Las Cataratas del Iguazú

The incredible network of the Iguazú Falls (called Cataratas del Iguazú in Spanish and Foz do Iguaçu in Portuguese) lies on the Iguazu River located at the border of the Brazilian State of Paraná and the Argentine Province of Misiones. The two parks were designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the 1980s.

While two thirds of the falls are on the Argentine side, the Brazilian side provides you with a good panoramic view of the falls. If you only had one day I would say skip Brazil and go straight to Argentina, as there is a lot more to see and experience. However, if you have time I would definitely suggest both visiting both sides!

Panoramic views on the Brazilian side

For the Brazilian side you really only need a few hours to visit the entire park. There is a long walkway along the canyon with gorgeous views of the falls across the river. The most spectacular part is by far the Devil’s Throat, where fourteen falls combine and drop 350 feet with such force that there is always a 100-foot cloud of spray overhead. On the Brazilian side, you can stand at the base and then take the elevator to the top of the falls.

I would recommend one full day on the Argentine side.  If you feel you need a second day at the falls make sure to get your ticket stamped before leaving because admission for a second day is half price. Two days on the Argentine side means that you can take as long as you want and not rush anything. The Argentine side comprises three sections:

my waterproof camera came in handy!

Circuito Superior - From the upper path provides a short walk to some nice viewpoints along the upper rim of the waterfalls.

Circuito Inferior – The lower path leads to the base of the falls.   It is here you can get really close up to the waterfalls - expect to be sprayed. This pathway also leads to the boat ride, which I HIGHLY recommend. NOTE: be prepared to be completely soaked on the boat ride. Don’t worry - they provide you with a waterproof bag for all of your belongings. 

Garganta del Diablo is the main attraction on the Argentine side - do not leave without having seen it. There is a free train running up to a 1 km-long catwalk across the river. There you stand just above the main horseshoe of falls where the roar and spray are quite powerful!

Mel, Em & I at the top of the Devil's Throat- Argentine side

On the Argentine side I highly recommend the Iguazu Hostel Inn. In a great location, with easy access to both the park and town, this hostel has a really cool vibe, fun bar great pool during the hot season!

Trip 1 with Kelsey & Kristine:

Kelsey, Kristine and I at the Devil's Throat

Kelsey and I made plans to go to Iguazu back in August before I even came to visit Buenos Aires. After moving here we kept discussing the need to find the perfect weekend to take the trip. Well, the time flew by and all of a sudden the end of Kelsey's time in BsAs was near (tear!!)  We finally made plans to go the first weekend in December, which was the last free weekend we had in common. Kristine came along, as she had wanted to go to the falls before she left BsAs. The bus ride down there was a lot of fun! It was my first long distance, over night bus and I was happily surprised at how comfortable the bus lines are. We splurged and got camas (seats that practically recline into beds) which also came with a hot dinner all you can drink wine!!  Earlier that week Kristine and I discussed how we were actually looking forward to our 18 hr bus ride all week because we would finally be able to catch up on sleep (something that is hard to come by when living in Buenos Aires).  

miserable and soaking wet from the rain

The weekend didn't turn out exactly as we had planned. First we were unable to go to the Brazil side time due to lack of time. Then it rained (read: poured) all morning. We were soaked from the very start. Kelsey and I were not happy campers. After getting over the misery we were able to find humor in the situation and ended up having a blast! It was definitely a memorable experience!

At the beginning of the day we ran into Julian. Mads and I had met Julian in Rio 3 months prior. Traveling alone, he joined us for the day, and provided additional comic relief when we needed it.

by this point we were able to find humor in the situation

Trip 2 SA2K11 Part 2:
Despite just having been to Iguazu, I was very excited to go again with my friends in March. In December we didn’t make it to the Brazil side. While hearing the Argentine side was the better of the two, I was excited to check out the views from the opposite side.

pre-flight excitement!

aerial view of the falls

Additionally, helicopter rides are available only on the Brazilian side. Argentina has prohibited such tours due to their harmful environmental effects, which I find strange as to me Brazil seems to much more environmentally conscience. Melissa absolutely refused to go into a helicopter as she has recently developed a fear of flying. She and Tyler visited the local Itaipu Dam while Emily and I splurged on the 15-minute helicopter ride. It was really cool to see an aerial view of the falls. Definitely something I would suggest!

in front of the Devil's Throat - Brazil side

After spending the afternoon touring the park, we took a taxi across the border into Argentina. There, Jordan was waiting for us (he took a 24 hr bus from Rio while we flew into the Brazil side) with new friends! Jordan met Jesse in Buzios prior to coming to Rio. After we settled on plans for Iguazu, Jordan sent him our information in case he wanted to join. So glad he did! Jesse is one of the most incredible people ever! The Olivias (or the Olivians as Tyler called them) met Jordan and Jesse on he bus from Rio to Iguazu. The two of them plus Jesse joined our Rio five-some to create an amazing group in Iguazu (and Buenos Aires for my birthday)!

Jordan, Olivia ("Liv"), Jesse and I at dinner

Emily, Olivia ("Dubs"), Mel and Ty at dinner