Kiribu

Iguaçu Falls are located on the borders of three countries, Brasil, Paraguay and Argentina. On arrival at Foz do Iguaçu Bus Terminal I went to the tourist area and spoke to a few respectable looking touring companies who would give me a good deal on the Hostel and gave me the option to get a good deal on any Tours through them. I ended up going with a tour organized through Bambu Hostel on the Brazilian side of the falls.

The hostel was great and the weather was extremely hot so I went for a dip in their pool and relaxed with a cool glass of beer! I thought it was best to just chill out for a day and get to know a few people in the hostel and plan my stay. I met some cool people from the US, Ireland and Chile who I would keep in contact with throughout my whole South America trip. It’s always good to know people when you head to their countries!

After a heavy day and night of drinking and partying I forgot to set my alarm for the next day… we were supposed to leave at 8AM and I woke up at 7:55! I really quickly got my stuff together and luckily it turned out we were also waiting on a Japanese guy who was still on his way from the bus terminal. We ended up leaving at 8:15AM. The plan was that a whole group of us would travel in a minibus to Argentina and do a full day on that side of the falls. The Argentinian side of the falls are far bigger than the Brazilian side and there is also more to see and do, like specially crafted walk ways, boat rides under the falls and dingy rides. Although the better views are definitely from the Brazilian side.

It may be cliché but it is true that you have to see it to believe it and that nothing prepares you for what you see and feel when you first get a glimpse of Iguazu Falls. Our entire group just went ‘Wow!’ We had a great guide who organized everything for us (including paper work at the border and buying our tickets). He gave us a good background and some interesting facts and then let us roam around the Iguazu National Park. He took us by the little train to Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat), which is the main attraction. It is where the most water runs down a fairly narrow gap with a tremendous roar.

We then got to go in the big Speed Boat which took us part of the way under one of the water falls… a truly amazing experience. Definitely recommended if you are there. Be prepared to get very wet!

The next day I headed of with my American pal to the Brazilian side of the falls where there is a really nice bird park – Parque das Aves – where you can roam freely among the toucans and parrots, and even get to hold a few of the species. Foz do Iguaçu is a lot calmer with fewer people and perfect for a few hours walk towards the bottom and back to the top of the falls. You get to see some great wildlife along the way too, birds, lizards, butterflies, snakes, and even raccoons. The views of the falls are absolutely spectacular, it is recommended that you go early for sunrise to get the most artistic shots, but any time of day is actually fine.

There is actually a lot more to see in the area than just the water falls.

The three points border crossing of Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina is also an interesting visit. So is the Itaipu Hydroelectric Dam, supposedly the biggest electrical power generator in the world. You can also fly by helicopter or small plane over the Iguaçu falls and the surrounding area for a different perspective. In short Iguaçu falls is a definite must see experience. I’m glad I made the effort!