John Fernandes' 'Secret Garden' B & B is just that - a secret garden hidden away in a quiet residential part of Puerto Iguazu. It is not just the fact that it is away from the noise, pollution, and people of this basic border town, it is also the comfortable rooms, the excellent breakfast, and the friendliness of the staff. However, what really sets 'Secret Garden' apart from any other B & B that we have stayed in anywhere in the world (and there have been many in numerous countries!), is John Fernandes.

John starts your visit off with a tour of the town in his vehicle, pointing out the various places of interest, sights, restaurants, shops, etc. which he then follows at 7pm at the B & B with a 'social evening' whereby guests of the B & B and John have a chance to chat and exchange stories and views. This is done in the lush, tropical garden complete with Caipirinha's and an array of snacks that are excellent to say the least (the snacks were so good and abundant, that we decided we did not need dinner on our second night there as we were full!) The thought of mixing with 'other' tourists may not sound appealing, and was our initial reaction, but to talk with those who had already experienced the falls, proved invaluable in helping us decide when to go, and how we wanted to do it.

Furthermore, John gives incredibly good help and advice - ask him about 'how to get there', and he will for example, tell you about the city bus that stops at the top of the road, and will take you to the falls for 5 pesos. Ask about the best restaurants, and he will recommend them to you, and will even call and make a reservation on your behalf, and in our case, when we arrived we were greeted personally by the Maitre d' and he gave us 'the best table'!

If you do stay at Secret Garden, try and find some time to talk to John one-on-one, he is a photographer by profession, and has lived and worked all over the world - you will find him interesting, charming, knowledgeable, and helpful.

In conclusion, 'Secret Garden' is excellent value for money! There are only three rooms, so it is quiet, unassuming, with a lovely setting. Included in the price is a large breakfast, the 'personalised city tour' (when available), the 7pm 'Caipirinha's and Snacks Social Evening', and John Fernandes generous amounts of insight and help.

www.secretgardenbnb.com/
Los Lapachos 623, Puerto Iguazu, Misiones, Argentina
tel.+54 3757 423099

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends