The Yacutinga Lodge and Wildlife Reserve

Description:

• This is the ultimate jungle experience. The fact that you have to make the last leg of the journey there by boat makes you anticipate not so much the heart of darkness, but the heart of another world -- a world of giant butterflies, dazzling birds, and hidden jaguars. It is a world where five-star comforts do not exist, so be prepared. But the sacrifices you make (such as hard beds, limited menu, and patchy service) are worth it for a memorable experience. The Yacutinga Lodge is set in 570 hectares (1,410 acres) of Jungle Book paradise, run to ensure that its presence has no negative effects on the surrounding environment; you even get to plant a tree before leaving. The decor might look pseudo-Flintstone, but the chunky wood, adobe walls, and tiny colored glass windows are all made from recycled material. Even the coffee table is a discarded tree trunk, redesigned so you can put your fruit juice on it. Set amid this Eden-like Utopia are four-room cabins with decent-size rooms and a wood-fueled fireplace (June-Aug mornings can be chilly). The decor is basic, and don't expect air-conditioning. The constant mud, humidity, and water (Wellingtons provided) are not for everyone, but the experience is unforgettable. The lodge is 60km (37 miles) from Iguazú Falls.

• © Frommer's 2013