Ánima River Cruises Proposes Luxurious River Cruises on the Alto Paraná
In an exciting development for the tourism sector in Misiones, Ánima River Cruises has unveiled a private project to introduce high-end river cruises along the Alto Paraná River, connecting Puerto Iguazú and Posadas. The proposed cruises aim to enhance the travel experience for those visiting the iconic Iguazú Falls, by incorporating various attractions within the province. The initiative was officially presented to the Governor of Misiones, Hugo Passalacqua, by representatives of Ánima River Cruises.
Governor Passalacqua welcomed the president of the company, Felipe Menéndez, and other executives to discuss the project, which seeks to bring a successful tourism format from regions such as Europe, the United States, Egypt, and Asia to the Alto Paraná. The proposed itinerary offers passengers the opportunity to embark in Puerto Iguazú, navigate south along the river, and disembark in Posadas. The journey can also be reversed, with departures from Misiones’ capital heading north.
Throughout the voyage, the cruise will feature stops linked to the lush forests of Misiones, stunning waterfalls, and Jesuit ruins. The objective is to broaden the tourist landscape beyond Puerto Iguazú, incorporating additional provincial destinations into a singular, enriched travel experience.
A Five-Star Cruise Experience
At the core of the project is the transformation of the cruise ship’s interior to achieve a five-star standard, comparable to the luxurious vessels navigating the Danube River in Europe. Menéndez articulated the vision, “The idea is to develop high-category river cruises that expand the tourist frontier of Iguazú towards the rest of the province.”
One of the unique features of the service will be its dual function as both a cruise and accommodation. “Passengers will only need to unpack once, experiencing the entire Alto Paraná and the Falls, beyond just Iguazú. We want them to also discover the Misiones jungle, the waterfalls along the path, and the Jesuit missions,” Menéndez explained.
The company has already purchased a suitable vessel in Europe for this ambitious venture. After undergoing comprehensive renovations to meet five-star criteria, the ship is scheduled to begin its journey to Argentina in June 2027, arriving in Posadas by August of the same year.
Support from the Provincial Government
During the presentation, Governor Passalacqua emphasized the value of private investment in tourism and expressed the provincial government’s support for initiatives that create new opportunities. He also mentioned challenges related to Misiones’ connectivity and the potential revival of river transport, citing the development of the Port of Posadas as a recent example.
Menéndez highlighted the importance of collaboration with provincial entities and local authorities to move forward with the project. “We received a very warm support from the Government of Misiones, which will be crucial for developing infrastructure and building connections with the Ministry of Tourism and local authorities. This meeting was the starting point,” he stated.
Also present at the meeting were Marina Menéndez, Jorge Álvarez, and Sebastián Braun, all key figures within Ánima River Cruises. With extensive experience in commercial navigation and the operation of passenger vessels, the company is eager to adapt this successful model to the Alto Paraná corridor.
Team V.DIR-EM-UAE
