Awasi Iguazú: a wonderful stay

A unique ecosystem

​The Mata Atlântica rainforest, in which Awasi Iguazú is situated, is a unique ecosystem with flora and fauna that are completely different from those of the better-known Amazon rainforest. The area originally stretched from north-eastern Brazil southwards, covering a distance of approximately 2,500 kilometres. Unfortunately, more than 85 per cent of the original Mata Atlântica rainforest has disappeared. One of the largest remaining intact sections of the Mata Atlantica is situated in the Argentine province of Misiones, which is particularly well known for the Iguazú Falls on the border with Brazil. This natural spectacle is considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

The pride of the Mata Atlântica rainforest

​As the airport in Puerto Iguazú on the Argentine side of the falls is closed, I arrive at Foz do Iguaçu airport on the Brazilian side. Here, I am warmly welcomed by my driver, Pica, and my guide, Carlos. Carlos is Brazilian, having grown up in the Foz do Iguaçu area, whilst Pica comes from one of the farming communities in Puerto Iguazú on the Argentine side. Both men, having grown up in the region and proud of their roots, are determined to introduce me to this extraordinary area in the best possible way. As soon as we’re in the car on our way to the lodge, I tell them that I’ve visited the falls several times before. I’ve even stayed at the beautiful Belmond hotel twice. This is the only hotel situated within the Iguazú Falls National Park, which means its guests can visit the falls outside the national park’s opening hours. So I do know the waterfalls well and, although I never tire of this spectacular natural spectacle, I’d love to see what else this region has to offer.

After crossing the Argentine border, we follow the main road for a few minutes, then take the turn-off into a nature reserve. The Awasi lodge is situated within this reserve. On arrival, I’m welcomed by the manager and handed a lovely cold local beer. I walk through the beautiful main building and, in the lounge area, find myself listening to a talk about the jaguar. This big cat, which is found in the Mata Atlântica rainforest, is suffering greatly from deforestation, which is drastically reducing its habitat. I’ve only been at Awasi for just over an hour, and in everyone I meet here, I sense a deep love for the Mata Atlântica rainforest and a strong sense of the need to protect this ecosystem.

​Carlos and I walk over to a table with books on nature and a few maps. He tells me at length about the natural environment in this region, and about the history of the province of Misiones, which is named after the Jesuit mission stations; the Jesuits came here in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries to help convert the Guaraní Indians to the Catholic faith. We agree to set off early the next morning, before dawn, to follow a route to a protected nature reserve, where we can go mountain biking along the way.

​After a few hours, when the sun is now high in the sky, we load the mountain bikes into the pick-up and drive to another nature reserve. We continue along a dirt track, passing small farmhouses with their little fields. At one point, we head back into the dense forest. Pica stops the car and the men walk to a spot where some kayaks are waiting. I set off up a small river with Carlos. We each paddle in our own kayak and enjoy the surroundings. We see a flock of birds flying overhead. Brightly coloured butterflies and turtles are perched on tree stumps that disappear into the water, and we see a family of monkeys crossing the river by swinging from one tree to another.

Out and about in Awasi style

​Once we’re back on solid ground, we carry on. Carlos and Pica take me to a lovely spot on the banks of a river, near a small set of rapids. Here, I recognise the Awasi style once again, as a proper barbecue has been prepared just for me. Whilst I take a quick refreshing dip, lunch is being prepared. It turns out to be a sublime lunch with fresh salads and delicious, tender cuts of meat. In the afternoon, we head to another nature reserve where, amongst other things, anteaters can be found. We go for a walk through the forest.

As evening falls, we head back to the lodge. I have a lovely shower and, still buzzing from a wonderful day, I sit down for dinner, where once again I’m treated to the most delicious dishes. In the evening, I enjoy listening to some music on my terrace before crawling into bed, where I soon fall into a deep sleep and drift off, dreaming of all the wonderful things I’ve seen that day. The next day, we set off early once again. We head for the Paraná River, which separates Paraguay from Argentina. A boat is already waiting on the bank, and we set off up the river. After a short 10-minute boat ride, we take a tributary of the river and soon arrive at a small waterfall. Another lovely spot for a refreshing dip or simply to enjoy the silence for a while.

Unfortunately, I can’t stay here any longer, as I have to get back to Iguazú to catch my flight. During this short but memorable stay, I’ve learnt that this region is by no means limited to the famous Iguazú Falls. I’d definitely recommend looking beyond them and setting off to explore the Mata Atlântica rainforest. And if you really want to do it in style, then Awasi Iguazú is definitely highly recommended!