Foz do Iguaçu, Argentina/Brazil
Iguazu Falls has been on my list of dream places to see for over 10 years, and I finally made that happen (better late than never, right?)
The falls straddle the border of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. To get here from our last stop, we hopped aboard a domestic flight from Ezezia, Buenos Aires, and flew into Cataratas del Iguazu International Airport (IGR) in Argentina. However, there is also another airport to fly into called Foz do Iguacu International Airport, which is on the Brazilian side.
Just like the Niagara falls, which straddles USA and Canada, you will probably debate which side of the Iguazu Falls is best (assuming you can only see one side).
Well we entered from the Argentinian side (approximately 800 Argentinian pesos), which is the side I'd recommend (although who really can say until you've done both, right?). However I did do some research on the matter before hand and the Argentinian side gives you a full day of sightseeing with a variety of nature trails available. The park is a lot more spread out and there is more generally to do and see. Further, this side will allow you to get semi-panoramic views, and allow you to get right on top of the falls and literally hang over the edge of the Devils Throat. You will see below from my photos what i mean by semi-panoramic (which is still breathtaking). You can also take a speed boat on this side. On the other hand, the Brazilian side will give you the full panoramic views via a wooden boardwalk that leads right to the bottom of the Devils Throat. This is honestly the one thing I love most about the photos I have seen from the Brazilian side. However, the Brazilian side is limited in that there is really only one path and a few views and probably a higher potential for crowding and selfies at the end of that boardwalk, which does not give me my "money's worth" to soak in the experience. A good start for your research would be the Park's official page here.
There are around 275 individual waterfalls that make up the Iguazu Falls. It is said that when first lady Eleanor Roosevelt first looked upon these falls, she lamented for the poor Niagara Falls, implying that the Niagara paled by comparison.
The park is fairly straightforward in its layout. There are signs everywhere and you will be given a park map upon entrance. It does have sort of an amusement park feel because of how touristy and planned out it is, with all the well paved paths that have provide no opportunity for you to wander off for a hike, and with souvenir shops at the end of each circuit. However, it does make the place very accessible for the general public! Keep in mind that despite that there are still stairs throughout the park.
There are two primary circuits, the lower track (circuito inferior - blue track in map above) and the upper track (paseo superior - red track in map) so there will be some walking involved. We started with the lower.
Pictured above are the semi-panoramic photos of the falls from the lower track. There is a brisk (but easy) walk in the park to get to the lower track. Basically, there is no where you can go here that is NOT beautiful, even in places where the falls do not appear because of how lush everything is.
Another photo of the semi-panoramic view of the falls from the lower track, except with me in it.
You can get up close to some of the falls in the lower track. Especially nice on a scorching summer day like ours!
If you're here, you have to make a reservation for the speed boat tour (called the "Jungle" on the map above). It's only about 20 minutes but well worth the fun. They sell tickets at the Jungle boleteria right after the park entrance, but they sell out early. My recommendation is that you come early and make a beeline to the stand to get tickets. When we arrived here on day 1, the tickets were all sold out. Since we allotted two days for this park, we were able to buy tickets for the next day and just came back the next morning. (Honestly you can do this park in just 1 day though if you are in a time crunch). The speed boat tour will take you to the foot of some of the falls and basically drench you. it is a great way to see the sights from this angle rather than from up top, and nothing beats the feel of the refreshing breeze and the spray of water upon your face.
Another view from the speed boat. Don't worry, they give you life vests and a waterproof bag to hold your things in. I kept my phone out so I could snap these incredible photos (and videos).
A video is also worth a thousand words.
More views from the lower track. It's hard to imagine a place this beautiful, especially one blessed with waterfalls basically as far as the eye can see. The two above aren't even located at the Devils Throat, but in one of the nature trails in this side of the park.
Once you're done with the lower track, you'll make your way back to the train station going north and get off at Estacion Garganta. Once you disembark you will walk onto a platform that will take you straight to the Devils Throat.
Pictured above is the famous and monumental photo above the falls. It is about 260 feet high (about 80 meters for you metric folk).
A video of the Devils Throat more accurately conveys the sheer power of the water and the enormity of the place.
Upon entering the park, you will undoubtedly have run into many of these creatures pictured above, called coati, which are members of the raccoon family.
These coatis have gotten so used to humans that they will literally crawl onto your backpack looking for food, enter the convenience stores located in the park, and if you're not careful, may nip your extremities. Notwithstanding, they and the many baby coati are extremely adorable. Hope you enjoyed this post as much as I enjoyed writing it, and I also hope that you will plan a trip here.
