Yacutinga Lodge

Overview

Description

Yacutinga Lodge is situated on the upper Iguazú River, just 53 miles (85 km) from the falls. The area preserves and protects a wealth of biodiversity, including some endangered species, where you can enjoy sustainable ecotourism activities that are distinct from the mass tourism activities that are common in the Iguazú Falls region.

The establishment started its activities in January 2000. The lodge was built by hand, learning from the local people and adapting itself daily to the characteristics of the Misiones Forest. The infrastructure blends in with its surroundings, providing a space for true harmony with nature.

Since its inception, the lodge has appeared in numerous magazines, books, and international catalogs about tourism in Argentina, positioning the Argentine jungle as an ecotourism destination in the international market.

Rooms

Six double rooms, 14 doubles or triples, and one special, recently built room we call “Yateí,” which is surrounded by thick vegetation and shaded by giant trees. This room caters to adventurous, sophisticated honeymooning couples.

All rooms have breathtaking views of the forest where it is common to see various kinds of birds (including hummingbirds) as well as agoutis, armadillos, and large concentrations of butterflies.

Making a Difference

Number of employees: 16

Percentage of local employees: 75%

• Since the beginning of its activities, Yacutinga Lodge has understood the close relationship between environmental conservation, social responsibility, and the development of responsible, low impact tourism in the perpetuation of natural and cultural resources. In 2004 and 2005, the lodge was selected by the World Tourism Organization (WTO) as a case study due to the low impact environmental/tourism management it developed at the site.
• We created the Yacutinga Private Wildlife Refuge where we have conducted various biological studies and inventories of flora and fauna to improve its management and conservation. We have also planted more than 30,000 native trees to provide shade and protection.
• We opened a trail for the lodges of the Misiones Forest, an unprecedented conservation project in our country.
• We make various efforts to engage the neighboring Guarani community (Kagui Porá) in our ecotourism project.
• Our excursions are based on very low impact sustainable activities (one environmentalist guide and 12 people maximum are allowed per trail per day), including interpretive hikes and boat tours.

Visit our website for detailed information about Yacutinga Lodge’s sustainability efforts.

Getting There

Nearest international airport: Cataratas Iguazú (IGR)

Nearest local/national airport: Foz do Iguaçu (IGU)

Travel time to nearest airport: 2.5 hours

We do not accept travelers who arrive at the lodge in their own vehicles due to safety considerations, since the slick clay roads can be difficult to navigate. We offer a transportation service that begins and ends at the meeting point called Raíces Argentinas, located at the entrance to Puerto Iguazú on Route 12 and Ave. J, Domingo Perón, only 20 minutes from Iguazú.

Additional Information

Awards or Recognitions

TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2013

Date This Information Was Provided

October 2013.

Photos courtesy of Yacutinga Lodge, Argentina, for SustainableTrip.org.