Epic Adventure to Iguazu Falls with Friends

A Day of Discovery
Today was a day of contrasts, from the immersive wilderness to the comforting flavors of Italy. It's amazing how a single day can hold such diverse experiences, leaving you with a sense of both exhilaration and contentment. It’s days like these that make traveling with friends so special, sharing laughter and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Our day started with a hearty breakfast at Bona - Gastronomia Italiana. It might seem odd to start an Argentinian adventure with Italian food, but the reviews were too good to pass up. Plus, I'm always up for a good plate of pasta, no matter where I am in the world. Isabel Salvatti and Iti Rafagnin, from traditionally gastronomic families in Foz do Iguaçu, opened the restaurant three years ago after a trip to Italy inspired them to bring the flavors back home. The restaurant aims to deliver a fusion of Italian and Brazilian cuisine, crafted by International Chef Salvatore, using secret family recipes.

The restaurant was indeed sensational, delivering an extraordinary Fusion Italian/Brazil dining experience. It really is an amazing piece of Italy in Brazil, mixing both one has a perfect cosine. The staff were friendly and efficient, making sure we had everything we needed to start our day off right. I opted for a classic carbonara, while others went for the osso buco. We were not disappointed. The pasta was cooked to perfection, the sauce was rich and creamy, and the portions were generous. It was the perfect fuel for a day of exploring. It reminded me of Emily’s fantastic pasta dishes back home, though I dared not say it out loud!

With our bellies full, we headed to the Visitor Center Station at Iguazu Falls National Park. The park is open every day of the year, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. I always find visitor centers helpful for getting oriented and learning about the area's history and ecology. We grabbed a map and spoke with a ranger who gave us some tips on the best trails to hike. It’s worth noting that the entrance fee for non-residents is around AR$ 45,000. It’s a good idea to buy tickets in advance online to avoid queues.


Begin your adventure at the Visitor Center Station, your gateway to the breathtaking Iguaçu Falls and unforgettable natural beauty.

From there, we ventured into the Reserva Selva Iryapú, a protected area of Paranaense forest. This reserve connects with the National Park and is near several Guarani communities. The name Iryapú comes from a local village and means noise of water. We embarked on a hike, eager to immerse ourselves in the jungle's embrace. The trails wind through a diverse ecosystem, showcasing towering trees, vibrant flora, and the possibility of encountering local wildlife. This area offers horseback riding and cultural tours.


Discover the natural beauty and indigenous culture of Argentina's Misiones rainforest at Reserva Selva Iryapú.

We spent hours exploring the reserve, marveling at the towering trees like palo rosa, guatambu, and cedars. We also saw strangler figs, various palm trees, ferns, orchids, and fruit trees. The Mbya-Guaraní people have inhabited this territory for countless years, and we learned about their customs and traditions. The hike itself was relatively easy, about 4 kilometers in total, making it accessible for everyone in our group.

One of the highlights was learning about the native Mbya-Guaraní traditions. This trek gave us a chance to connect with nature and learn about the indigenous culture of the area. The reserve spans about 600 hectares and is home to four Guarani communities. As we walked, we kept an eye out for local wildlife, hoping to spot coatis, weasels, monkeys, honey bears, short-tailed opossums, and snakes. While we didn't see any of those specific animals, we did see a variety of birds and insects, which was still fascinating. The reserve offers guided walks to see the nocturnal animals.

Sometimes, the greatest adventures are found not in conquering peaks, but in quietly observing the intricate tapestry of life that unfolds in the hidden corners of the world.

After our jungle adventure, we were ready for a late lunch. We headed to Patanegra Gourmet Iguazú, enticed by the promise of Argentinian cuisine. The restaurant is known for its steaks, empanadas, and Argentinian dishes. It has a cozy atmosphere and is known for good service. Some reviewers praise the good music and ambiance.


Experience the best of Argentine cuisine at Patanegra Gourmet Iguazú, where local flavors meet gourmet dining in a cozy atmosphere.

I opted for a classic steak, while others in the group tried the empanadas and pasta. The steak was cooked perfectly. The service was attentive, and the ambiance was warm and inviting. It was the perfect way to refuel after our hike. We shared a bottle of Argentinian Malbec, which complemented the meal perfectly. The prices were reasonable, and we left feeling satisfied and ready for the evening.

As the sun began to set, we made our way to Cerveza Patagonia - Refugio Iguazú for a well-deserved beer. This bar is known for its hamburgers, steaks, and beer. It offers a great location and sometimes has live music. Some reviews mention the staff is appealing. It’s the perfect spot to relax and unwind after a day of exploring.


Experience the vibrant atmosphere and artisanal craft beers at Cerveza Patagonia in Puerto Iguazú, a true gem for beer lovers.

Cerveza Patagonia is originally from Bariloche and is an artisanal beer produced with hops grown on their own farm. They have different styles to suit all tastes. The bar had a great vibe, with both locals and tourists enjoying the evening. I sampled a couple of their beers, opting for a classic IPA and a refreshing lager. Both were excellent, and I especially enjoyed the IPA's hoppy flavor. Some reviewers note that the beers can be a bit malty for IPAs.

We shared stories, laughed, and reminisced about our adventures so far. The bar also serves food, so we ordered some snacks to share, including empanadas and fries. The food was tasty, and the portions were generous. It was the perfect way to end a day of exploring. I was particularly intrigued by the brewing process, given my own attempts to brew beer back in Halifax, and made a mental note to perhaps try brewing something inspired by Patagonia when I got home. The evening was complete with live music, adding to the already vibrant atmosphere.

For dinner, we decided to try Benjamin Gastronomia. We were ready for a delicious meal. I had heard good things about this place, and it seemed like the perfect way to end our day. It was a cozy spot. The service was friendly, and the menu looked promising. I decided to try one of the local specialties, while others in the group opted for pasta and meat dishes. Everyone enjoyed their meals, and we left feeling satisfied and content. I made a mental note to try and recreate some of the dishes when I got back home, inspired by the flavors of Argentina. It was a perfect end to a day filled with exploration and culinary delights.


Experience the rich flavors of Brazil at Benjamin Gastronomia in Foz do Iguaçu—where local ingredients meet global cuisine.

As we headed back to our campsite, we reflected on the day's adventures. From the lush trails of Reserva Selva Iryapú to the delicious flavors of Bona - Gastronomia Italiana and Patanegra Gourmet Iguazú, it had been a day of contrasts and discoveries. We shared stories, laughed, and made plans for tomorrow, eager to see what new adventures awaited us. Tomorrow, we're planning to visit Iguazu Falls and Salto Santa Maria, and perhaps check out Leblond Iguazú at night. I'm particularly excited to see the falls up close and personal, and hopefully capture some stunning photos. I'm also looking forward to trying some more local cuisine, and perhaps even learning a few new recipes to bring back home.

As I drifted off to sleep, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to experience such incredible places with such amazing friends. It's moments like these that make life so rich and rewarding, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.