Sundowner: Autumn/Winter 2018

FRAMED BY RIVERS AND WETLANDS, IMMERSIVE
EXPERIENCES AT A NEW LUXE ECO-LODGE NEAR THE
IGUAZU FALLS OFFER A DIFFERENT TAKE ON THIS POPULAR
SOUTH AMERICAN DESTINATION. SARAH MARSHALL
RETREATS TO THE RAINFOREST TO REFRESH
Drifting slowly along a narrow channel, only the sound of my
paddle threatens to upset the peace. Surrendering to the heat, all
wildlife is taking a siesta, and even branches along the riverbank
are spread supine like sunbathers on a beach.
Aside from Mr Kelm, a genial, sparrow-legged farmer who launched
kayaks for me and my guide, Maria, there’s not another person in sight.
Yet not far from here, thousands of people are queuing to witness one of
nature’s greatest spectacles and one of the most popular attractions in South
America – Iguazu Falls.
Curving 2.7 kilometres across Argentina and Brazil, a cavalry of white
horses charges over the Paraná Plateau, creating up to 250 waterfalls,
depending on the rains. Split between two national parks, the impressive
cataracts are viewable by boat, walkway and helicopter – but a new ecolodge
promises to show Iguazu in a completely different way.
Opened earlier this year on the Argentinian side, Awasi Iguazu is the
latest ambitious project from the Chile-based company, which already has
properties in Patagonia and San Pedro de Atacama. Occupying part of a
600-hectare buffer zone between the national park and city, the luxurious
14-villa property has been a decade in the making.
Along with showcasing the falls in all their glory, Awasi’s intention is
to explore the nature and culture of Misiones province, a novel approach
no-one has taken before.
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