The most spectacular waterfalls in the world!
Trip Start
Aug 26, 2005
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Trip End
May 26, 2008
Foz De Iguazu - Iguazu falls,
Argentina
Saturday, October 1, 2005
Alan and I had got more out of Buenos Aires than we had ever imagined and it was time to go. We forked out a little more to get a luxury bus to take us the 17 hours from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls. 17 hours nonstop. It really gives an idea of the size of Argentina. Alan and I were completely in our zone on this bus. We were given champagne on arrival and treated to more luxury than a plane on this long bus ride. Occasionally the attendant would ask it the heating was ok and if we required anything. 'Of course I want some more rum' We managed to drink the bus dry and arrived very hungover at the falls, 17 hours later.
The falls are absolutely breathtaking. Its hard to comprehend the amount of water flowing over those things, ´Step aside Niagra´ as one of the ex-US Presidents quoted, ´these things are amazing!´ The falls of Iguazu are the result of a combination of rivers from Argentina, Paraguay and Brasil, all merging into one and heading for a massive drop off into a single fast flowing river, which offers some spectacular high grade rafting
Boating in the fallz
.There are some great walking trails around the falls and although it is incredibly over-developed with paved paths, walkways, restaurants, souvenir shops and the Sheraton Hotel permeating the forest. The place sports some awesome wildlife and, of course, the falls.
The obvious wildlife includes Toucans, loads of Lizards, Vultures, Butterflies galore, Coatis (a pointy nosed, bushy tailed, gold colored mammal that is quite dangerous when it gets hungry, they are commonly seen with their heads in garbage bins), Monkeys and a lot of Birds, and I mean a whole lot of birds. The other wildlife advertised on warning signs and post cards includes Jaguars, Ocelots, Armadillos and the awesome Rhino sized Tapir. I saw all of the obvious wildlife but the other animals seem to avoid the tourist paths.
The paths take you right under and then over the falls, standing right above them, and looking down into the mist, waiting for an explosion of water and getting soaked when the mist shoots hundreds of feet into the air. I took a boat up the river, over the rapids and eventually right under one of the falls, getting totally soaked in the hot, humid 36 degree heat. Then we had a 4WD cruise through the rain forest, where we saw Eagles and Vultures and Ancient Trees.
The highlight of the falls is the inspiring Cataractus del Diablo - or ´The Devils Throat´. To get to this fall, its a long walk along a boardwalk suspended above the river. A spectacular and thrilling walk, with the fast flowing water running towards its drop off. The amount of water flowing over this fall is mesmerizing, and the mist shoots hundreds of feet into the air. But even some of the insignificant falls here, (and there are many of them) are the sort of thing you'd walk hours or even days to see in Australia.
Alan and I spent 2 days admiring the waterfalls and began the next leg of our trip. For me, it was to the South of Brazil and for Alan, it was to Mendoza, in Argentina. We said our goodbyes and jumped on some not so luxury buses.
