Parque Nacional Iguazú

On our second day at Iguazú Falls, we visited the Parque Nacional Iguazú, the Argentinian side of the Falls. From the visitor's center we boarded the Jungle Train to the Estacion Garganta del Diablo. From this station, there is a series of catwalks over the Rio Iguazú leading you to mother-of-all waterfalls, the Garganta del Diablo, or Devil's Throat.

Catwalk Entrance


As you walk along the catwalk, the river is unusually calm, considering the drop ahead. There are various small islands and the air is abundant with birds and butterflies.

Along the Catwalk


On top of the river, the first sight of Devil's Throat, is scary, exhilarating and beautiful. The catwalk takes you to a small viewing platform within a few feet of the staggering, sheer drop of the Falls. As the water crashes over the edge, mist is churned, providing viewers on the platform with refreshing bursts of water. You will definitely get wet!

About to Take the Plunge


A Photo-Op Between Bursts of Mist


Devil's Throat à la Ansel Adams


For some great 360 degree photos of the Falls, check out this web page.

Video of Devil's Throat



Because the Argentinian side of the Falls is much larger than the Brazilian side, you should plan on spending at least a full day in the park, walking the trails, and participating in some of the outdoor recreational adventures. Besides the circuit that takes you to the Devil's Throat, there is the Circuito Superior, the Circuito Inferior and, weather permitting (but not when we were there), you can take a boat across to Isla San Martin and hike the island.

We opted for the Circuito Inferior (lower circuit) because my mom and I were eager to take the boat ride on the river to get a close-up view of the Falls. Along the lower circuit, there are numerous opportunities to get incredible views of many of the 275 falls. Below are some of my favorite photos from our hike.

The Lower Circuit
















Here's a video of the Iguazú Falls from the lower circuit. These steps lead down to the dock where you can take a boat ride on the river.



For 100 Argentinian pesos (about US$30), my mom and I opted to get a much closer view of the Falls. I cannot recommend this boat ride experience enough....it was one of the most incredible, fun, wild rides. Not to be missed! Just bring your bathing suit, because you will get absolutely soaked!

Embarking on Our Adventure


Once the boat leaves the dock, it races up river to where Devil's Throat is located. Passengers are given time to take some close-up photos of the Falls.

Some Close-Up Shots of the Falls




If you look closely at the following photograph, you'll see that we are sitting in the front row on the right hand side. Notice how choppy the river is in this shot.

Whitewater Ride!


The boat then gets closer and closer to the Falls until you are directly below the rushing water. As the temperature today was approaching 100 degrees, the cold river water was quite refreshing.

Closer to the Falls...


...and Even Closer!


Smile!


As we walked the trail from the boat dock back to the train station, we passed by the Sheraton Iguazú Resort & Spa, the only hotel located in the park on the Argentinian side. With the Falls so close to this hotel, this is definitely a great (and expensive) place to stay if you are short on time.

The Sheraton Hotel