

Stay: Puerto Iguazú

Day 12 · Brazilian Side of the Falls & Bird Park

Iguazu Falls（Brazilian Side Panoramic Trail (Trilha das Cataratas)、Parque das Aves (Bird Park)）

Take a chartered transfer across the border to Brazil (about 1 hour including border crossing). Walk the panoramic trail, visit the Bird Park, and return to Puerto Iguazú.

Confirm Brazil's entry requirements before crossing, and check the status of the walkways.

Stay: Puerto Iguazú

Day 13 · Three Borders Landmark & Departure

Iguazu Falls（Triple Frontier Landmark (Marco das Três Fronteiras)）

Visit the Three Borders Landmark in the morning to see the river confluence, then cross the border to Foz do Iguaçu Airport (about 1 hour plus border crossing time).

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