RESERVA NATURAL IGUAZú - POSADA PUERTO BEMBERG

The pool, supposedly a highlight, had grime and algae on it, and nothing here looked like the online photos or glowing reviews. To anyone thinking of booking, spare yourself the regret and health risk. This felt uninhabitable, more like a biohazard with bedsheets than a rustic escape. Things went downhill as soon as we arrived. We asked for a glass of water and explained we were exhausted after being harassed by police on the way, but we were ignored several times. Then they asked for a random payment in USD even though our stay had already been paid in advance. The menu had no prices, food and drink service was a joke, the choices were very limited, there were strict time limits, and reservations were required despite the place being practically empty. We couldn’t pay for drinks on the spot and were told to settle the bill at checkout. The room was a nightmare. The toilet barely flushed, the shower had a weak trickle of lukewarm water with no pressure, and walking barefoot turned our feet black. Beside the toilet was something that looked horrifyingly like feces. The bathroom cups were visibly dirty and unwashed. Black mold covered the bedroom and bathroom ceilings. The sheets and towels were stained and yellowed, with what looked like dried bodily fluids and even blood marks. Human hairs were stuck to the blankets. The mattress was ancient, sagging, and stained, probably older than I am. There wasn’t even a bottle of water in the room. Within hours, we both had swollen glands, nonstop itching, and runny noses, which we felt were from the filth and mold. We would have left sooner, but as grown adults we were literally scared to drive the rocky road in the dark. It felt unsafe even in daylight, and I was worried we’d pop a rental car tire. On arrival we’d asked for water because we were tired, and were blatantly ignored. That kind of treatment, on top of the filthy room, made the stay unbearable. I can’t understand how anyone considers this place acceptable, or how it’s legally allowed to operate.

The Paraná River viewpoint is scenic, and the stay offers activities like nature walks, kayaking, boat rides, and a traditional mate ceremony. About an hour from Puerto Iguazú, the airport, and Iguazú Falls, it’s a useful base for exploring the region. The gardens are peaceful, and there’s an outdoor pool for warm days. Rooms are spacious, with high ceilings that make them feel open. The property is designed in the style of an old mission. Service was attentive and personal. Breakfast was generous and varied, served in an elegant living room with a fireplace, comfortable sofas, and a vintage library. A lovely place to relax, be around nature, and disconnect.

We only booked two nights and wished we could have stayed longer. The staff were attentive and very helpful, and the beds were cozy with WiFi in all the rooms. Dinner was excellent and fairly priced, so we didn’t feel like going elsewhere. Compliments to the chef. Breakfast had fresh fruit, good coffee, and tasty pastries. There’s a lovely park around the pool, where we saw a few cool iguanas and lots of birds. Definitely one of the better places we visited, and we’d come back.

Everything felt thoughtfully put together for an authentic stay in the Atlantic forest, from the atmosphere and activities to the location and service. Huge thanks to the dedicated staff and lovely management. What an incredible place.