Our TAM Airplane
The Foz do Iguaçu Airport
We had previously arranged for a private transfer from the Brazilian airport to the Argentinian hotel. Passing through customs at the border was quick and uneventful, especially considering that we gained an hour due to the time zone difference. After checking in at our hotel, with the day still very much young, we decided to head back to Brazil and spend the afternoon visiting the Brazilian side of Iguazú Falls. We were able to get a remise (private taxi and driver) to take us back through customs, and wait while we visited the park.
Park Sign
The Parque Nacional do Iguaçu was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986. After buying our tickets, we boarded a double-decker bus to get to the Falls, which were located about 10 kilometers from the visitor's center, deeper into the park. There are a number of bus stops, but most people (including us) get off at the stop for the Hotel Tropical das Cataratas. This stop is the beginning of the one-and-a-half kilometer path that provides some of the most spectacular views of the Falls. Along the walkway, high above the river, there are multiple platforms for viewing most of the Argentine Falls, the river canyon, and Isla San Martin.
Hotel Tropical das Cataratas
While my photos below will show you the beauty and splendor of Iguazú Falls, you have got to see the Falls in person to truly appreciate the immense size and drama of what is quite simply the most spectacular waterfalls on this planet. Iguazú is actually 275 different waterfalls, tumbling over a complex set of cliffs from the Rio Iguazú Superior to the Rio Iguazú Inferior below. However the most amazing site is the Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat), a powerhouse of a fall where more than 1800 cubic meters of water per second cascades down a three-kilometer semicircle of rock into the boiling river canyon some 70 meters below. Absolutely awesome!
Our First View of the Falls
A Beautiful Day at the Falls
Iguazú in Black and White
A Sunbathing Lizard
The day was sunny and hot. Hiking along the trail was quite easy, but because of the humidity, it is recommended that you bring plenty of water to drink. There are a couple of snack stands along the path if you need a refreshment. Iguazú is an indigenous (Tupi-Guarani) name, meaning Great Waters. I can't think of a better name for this place!
One of the 275 Falls
Watch Out for Centipedes Along the Trail
Salto Adam and Eve
The Three Musketeers
From this viewpoint on the Brazilian side, you get almost a 220 degree view of many of the amazing falls. This video below starts looking up the Rio Iguazú towards the Garganta del Diablo. It then pans toward the Three Muskeeters Falls and Isla San Martin. In the background, you can see the Circuito Superior on the Argentinian side of the Falls.
From the Brazilian side, you can see the launch for the boat ride under the falls. My mom and I will take this wild ride tomorrow...here's a preview....
Docked Boat
Boat on the Rio Iguazú
At the end of the 1.5 kilometer trail, you find yourself at the mighty Garganta del Diablo. From here, you are able to get down to the river level and literally walk on catwalks to the edge of the Falls. With temperatures approaching 100 degrees, it was quite refreshing to have the mist from the Mighty Iguazú drench you from head to toe.
Catwalks Over the River
An Observation Platform in the Mist
Rainbows in Abundance
A Refreshing View of the Falls
They Seem A Bit Dryer, Don't They?
Iguazú Falls has been prominently featured in a number of films including "The Mission" and "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull." In addition, the fictional falls seen in the film "Up" is based on Iguazú.
Looking Up!
Video of Devil's Throat
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