1st March 2012
Left Iguazu Brazil and crossed Argentinian border. Had to unpack truck to cross. Along the way we were held up due to protestors blocking the highway. Arrived at San Ignacio Mini ruins at 4pm. These were declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 1984. They were founded in 1632. The aim of this mission was to evangelize the Guaraní natives. Today, only vestiges remain of a settlement where science and art were part of the union between the white man and the guaraní people. A local guide told us the history of the mission and talked about the various ups and downs it had to go through until the Jesuit Order was expelled by King Charles III of Spain. Having an early night as we are off to Salta tomorrow and we have a long drive ahead of us.