Misiones Province in the far northeast contains Atlantic rainforest and Iguazu Falls. The region was extensively colonised in the early 17th century by the Jesuits to convert the indigenous Guarani, who still inhabit the area today. The most important historical ruins of the Jesuit Missions are located at San Ignacio, San Ignacio Mini, Loreto and Santa Ana, all about 35 kilometres from the provincial capital of Posadas. The most complete of these is San Ignacio Mini, which was founded in 1610 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As well as opening during the day, a nightly lightshow brings the ruins to life.
The Mission, a highly-acclaimed 1996 film starring Jeremy Irons and Robert De Niro, was set in the same area during the 1750s and told the story of a Jesuit priest (Irons) who helps a mercenary and slaver (De Niro) find repentance for appalling sins perpetrated against the Guarana.
