Unbelievable Iguazu Falls

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Iguazu Falls stradles the National Border of Brazil and Argentina and there will always be controversy about which country provides the best view. In our opinion you should see both sides BUT if you only have one day... see it from Argentina. The Falls were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, and is currently on the list as one of the New Natural Wonders of the World.

The Guarani legend says that Iguazu Falls were created when a jealous forest god, enraged by a warrior escaping downriver by canoe with his lover, forced the riverbed to collapse therefore producing the giant falls where both the warrior and girl fell. At the base of the waterfalls the girl turned into a rock and the warrior survived as a tree overlooking his fallen lover. Ahhh.. how tragic!

We arrived in the city of Foz do Iguacu, Brasil around 7am (love those overnight buses) where we stored our packs and caught a number of different buses that would eventually carry us to these massive falls. After about 2 hrs we reached Parque Nacional Do Iguacu and were amazed by how lush the park was AND how huge the falls truly were. There are over 275 falls around 220 feet high and it is said they could embrace four (4) Niagaras!! We read one article that said Elenaor Roosevelt, when she first saw the falls said, "Poor Niagara. Iguazu makes it look like a kitchen faucet."

We were also pleasantly surprised by the coatimundis... weird little raccon looking animals harassing us and other visitors for food. Chrissy wanted so badly to touch their bushy tails, but there were signs everywhere indicating the "danger" of touching them, so we didnt push it. We strolled along the canyon wall river trail and out onto a platform close to the falls. After about an hour or so we began making our way back to the bus station with a short stop at an all you can eat meat buffet, and then onto Argentina where we would spend the night.

At the border crossing John and I were pulled aside into a room where 6 people with medical masks were processing "certain travelers". We were required to fill out a lengthy form about our health (wait.... did I just hear John snort like a pig?) Haha!! As we passed our passports to the officials we couldn't help but notice that they handled them like ancient artifacts, afraid to touch them!! As soon as they gave them back they quickly used their designated hand sanitizer. Whoa... we felt like lepers.

Afterwards our taxi man dropped us off at a hostel called "Peter Pan", which we might add was recommended by our London friend Pete. And yes, Peter Pan Hostel was orange and green to represent the Lost Boy's costume. 😉

The next morning we grabbed a bus to Parque Nacional Iguazu. We were a bit concerned about the overcast skies, but as unsavory backpackers this weather would not hinder us! There is a train on the Argentine side, which was quite nice because we got to see a larger stretch of the park AND I saw a real Tucan bird!! Yep, giant orange beak amongst thick green vegetation!!

Our first falls Garganta del Diablo translated as "Devil´s Throat" was breathtaking!! Over 490 feet across with a 270 foot drop!!! The view pier was built right on the falls and being so close was incredible and quite humbling. Throughout the rest of the day we saw other bright indigenous birds, colorful fish and lots of bugs. We also saw another stretch of waterfalls that will forever be ingrained in our memories. Towards the end of the day the sky opened and gave all of the visitors a sound thrashing. Even though everyone was already wet, people continued to take the large motored boats up the river to be submersed under more waterfalls. It was great to watch and hear people shrieking.

The hot showers back at Peter Pan were much needed and dinner that night was at a nice steak restaurant (one last Argentine Steak) with 3 guys playing beautiful Tango music on classical guitars!! Perfect end to the perfect day. (And I had my first shopping spree... handmade sandals, ring and earrings!).

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Comments

[Griff]

Wow!
Love the pictures in this post. So beautiful!