Another relaxing day in the province of Misiones. We had to resort to a new plan today, as we had planned a visit to the Ibera National Reserve, but the recent fires had closed access to it. Alternatively, we opted to visit the Santa Ana cross and its theme park, as well as the Jesuit ruins of San Ignacio, declared a world heritage site by UNESCO.
Yesterday’s rain storm and high winds severed power at the cross, a mammoth monument, 500 feet high, set on a mountain top. We were hoping to be able to go to the top, where we are told you can enjoy a spectacular view, but because of the power outage, the elevators were not functioning, and we were limited to accessing only the fourth floor, from where the tall trees obstructed much of the view.
All activities in the surrounding park, including restaurant service, were closed, although we did enjoy a butterfly biosphere that stayed open.
Surprisingly, we had a very good lunch at a hole in the wall place in San Ignacio, where the Jesuit ruins are located.
The small town of San Ignacio
They may not make for exciting photography, but the history surrounding them is amazing. Jesuits came to the area in the late 1500s, and in the beginning of the 17th century, they established many settlements in the area, with the intention of protecting the local Guarani population that was being exploited (and killed) by the Spanish and the Portuguese. On a much smaller scale, it was reminiscent of Pompeii, as much of the settlement was destroyed, and the Jesuits expelled, leaving behind incredible remnants of the massiveness of the place. A scale model provided insight as to what the place looked like some 450 years ago. Guarani indigenous people continue to live in the area and are often encountered. The only kink today was, once again, the stifling heat and humidity.
The center is written in English
We had to leave our home in Posadas since they had no more availability, but once again we found an enchanting place to stay, an organic, self-sustaining farm owned by a young couple, Marco and Valeria, who are impeccable hosts, and prepared us a lovely steak dinner complete with an excellent Malbec.
Marco, our host
Salome, the lovely pregnant dog on the premises
I will most likely missed my post tomorrow, as we’ll be traveling, but if I don’t write then, I will certainly do so on Wednesday. Ciao!!
lovely photos!!!