5 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.

A full-on resort designed with families in mind, Iguazú Grand is bursting with facilities to keep every family member satisfied. Spacious rooms overlook the jungle or the four swimming pools, while parents looking to have a romantic dinner at one of the three restaurants (El Jardín's menu focuses on regional ingredients) can leave the children in the care of the kids' club. A short walk from the Brazilian border, you can take advantage of the Puerto Iguazú duty-free deals or catch the bus to Foz. The Iguazú Grand even has its own nature trail.

Wooden walkways connect the luxurious bungalows—each with a private riverside deck. The highlights of staying here are that you can explore the delta in boats or kayaks, soak up the jungle atmosphere by the lagoon-like pool, take a yoga class, or indulge in a massage. Rooms have hardwood walls, jute rugs, and feather pillows in thick cotton cases as well as mosquito netting on the balconies and reading lights over the bathtubs. As well as a dining room and a grill, nighttime entertainment options include a living-room-style bar serving carefully crafted cocktails. The lodge is out of the way to justify a one-night stay but inquire about the two- and three-day all-inclusive packages.

The falls aren't the only good views in Iguazú: half the rooms at this chic hotel look onto the churning, jungle-framed waters of the Iguazú and Paraná rivers. Even the pool, set on a large terrace, looks over the river. The view gets seriously panoramic from the top floor, which is one of the best sundowner spots in town. The rooms are lovely inside, too. Gorgeous throws and pillow shams offset the clean lines of the contemporary furnishings.

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.