Puerto Valle Hotel De Esteros

“Great location and wetlands excursion”

We loved this place. Diana and her team made us very welcome and very comfortable. We were given an upgrade to the large rooms near the water which were huge and very well appointed. The food was good and happily adapted for our tastes. The Wetlands excursion with Santiago was excellent - other act… more

We loved this place. Diana and her team made us very welcome and very comfortable. We were given an upgrade to the large rooms near the water which were huge and very well appointed. The food was good and happily adapted for our tastes. The Wetlands excursion with Santiago was excellent - other activities were available, too, had we had more time. This was a great place to stay between Buenos Aires and Iguazu.

less

“Exploring wildlife by day, and enjoying luxury dinner and accommodations by night - amazing combination”

Our family of 6 (3 adults, 3 kids including 2 teenagers) and a wonderful 4 night stay at Puerto Valle. We had 3 rooms, and 2 of them were in a single bungalow. The rooms were modern and well appointed, and most importantly good air conditioning. They also had lovely open views of the river, which… more

Our family of 6 (3 adults, 3 kids including 2 teenagers) and a wonderful 4 night stay at Puerto Valle. We had 3 rooms, and 2 of them were in a single bungalow. The rooms were modern and well appointed, and most importantly good air conditioning. They also had lovely open views of the river, which looked more like a large lake because of the dam. The staff kept our rooms clean and as long as you remember to keep the doors closed, not too many bugs. Although... somehow you would always find cute little frog visitors in the bathroom. But they are adorable, and not a nuisance at all. Everday we had 2 excursions, once in the am (around 9am) and then one in the late afternoon around 4:30/5pm. We did excursions on kayaks, flatboats, walking by foot, horseback, and driving out deeper into the park to watch wildlife. We saw capybaras, an amazing variety of birds, howler monkeys, and caymans. Even right on site at the hotel, we saw capybaras (one time right out side of our room!), parakeets, an onsite a rare albino cayman kept in captivity to keep him safe and alive. The grounds of the hotel were beautiful, with a wide open lawn that runs to the river. Every day after our morning excursion, we would have an amazing lunch at the hotel, then take a cool swim in their pool and relax pool side. The pool had lounge chairs and supplied with towels and chair coverings as well as suntan lotion. The meals were DELICIOUS! Everything is prepared on site and it shows. Oftentimes we would get bread right out of the oven (the cheesy bread is the best fresh out of the oven). And although Argentina is known for their meat, we enjoyed 4 days of delicious vegetables (right from their gardens which you can visit), plus amaziningly fresh local fish (pacu and surubi). My son who loves red meat, reiterated how good it was, but I loved all of the salads, vegetables, breads and fish. Since there was only one other family with us, it all felt so intimate. Plus the staff all got to know us well, and our preferences. Once my 7 year old son asked for jugo de manzana (apple juice) and they started giving it to him on most days - - which they fresh squeezed for us! They would always remember that I preferred my cafe con leche "con much leche". Both lunch and dinner was always finished with a delicious home made desert. On our last night there, the staff treated us with a wonderful barbecue dinner which was served in in a separate area from our regular dining room. Everything was delicious and so elegant. Most of the employees spoke little english, but that was never a problem for our family. The manager, and some of the employees spoke very good english. Our daily tour guide, Santiago, was AMAZING! A man of few words, all of his words were helpful, informative and he had a wry sense of humor. His english was excellent as he worked in New Zealand for many years, and his knowledge of the local wildlife was excellent. If you are an english speaking tourist, be sure to request Santiago. One of my favorite types of vacations are when you are exploring during the day, getting outside and walking/hiking, but then came back to an elegant comfortable lodge and enjoy a civilized and elegant meal. And that is what Puerto Valle experience felt like. I felt like an explorer during the excursion times, but during downtimes at the hotel, I felt more like a pampered guest at a luxury hotel. My husband did a separate excursion to fish for Golden Dorado, which has been on his bucket list. I would say that although he did catch one fish, as a fisherman it was probably not the best set up trip. However, this was done outside of the hotel, and it's not on their normal list of activities.

less

“Beautiful Lodge”

A beautiful setting in the Iberia Wetlands. Greeted on our arrival and offered drinks and snacks, sitting on the patio overlooking the water. We were upgraded to a deluxe room, which was very spacious and had a terrace with views over the river. We met our fellow guests, two other couples, over lu… more

A beautiful setting in the Iberia Wetlands. Greeted on our arrival and offered drinks and snacks, sitting on the patio overlooking the water. We were upgraded to a deluxe room, which was very spacious and had a terrace with views over the river. We met our fellow guests, two other couples, over lunch. All meals were beautifully served, often with a complimentary glass of wine. The food however was not great, meat was often tough, but the staff could not do enough for you. There were two guides, Santiago and Ernesto who took us in two vehicles to an area where boats were moored and we saw capybaras, caimans and marshland deer as well as many species of birds. On our return we watched the sunset while Santiago and Ernesto served wine and nibbles. A great evening, Unfortunately our next two days were a complete washout as the heavy rain continued through the day. We did attempt a walk through the monkey trail but the rain was too heavy and it had brought out hundreds of mosquitos. A cookery demonstration was arranged instead and we all had a lesson in making mbeju and learning all about this typical snack food of the area. Our guides joined in too, so that was fun.

less

“Good wildlife experiences, poor restaurant.”

Excellent excursions, large room, lovely staff, but let down by mediocre restaurant. At this price we expected a better variety of food and a better chef. At no point was it made clear that wine served with meals, by the glass, was not included. Price of wine was never indicated so we were shocke… more

Excellent excursions, large room, lovely staff, but let down by mediocre restaurant. At this price we expected a better variety of food and a better chef. At no point was it made clear that wine served with meals, by the glass, was not included. Price of wine was never indicated so we were shocked to be presented with a bill on departure. At the price of this hotel, house wine by the glass should be included for meals.

less