Quick answer
Flor de Jardín is a yerba mate producers' cooperative located in Jardín América, Misiones, on National Route 12 (Km 1436). It offers guided tours where you can learn the entire yerba mate production process, taste different varieties and buy regional products at factory prices in their shop. It's about 40 km from Puerto Iguazú and pairs perfectly with Wanda Mines and San Ignacio Ruins in the Combo: Mines + Ruins + Yerba Mate.
What is the Flor de Jardín cooperative?
Flor de Jardín is a yerba mate producers' cooperative based in Jardín América, a town in Misiones province along National Route 12. Founded by small and medium-sized producers from the area, the cooperative brings together families who grow yerba mate and cassava in the red soil of Misiones.
Unlike large industrial brands, Flor de Jardín maintains a craft and cooperative process that prioritizes quality and a direct connection with the producer. Each package of yerba that leaves the cooperative represents the work of families who have been farming in the region for generations.
The cooperative opened its doors to tourism so visitors can experience firsthand how the yerba mate that millions of Argentine households drink every day is produced. It's an educational, cultural and gastronomic experience that perfectly complements the natural and historical attractions of the region.
Yerba mate and Misiones: an inseparable history
Misiones is Argentina's main yerba mate producing province, accounting for over 90% of the national production. The yerba mate plant (Ilex paraguariensis) is native to the Paranaense rainforest and grows naturally in the red soil of Misiones, rich in iron and minerals.
The Guaraní peoples were the first to discover the properties of yerba mate centuries ago, using it as an energizing and medicinal drink. During the Jesuit missions (17th century), the Jesuits systematized its cultivation and trade — hence the province's name.
Today yerba mate is much more than a crop: it's the cultural identity of Misiones. Visiting a yerba mate producer like Flor de Jardín allows you to understand this tradition from the roots — literally — and appreciate the work behind every mate brewed in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and southern Brazil.
What the visit to Flor de Jardín includes
The Flor de Jardín experience combines learning, tasting and shopping. The tour has three stages:
Guided tour of the facilities
(30-40 minutes)A cooperative guide explains the yerba mate production process step by step: from the manual harvest of the leaves (tarefa), through the sapecado (rapid fire-drying), the drying on barbacuá or conveyor belt, the grinding and the aging. You tour the facilities where each stage takes place and can see the machinery in operation.
Yerba mate and product tastings
(15-20 minutes)After the tour, you're invited to taste the different varieties of yerba mate produced by the cooperative: traditional, mild and herbal blends. You can also sample other regional products like cassava starch and local specialties. It's the opportunity to compare flavors and choose your favorite.
Shop
(15-30 minutes (self-guided))The cooperative has a retail shop where you can buy all Flor de Jardín products at factory prices: yerba mate in various presentations, cassava starch, sweets and regional products. Prices are significantly lower than in supermarkets or retail stores. Ideal for taking home authentic souvenirs.
Flor de Jardín products
Traditional yerba mate
Best sellerFlor de Jardín's classic variety, with the authentic flavor of Misiones yerba mate. Natural drying and aging that give it body and balance.
Mild yerba mate
A less intense blend, ideal for those who prefer a lighter mate or are just getting started with the beverage.
Herbal blend yerba mate
Blends with highland herbs such as mint, lemon verbena, pennyroyal and other regional medicinal herbs. Digestive and refreshing options.
Cassava starch
One of the cooperative's star products alongside yerba mate. Cassava is one of the main crops in Misiones and the starch is used in chipá, mbejú and regional pastries.
Regional products
Jams, preserves and Misiones specialties made by local producers. Ideal as souvenirs or to bring the flavors of Misiones home.
The shop
Flor de Jardín's shop is much more than a store: it's a meeting point between producer and consumer. Here you can buy all the cooperative's products without intermediaries, at factory prices.
In addition to the different varieties of yerba mate, the shop offers cassava starch (an essential ingredient for chipá and mbejú, traditional Misiones pastries), regional jams, preserves and other products made by local producers.
For tourists, it's the chance to take home an authentic Misiones souvenir — something you can't find at any supermarket and that carries the cooperative's story. A package of Flor de Jardín yerba mate is the perfect gift for mate lovers.
