What to do in San Ignacio

Activities, attractions and tours

The impressive gateway of the church stands as testament to the power the Jesuit missions held over the local populations. This red sandstone gateway once stood 30ft tall (10m) as it welcomed the native Christian population into it's cavernous interior. San Ignacio Mini was a Jesuit mission established in 1610 with the aim of converting the local Guaraní natives. The mission moved to this location in 1666 and a large complex was erected to house and protect up to 4000 converts. The complex was built in Spanish baroque style around a central courtyard and included a large church, school, hospital, cemetery, dormitories and workshops. The mission was largely abandoned when the Jesuits were expelled by Spanish decree in 1767, and was then destroyed by Paraguayan decree some 50 years later. The remains of the mission were rediscovered in 1897 and are now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The impressive gateway of the church stands as testament to the power the Jesuit missions held over the local populations. This red sandstone gateway once stood 30ft tall (10m) as it welcomed the native Christian population into it's cavernous interior. San Ignacio Mini was a Jesuit mission established in 1610 with the aim of converting the local Guaraní natives. The mission moved to this location in 1666 and a large complex was erected to house and protect up to 4000 converts. The complex was built in Spanish baroque style around a central courtyard and included a large church, school, hospital, cemetery, dormitories and workshops. The mission was largely abandoned when the Jesuits were expelled by Spanish decree in 1767, and was then destroyed by Paraguayan decree some 50 years later. The remains of the mission were rediscovered in 1897 and are now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Although all of the woodwork and much of the stonework has been lost, this small side entrance to the church exemplifies the level of detail and craftsmanship that went into the construction of Jesuit missions. San Ignacio Mini was a Jesuit mission established in 1610 with the aim of converting the local Guaraní natives. The mission moved to this location in 1666 and a large complex was erected to house and protect up to 4000 converts. The complex was built in Spanish baroque style around a central courtyard and included a large church, school, hospital, cemetery, dormitories and workshops. The mission was largely abandoned when the Jesuits were expelled by Spanish decree in 1767, and was then destroyed by Paraguayan decree some 50 years later. The remains of the mission were rediscovered in 1897 and are now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The red sandstone remains of the church at this 350 year old Jesuit mission are impressive. It once stood 30ft tall (10m) and covered an area 240ft long and 79ft wide (74m x 24m). Although none of the woodwork remains, some of the original floor tiles are still in place. San Ignacio Mini was a Jesuit mission established in 1610 with the aim of converting the local Guaraní natives. The mission moved to this location in 1666 and a large complex was erected to house and protect up to 4000 converts. The complex was built in Spanish baroque style around a central courtyard and included a large church, school, hospital, cemetery, dormitories and workshops. The mission was largely abandoned when the Jesuits were expelled by Spanish decree in 1767, and was then destroyed by Paraguayan decree some 50 years later. The remains of the mission were rediscovered in 1897 and are now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

San Ignacio Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that San Ignacio has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

San Ignacio is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in San Ignacio to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

San Ignacio Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of San Ignacio.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to San Ignacio attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

What to do in San Ignacio

Discover the most popular places to visit in San Ignacio

The impressive gateway of the church stands as testament to the power the Jesuit missions held over the local populations. This red sandstone gateway once stood 30ft tall

San Ignacio Miní

Find out about the history of San Ignacio when you spend time at San Ignacio Miní. Amble around the area's gardens or visit its monuments.

San Ignacio Miní

Casa de Horacio Quiroga

Find out about the history of San Ignacio when you spend time at Casa de Horacio Quiroga. Amble around the area's gardens or visit its monuments.

Casa de Horacio Quiroga

Horacio Quiroga Home

Find out about the history of San Ignacio when you take a trip to Horacio Quiroga Home. Amble around the area's gardens or visit its monuments.

Horacio Quiroga Home

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Frequently asked questions

Is San Ignacio worth visiting?
Offering a blend of walking trails and watersports, there are many things to do in San Ignacio. When you're here, visit Casa de Horacio Quiroga, a must-see attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in San Ignacio?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to San Ignacio Miní and San Ignacio Mini - Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis. Then, explore other areas of San Ignacio for tasty eats and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in San Ignacio?
Casa de Horacio Quiroga is one of the top tourist attractions in San Ignacio and should be high on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in San Ignacio?
Book an escape in San Ignacio for three days and you'll have enough time to explore its leading sights and get a feel for the local way of life. For the chance to enjoy attractions in the surrounding areas and venture away from the tourist trail, consider hanging around for seven to ten days.
What are some activities to do in San Ignacio with kids?
Planning what to do in San Ignacio with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're travelling with toddlers or teenagers, there are loads of family-friendly attractions to keep them busy here.

What to do in San Ignacio for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or outdoor adventurer, there are loads of things to do in San Ignacio for adults.
Are there free things to do in San Ignacio?
You don't need to spend a fortune to enjoy a fantastic vacation here. There are lots of cheap things to do in San Ignacio for the traveller on a budget. Explore the parks, soak up the vibes at free events and festivals or ask for ideas from a local tour guide.