San Martin Island, the pearl of the Iguassu FallsVisiting San Martin Island is a “must do” when visiting Iguassu Falls but it doesn’t come without challenge: the island is a solid rock promontory with a flat surface 40 m (131 ft) over the Iguassu River level. To reach it you must first cross the Iguassu River on a ferry boat and then climb a 280 step stairway that exhausts even the fittest hikers. But isn’t some difficulty the price for the best things in life? Here's a good aerial view of San Martin Island.
To better guide you through the Iguassu Falls attractions we have prepared an Iguassu Falls Map that shows the most important ones. We will be making frequent references to this map using the title ‘Map Ref. # 1, #2’ and so forth, you have to look for this number on the map to see its location. To make it easier for you the Iguassu Falls Map will open in a separated window so it’s handy while you continue to read our explanations. You reach San Martin Island first walking the Lower Circuit down to the Iguassu River (for more information about the Lower Circuit please read our fun facts about Argentina page ), then crossing the river on a ferry boat that leads you to the island’s beach. From the beach you reach the access stairway that brings you 40 m (131 ft) above the river level. We are now on our Map Ref. # 8 on the beach of San Martin Island. Get all the air your lungs can hold because we are going to hike a long and steep stairway to the top of this island.
My recommendation. Take it easy when climbing the long steep stairways, what’s the hurry? Take frequent rests and you will reach the top with ease.
Once on the top (and after you recover your breath!) walking the trails of San Martin Island is a pleasure. The island is constantly bathed with the mist of the surrounding falls, high humidity and warm temperatures supports extraordinary vegetation only seen here, even more exceptional if you consider there is hardly no soil, plants are grabbed to the rocks. Snakes are also abundant but there is no danger as long as you keep yourself on the trails. Now we take the first detour to our right heading us to a unique view of the San Martin Fall (Map Ref. # 9), the second largest of the Iguassu Falls system.
These two girls (the one on the left is Italian and the other one is Spanish) are walking in our same direction. The trail is lovely, first crossing a section of dense vegetation and then to an open rocky section of the island where a balcony over the edge is prepared to give us a stupendous view of the San Martin Falls.
It’s like watching them across the street from a 20th floor balcony, unbelievable!
Staring downwards from here you can also get a shocking view of the Iguassu River.
River rafting in Iguassu Falls is a separated story I'll tell you later.
This trail crosses the center of the island trespassing the most exuberant piece of jungle of all you will see in the Iguassu Falls area, its amassing!
Beware from walking off your trail here, this piece of jungle is known for snakes.
Sadly, they were almost dry when I took this picture. Anyway you can see plenty of water runs here at other times; maybe you’re luckier than me! Dry or wet the place is interesting, showing clearly the two layers of basalt that forms the Iguassu Falls.
The temporary absence of water also shows how plants are fiercely rooted to the rocks to resist the strong water currents. Through a hole in the rocks you can also peek into the Rivadavia Falls in the background.
Walking a little back on our steps and then heading to the right we start our return journey using a different and wonderful trail that borders the Three Musketeers Falls and Iguassu River below. There are two resting points on this trail with shocking views.
San Martin Island Map Ref. # 11 Three Musketeers Falls with the great Devil’s Throat as background and…
San Martin Island Map Ref. # 12 Looking in the opposite direction, the Iguassu River heading to its final destination in the Parana River. I know we all can react differently to any given situation but it happens to me when enjoying these views that I just want to stay there quietly for hours, doing nothing but staring. It’s a magic moment! And now it’s time to return down the long stairways and back to the San Martin Island beach (Map Ref. # 13).
Many visitors sunbath here and some of them refresh themselves in the cool waters of the Iguassu River. It’s baptize time in the Iguassu Falls and you won’t have another opportunity to do this! Will you dare?
You can also take beautiful pictures of the stunning falls as seen from the beach. They look so big from down here!
Taking the ferry boat we say goodbye to San Martin Island, it was a great experience! And now we walk ourselves back to Cataratas Station (Map Ref. # 4). There’s still enough time to discover another great attraction. To continue this adventure please move from
San Martin Island to our Family Vacation Getaway page.
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