Practical information
Location
Route 12 Km 1436, Jardín América, CP 3328, Misiones, Argentina
Distance from Puerto Iguazú
~40 km along National Route 12 (south toward Posadas)
Phone numbers
+54 3743 460277 / +54 3743 460763
Website
flordejardin.com.ar
Activities
Guided tour, tastings, shop purchases
Products
Yerba mate, cassava starch, sweets and regional products
Visit duration
1 to 1.5 hours (guided tour + tasting + shopping)
Facilities
Parking, restrooms, shop
How to get there from Puerto Iguazú
Flor de Jardín is located on National Route 12, the same road that connects Puerto Iguazú with Wanda, Jardín América and San Ignacio. The road is paved and in excellent condition.
Private transfer (recommended)
The driver picks you up at your hotel in Puerto Iguazú, takes you to Flor de Jardín, waits during the visit and brings you back. You can combine it with Wanda Mines and San Ignacio Ruins on the same day. Ideal for families and groups who want to manage their own schedule.
Combo: Mines + Ruins + Yerba Mate
The most complete excursion in the region. Visit Wanda Mines, San Ignacio Ruins and Flor de Jardín cooperative in a single day. All three stops are along National Route 12, making the route very efficient. Full-day excursion (9-10 hours).
Rental or personal car
Take National Route 12 south (toward Posadas). Flor de Jardín is at Km 1436, in Jardín América. There's parking on site. GPS shows "Flor de Jardín" or "Cooperativa Flor de Jardín".
Why combine with Wanda Mines and San Ignacio Ruins
The Combo: Mines + Ruins + Yerba Mate is the most enriching full-day excursion from Puerto Iguazú. The three stops are along National Route 12 and offer completely different experiences:
Wanda Mines
GeologyAmethysts, quartz and geodes formed 150 million years ago. Guided tour of the deposit + gem shop.
Flor de Jardín
Local cultureThe yerba mate process from start to finish. Tastings and factory-price purchases.
San Ignacio Ruins
HistoryThe best-preserved Jesuit ruins in Argentina. UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984.
The recommended order is to leave early from Puerto Iguazú (~7:00 AM), first Wanda Mines (closest), then Flor de Jardín in Jardín América, and finally San Ignacio Ruins (the longest stop). On the way back, the road is direct along the same Route 12.
5 tips to make the most of your visit
Bring cash
Although the shop may accept electronic payment, it's recommended to bring cash in Argentine pesos so you don't depend on card terminal connectivity.
Taste before you buy
Take advantage of the tastings to try the different yerba mate varieties before choosing which to take home. Each blend has a different flavor profile and it's best to find the one you like most.
Buy cassava starch
If you enjoyed chipá or mbejú (traditional Misiones pastries), Flor de Jardín's cassava starch is excellent quality at cooperative prices. It costs much more elsewhere.
Combine with Wanda and San Ignacio
If you have a full day, the Mines + Ruins + Yerba Mate combo is unbeatable. All three stops are along Route 12 and each offers a different experience: geology, local culture and history.
Ask about group rates
If traveling in a group or large family, ask Cataratas Taxi about the Renault Master (up to 15 passengers). More people = lower cost per person.
Frequently asked questions
What is Flor de Jardín?
It's a yerba mate producers' cooperative from Jardín América, Misiones. They produce yerba mate, cassava starch and regional products. They offer guided tours, tastings and a shop open to the public.
How long is the visit?
The full visit (guided tour + tasting + shop) takes between 1 and 1.5 hours. If combined with Wanda Mines and San Ignacio Ruins, the complete excursion from Puerto Iguazú takes 9-10 hours.
Can you visit with children?
Yes. The tour is suitable for all ages. Kids can see how yerba mate is processed and try regional products. It's an educational experience that complements the trip.
How do I get there from Puerto Iguazú?
Flor de Jardín is about 40 km from Puerto Iguazú along National Route 12. The most comfortable way is with a private transfer that takes you, waits and brings you back. You can also drive yourself.
Can you combine with Wanda Mines and San Ignacio Ruins?
Yes. It's the most complete combination: Wanda Mines (geology), Flor de Jardín (local culture) and San Ignacio Ruins (history). All three stops are along Route 12. Full-day excursion.
Want to visit Flor de Jardín?
With Cataratas Taxi we take you to the Flor de Jardín cooperative from your hotel in Puerto Iguazú. The driver waits during the entire visit and brings you back. We can also combine with Wanda Mines and San Ignacio Ruins for a full day (Combo: Mines + Ruins + Yerba Mate). Fixed fare agreed via WhatsApp.
Book excursion to Flor de JardínFlor de Jardín Cooperative — Official website
Information, products and contact.
flordejardin.com.ar →Last updated: July 8, 2026 · Author: Hernán Pared, Cataratas Taxi (12+ years driving tourists around Misiones)