2 Best Hotels in Side Trips from Buenos Aires, Argentina

The island's five geodesic-domed yurts that comprise this glamping hotel are surrounded by sleepy waterways, verdant trees, and tall grasses. A tranquil place for a romantic getaway or just relaxing. Although activities are a bit slim, with just kayaking and a good-sized but unheated pool, there is a shared Jacuzzi and two of the cabins have private outdoor Jacuzzis. Breakfast is included but lunch and dinner are extra.

Less than an hour south of Puerto Iguazú (35 minutes from the falls), the posada (inn) was built in 1943 to lodge guests to the yerba mate plantation, and the new owners, a lovely and helpful couple, reopened it in 2007. The interiors were renovated but retain their charm and remarkable craftsmanship, most notably in the dining room/library. The large rooms are not fancy but very comfortably furnished. Meals for the set two-choice menu are lovingly prepared and may be enjoyed on the veranda. Activities include kayaking on the Paraná River, which borders the property, and a ride along the river to the magical and secluded salto Yasy, a small waterfall and swimming hole (or wading, in dry season), or just lazing by the swimming pool. Staff are very knowledgeable of the area's flora and fauna and, if you're in luck, will call attention to a howler monkey.

A glorious five-bedroom house designed by Alejandro Bustillo is over 200 yards of jungle from the posada, with its own access road, and is also available for up to 12 people. Built for the original worldly owners, it's filled with period furniture as well as black-and-white photographs of family here and in faraway places. The house includes its own, albeit smaller, swimming pool, and the house staff includes a cook, though guests are free to use the kitchen and outdoor parrilla.