San Ignacio Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

The impressive gateway of the church stands as testament to the power the Jesuit missions held over the local populations. This red sandstone gateway once stood 30ft tall (10m) as it welcomed the native Christian population into it's cavernous interior. San Ignacio Mini was a Jesuit mission established in 1610 with the aim of converting the local Guaraní natives. The mission moved to this location in 1666 and a large complex was erected to house and protect up to 4000 converts. The complex was built in Spanish baroque style around a central courtyard and included a large church, school, hospital, cemetery, dormitories and workshops. The mission was largely abandoned when the Jesuits were expelled by Spanish decree in 1767, and was then destroyed by Paraguayan decree some 50 years later. The remains of the mission were rediscovered in 1897 and are now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The impressive gateway of the church stands as testament to the power the Jesuit missions held over the local populations. This red sandstone gateway once stood 30ft tall (10m) as it welcomed the native Christian population into it's cavernous interior. San Ignacio Mini was a Jesuit mission established in 1610 with the aim of converting the local Guaraní natives. The mission moved to this location in 1666 and a large complex was erected to house and protect up to 4000 converts. The complex was built in Spanish baroque style around a central courtyard and included a large church, school, hospital, cemetery, dormitories and workshops. The mission was largely abandoned when the Jesuits were expelled by Spanish decree in 1767, and was then destroyed by Paraguayan decree some 50 years later. The remains of the mission were rediscovered in 1897 and are now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Although all of the woodwork and much of the stonework has been lost, this small side entrance to the church exemplifies the level of detail and craftsmanship that went into the construction of Jesuit missions. San Ignacio Mini was a Jesuit mission established in 1610 with the aim of converting the local Guaraní natives. The mission moved to this location in 1666 and a large complex was erected to house and protect up to 4000 converts. The complex was built in Spanish baroque style around a central courtyard and included a large church, school, hospital, cemetery, dormitories and workshops. The mission was largely abandoned when the Jesuits were expelled by Spanish decree in 1767, and was then destroyed by Paraguayan decree some 50 years later. The remains of the mission were rediscovered in 1897 and are now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The red sandstone remains of the church at this 350 year old Jesuit mission are impressive. It once stood 30ft tall (10m) and covered an area 240ft long and 79ft wide (74m x 24m). Although none of the woodwork remains, some of the original floor tiles are still in place. San Ignacio Mini was a Jesuit mission established in 1610 with the aim of converting the local Guaraní natives. The mission moved to this location in 1666 and a large complex was erected to house and protect up to 4000 converts. The complex was built in Spanish baroque style around a central courtyard and included a large church, school, hospital, cemetery, dormitories and workshops. The mission was largely abandoned when the Jesuits were expelled by Spanish decree in 1767, and was then destroyed by Paraguayan decree some 50 years later. The remains of the mission were rediscovered in 1897 and are now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sihostel

Sihostel

2 out of 5
Independencia 469 San Ignacio Misiones
Stay at this hostel in San Ignacio. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Casa de Horacio Quiroga and San Ignacio Miní ...
7.6/10 Good! (8 reviews)
Good cheap option for an overnight stay
Basic hostel with a good breakfast, pool and restaurant. Staff were extremely helpful especially in sorting out a mix up with the booking

Reviewed on 31 Dec 2015

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Sihostel
Lajas del Puerto

Lajas del Puerto

3 out of 5
Ruta Provincial 210 y Rio Parana San Ignacio Misiones
Stay at this cabin in San Ignacio. Enjoy free parking, a 24-hour front desk and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions San Ignacio Miní and Casa ...
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Lajas del Puerto
Posada Madre America

Posada Madre America

2 out of 5
Av. Sarmiento 605 San Ignacio Misiones
Stay at this guesthouse in San Ignacio. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Casa de Horacio Quiroga and San Ignacio Miní are ...
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Posada Madre America
See all 25 properties in San Ignacio
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lajas del Puerto

Lajas del Puerto

3 out of 5
Ruta Provincial 210 y Rio Parana San Ignacio Misiones
Stay at this cabin in San Ignacio. Enjoy free parking, a 24-hour front desk and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions San Ignacio Miní and Casa ...
Lajas del Puerto
Apart Hotel Las Violetas

Apart Hotel Las Violetas

2.5 out of 5
Barrio del Lago Candelaria Misiones
Stay at this aparthotel in Candelaria. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attraction Sanctuary of the Virgin of Itacua is located ...
Apart Hotel Las Violetas
Room-ñau Father for 3 People

Room-ñau Father for 3 People

3.5 out of 5
Obera Misiones Province
Stay at this holiday home in Obera. Enjoy free parking, a garden and air conditioning. Popular attractions Plaza Jose de San Martín and Obera Botanical Garden ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3 reviews)
The space is small but functional and charming. The garden is beautiful, with lots of fruit trees, ponds and a swimming pool to cool yourself on hot days. But the best of all are the hosts. They are welcoming, friendly, and very hospitable. You feel as if you've known them for years! They are very ...

Reviewed on 3 Jan 2025

Room-ñau Father for 3 People
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

The impressive gateway of the church stands as testament to the power the Jesuit missions held over the local populations. This red sandstone gateway once stood 30ft tall

San Ignacio Miní

Find out about the history of San Ignacio when you spend time at San Ignacio Miní. Amble around the area's gardens or visit its monuments.

San Ignacio Miní

Casa de Horacio Quiroga

Find out about the history of San Ignacio when you spend time at Casa de Horacio Quiroga. Amble around the area's gardens or visit its monuments.

Casa de Horacio Quiroga

Horacio Quiroga Home

Find out about the history of San Ignacio when you spend time at Horacio Quiroga Home. Amble around the area's gardens or visit its monuments.

Horacio Quiroga Home

Things to do

San Ignacio Ruins & Wanda Mines from Puerto Iguazu

San Ignacio Ruins & Wanda Mines from Puerto Iguazu

Rp1.513.800
per adult
San Ignacio Ruins & Wanda Mines from Puerto Iguazu
Day trip to Mocona Falls and Salto Encantado Provincial Park

Day trip to Mocona Falls and Salto Encantado Provincial Park

Rp3.952.700
per adult
Day trip to Mocona Falls and Salto Encantado Provincial Park
Excursion to San Ignacio Mini Jesuit Ruins from Puerto Iguazu

Excursion to San Ignacio Mini Jesuit Ruins from Puerto Iguazu

Rp4.272.280
per adult
Excursion to San Ignacio Mini Jesuit Ruins from Puerto Iguazu
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