Argentina

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Read about our recent trip to Northern Argentina

The Parana Gypsy

The Parana Gypsy offers the chance to ply the amazing Parana River on a luxury catamaran that shows its selected eight passengers all the natural and cultural wonders along the river between Posadas and Iguazu both from the water -in a relaxed navigation-, in 4WD, fast motorboats and kayaks, and even in mountain bikes.

Misiones offers 500,000 hectares of protected land, two international reservoirs and world class lodging and infrastructure for the convenience of those planning to visit the falls. Two thousand varieties of plants, 400 bird species, over 100 different species of mammals and more than 300 falls of water make Misiones a highly desirable destination. Only 1050 kms from Buenos Aires, the range of activities one can enjoy is impressive, from bird watching to finding animal trails to admiring orchid's blossoms in the top of the highest trees.

At the heart of what used to be the Guarani Indian territory, religious orders from Spain (Jesuits) developed the village of San Ignacio with the purpose of converting natives into Christianism. Visitors will see how these religious missions structured social life and how they must have lived. Escaping the portuguese who wanted to enslave the Guaraní indians, in 1609 the Jesuit fathers guided about 60,000 men, women and children across the Uruguay river and into what is today northern Argentina and southern Paraguay.

San Ignacio Miní in Argentina and Trinidad on neighboring Paraguay, are great examples of the artwork developed by the Guaraní under the guidance of a few Jesuit priests. Unlike what happened in most of the Americas, Christianity was not forced under sword and gun on these original inhabitants, a strong and productive association developed to create a unique culture that lasted until the expulsion of the Jesuits in 1767.

Today declared "Heritage of Humanity" by the United Nations the ruins of these settlements with its wonderful carvings in stone have been saved from the lush vegetation, the buildings surprise the traveler with their size and complexity. The Paraná Gypsy spends the night at San Ignacio, giving us the chance to know more about this period of history

The Paraná Gypsy is a three deck; seventy-two feet double hulled steel boat, built to American safety standards in 2000 and has all the features of modern day ships. On the main deck there are four staterooms (three with twin beds one with double bed) with private bathrooms. Beautiful cedar wood decorates the interiors. The second deck has a large and comfortable dining - living room with big picture windows, a galley and crew quarters. On the main deck, a generous walkway fore and aft gives the space to enjoy the ever changing views.

The decoration is elegant tropical, with rattan, wicker and South American woods, ferns and tropical interior plants add to the atmosphere. All of the Gypsy is air-conditioned and has its own generator.

Meals are simple but tasty and will please the most discerning palate, tenderloin beef, fresh local river fish, vegetables and fruits are prepared by our on board chef, he will suggest and discuss with passengers the daily menus.

A nineteen foot skiff with outboard will always be available for fishing, exploring small wild streams, water skiing, ringo rides or just coming and going to the towns along our cruise. Also, the Gypsy tows a small dinghy. Golden Salmon or Dorado combines the hunting habits of a trout and the fighting strength of the Atlantic salmon. These beautifully colored fish represent well their scientific name, Salminus Maxillosus (salmon like and strong jawed). On seventeen foot skiffs or wading and because we reach far away, lightly fished waters fishing can be very rewarding. More than 80 species of fish populate these waters, and though the favorite is the Dorado you're bound to hook onto some other great fighting fish. No matter which way you like to fish, the Parana Gypsy will put you where fish are biting.

Sample itinerary for fixed departure dates., which may apply to the private departures

Day 1- POSADAS- SAN IGNACIO.
Arrival to Posadas airport, meting at the airport and transfer to the nearby little village of Candelaria where we will board the Paraná Gypsy and depart upstream on the Paraná River. For about three hours we will cruise north arriving at San Ignacio. We anchor and spend the night at the Pindoi Island close to the town of Corpus.

Day 2 - SAN IGNACIO- ORO VERDE.
After breakfast on our own air-conditioned van we will explore the Teyu Cuaré jungle reserve and enjoy the views from atop the Queen Victoria rock. At noon we have lunch at a local grill for famous Argentine beef and wines, in the afternoon we visit the San Ignacio and Santa Ana ruins. Little known outside Argentina, these churches, schools and living quarters were built by the Guarani Indians under the guidance of Jesuit priests. A naturalist guide will be with us while all visits on shore. Later, we catch up with the Gypsy at Oro Verde and at sundown we have dinner on board.

Day 3- ORO VERDE - MONTECARLO.
During breakfast we will cruise to the town of Montecarlo, along the banks the wild tropical vegetation grows all the way to the river's edge. 450 species of birds including toucans, parrots, humming birds and the largest of all eagles, the Harpy, inhabit the jungle that surrounds us; it is also the home to the elusive Jaguar. On this day we'll change ship for 4x4 vehicles and go on to explore the heart of Misiones jungle. Back on board the Gypsy, on the Piray Miní stream, we'll have dinner and enjoy the sunset chorus of birds.

Day 4. MONTECARLO - NAENDO FALLS.
During the morning and after breakfast you are free to roam the quaint town of Montecarlo or visit the semi precious stone mines of Wanda, a short drive away. At noon we board the Gypsy at Esperanza to go and see the very little known Ñaendo Falls, reachable only by boat on the Paraguay side.

Day 5. NAENDO & YACU FALLS.
This morning we explore the rumbling waters of the Yacú waterfall, and after lunch, we transfer to Puerto Iguazú. Upon arrival we will take you to the hotel of your choice so you can visit Iguazu Falls or to the airport for your flight back to Buenos Aires.

Important: this itinerary is only a sample and may be changed due to unforeseen reason beyond our control.

2005 Fixed Departure Dates: MAR 5 APR 9 MAY 7 JUN 4 JUL 4 AUG 8 SEP 5 OCT 3 NOV 7 DEC 5
Chartered departures available upon request.

Rates per person in U$S
Fixed departures
Till May 7th - double occupancy = $1000. Single occupancy = $1500.
From Jun 4th till Dec 5th - double occupancy = $1450. Single occupancy = $2175.
Land Activity PACK = $55.

Charter departures Year round
P/ Person & P/Day = $200 for double occupancy, 300 for single occupancy
Land Activity Pack = $55.
Land Activity Pack includes: Mountain Bike, Kayaks, Horseback riding, 4WD excursions.

The rates include:
Accommodation with full board
Meals and soft drinks; alcoholic beverages on meals only (Special meals and diets
Can be arranged , with some limitations, but are to be informed well in advance. )
Baggage handling,
Sightseeing,
Group transfers,
Bilingual (English speaking) guide.
Chef on board.

The rates do not include:
Airline tickets, airport taxes and local taxes.
Passports/visas fees (when going to Paraguay),
Laundry,
Optional excursions not included in the itinerary (U$S 55.- p/person pack of land activities),
Gratuities for guides / crew,
Communication charges,

Reservations and Payments
A deposit of 50 percent per person is required to confirm a reservation. Final payment (the remaining of the balance after deposit) is due 60 days prior to departure date. The deposit is not refundable unless a replacement is found. If the balance is not paid by the due date, we will regard the booking as cancelled.

Children´s policy: For safety reasons, children under 10 years are not accepted on board. For special quotes, please contact our office.

Transfers to/ from Posadas - boarding time (for fixed departure dates)
Included in the rate. For fixed departure the participants are to arrive to Posada in the morning to have lunch on board.

Electricity = 220 watts and 12 when the boat is docked.Hair dryer Not available.