In South America, there are at least 4 separate World Heritage Sites related to the Jesuits: the Jesuit Missions of the Chiquitos in Bolivia (which are still living towns and churches), the Jesuit Block and Estancias of Cordoba in Argentina, the Jesuit Missions of the Guaranis in Argentina and Brazil, and finally the Jesuit Missions of Trinidad and Jesus, the lone site in Paraguay. The latter two sites (all in ruins) could have actually been combined, they are even in the same tourist route, but then far fewer of us would have probably visited Paraguay. 

Initially, we had planned to do as others had done and visit the Trinidad on a half-day trip from Posadas in Argentina. But thanks to our preferred hotels selling out (a common occurrence during the Argentine holidays), we thought we'd spend a couple of nights in Paraguay (we also had a couple of nights free to line up with our "cheap" flight out of Foz de Iguazu). After all, it wasn't a micro-country and deserved at least a night's stay to tick off the country.

After our previous two overnight buses in Argentina arrived 1 hour early, our bus to Posadas arrived an hour late, not ideal considering it was scheduled to arrive at 9:20 and we hadn't packed breakfast. After a detour for breakfast, it was then a slow trip across the border on the international bus, meandering through Posadas and stopping at both sides. After checking into our hotel and changing some money, we didn't make it back to the Encarnacion bus station until 1:30pm. 

Everywhere had promised regular buses that could drop us at Trinidad on the way to Ciudad del Este, but we were directed from one bus company, to another, back to the first, with no possible buses. Perhaps one at 3:30pm based on our limited Spanish. As we had an extra free day, we decided to return in the morning, after first checking with our hotel and WhatsApping a company to confirm there should definitely be at least hourly buses in the morning from the bus station!

It was a simple task to catch the bus in the morning, with at least 2 buses departing at 8am. From the highway, it was about a 10 minute walk to the ruins. If you're visiting via taxi from Argentina, the sign said you could pay with a credit card (Visa or Mastercard) but we had enough Guaranyis. Next you're directed into a room to watch a short video (with an English option but terrible audio), plus there's an info room with posters in Spanish, and translated cards including English.

It's not an extensive site to wander around, with the main sights the ruins of two churches and many native houses. The major church in particular has many fine carvings, and we had a chance to walk through the indoor lithic museum (we think the guard said you were meant to be on a guided tour to be admitted, but he allowed us in). Everywhere is surrounded by lush green grass - its decidedly tropical despite being not far north of chilly Buenos Aires. We decided to skip heading further afield to Jesus, as we were due to visit San Ignacio Mini in Argentina the next day. 

We headed back to the highway, waiting at the bus stop for a return bus. One went past after about 15-20 minutes, but was full with people standing and didn't stop. We then waited for almost an hour more, before getting a lift with someone else who arrived at the bus stop - not sure if it was his friend or just hitchhiking - probably the easier option than buses!

An additional heads-up if anyone stays at a hotel in Encarnacion. Our hotel (Hotel Puesta del Sol) said they could organise a taxi to visit both of the missions, for about 300,000 G ($43 USD). A lot more expensive than the bus, but without the hassles!