Misiones Province, located in the far northeastern corner of Argentina 600 mi/965 km northeast of Buenos Aires, was so named because of its 12 Jesuit missions, which are now in ruins. The most notable are along the route between Iguazu Falls and the town of Posadas, which has a regional museum, too.
The mission of San Ignacio Mini, founded in 1631, is one of the oldest and best-preserved. Built of red sandstone, it has barracks, priests' quarters and a baroque-style church. The ruins of Loreto and Santa Ana are a few miles away.
For a glimpse into the region's history, rent the movie The Mission before leaving for Argentina, but bear in mind that it was filmed in Paraguay and intended to represent the Guarani missions.
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