São Miguel das Missões

Of seven large missions in the area dating from the late 1600s to mid-1700s, São Miguel is the best preserved and the only one that has tourism infrastructure and allows visitors. The 120-acre Parque Histórico de São Miguel was created around the mission, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. A nondescript town of about 7,000 has grown around the mission site and shares its name. Joining an organized, Porto Alegre-based tour with an English-speaking guide is the recommended option for visiting the mission.