La Aripuca
Ruta 12 Km 4.5, Puerto Iguazu, Misiones
This smallish ecological theme park just outside Puerto Iguazú offers insight into the history, traditions, and natural environment of the indigenous Guarani people, many of whom still speak their native tongue while living in equilibrium with nature. The site includes craft and produce shops, a restaurant, and a juice and ice cream bar.
The Basics
Guided tours of the enormous, 5-story model of an aripuca, a Guarani live trap made from indigenous trees, take about an hour and give visitors a quick crash course in Guarani culture. Explore a re-created thatched-roof village to learn more about the government, economics, and religion of this indigenous group. Some city tours of Puerto Iguazú include a stop at La Aripuca, along with the scenic spot where the borders of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay meet.
Things to Know Before You Go
This park is a must for families with young children and anyone curious about the Guarani people.
Guided tours of La Aripuca typically last about an hour.
Entrance fees can be paid in Brazilian reais, US dollars, or Argentine pesos.
How to Get There
The park is located 2.5 miles (4.5 kilometers) from central Puerto Iguazú, easily accessible via minibus or private taxi.
When to Get There
La Aripuca is open daily from 9am to 6pm, including weekends and holidays. Since some of the spaces are outdoors and exposed to the elements, it’s a good idea to visit in the morning on a day with no rain in the forecast.
What’s an Aripuca?
The site gets its name from its main structure, a large aripuca, or trap used for sustainable hunting. The structure was built from wooden logs from some 30 native tree species reclaimed from illegal trade or purchased from mills, so no new trees were cut in building the attraction.
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