Brazil travel blog by Mark Berman -
April 2016
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The utterly amazing Iguaçu Falls is without question one of the most stunning and must-see sights in South America, period! You
just can't beat a spectacular natural wonder. I had been to the falls twice before in Argentina but this was my first time on the Brazilian
side. I came across the border by taxi from Ciudad del Este - Paraguay to get here, 30mins. This is one of several tri-national border
crossings in South America. I found a nice budget hotel near the bus terminal, a good location because there's a supermarket closeby that
serves delicious buffet lunches. Brazil is good for buffets! It's also of course an easy place to catch a bus to the waterfalls from, or
you can taxi. Seeing the Falls
It takes around 20mins by taxi or around 35mins by bus from town to the park. From the entrance of the national park an open-air bus (10mins) takes
everyone to the area in which to begin the trail (walkway) down through the park and falls. The pink castle-like Hotel das Cataratas with
beautiful green lawns and views of Iguaçu is located here. Watch out for those cheeky raccoons that hang out around the first viewing
point, if they smell food they will grab your bag or
jump onto you! The first viewing point is high up, the waterfalls are captivating and start
working their magic making you want to start the walk down to get closer! There's greenery and thick forest all around. A large river with boats
taking people up super-close. Boulder and rock gardens washed in ferocious gushing water. Walking down slowly. There's various viewing points
along the way and people in groups taking their 'I was here' photos and having a great time. There's no need to hurry, it's too mesmerizing
and hard to comprehend. I see the permanent rainbow above the waterfalls. I remember that from Argentina. Getting down to eye level. Wow, look
down there, it's a long concrete and steel platform going right out into the heart of all that spray! Some people put on their plastic
raincoats that they bought somewhere up around the ticket office. Time to walk out to face the music of the Garganta do Diabo (Devil's Throat).
The spray is fantastic! It's just what one needs in this sub-tropical heat, a t-shirt takes just minutes to dry afterwards. After this climatic
experience out on the platform most people wait for the elevator to take them up for close-up (from above) panoramic views of the falls and
river before exiting at the same level for the bus back to the entrance station. It's a damn fine view I must say!
More Fun Attractions
Some people, either before
or after visiting the main attraction do the trails located about halfway from the entrance. The Poço Preto Trail Tour consists of walking,
bike riding and kayaking. The Macuco Safari Tour takes you up very close to the falls in boats. The Bananeiras Trail Tour is a 2km walk and
a boat journey. You can even do a helicopter tour with
Helisul. Across the road from the falls entrance is the bird park
Parque das Aves.
Which Side is the Best - Brazil or Argentina?
Which is better, the Brazilian side or the Argentinian side? Well, they are 2
different animals to be honest. From Brazil it is more an experience from above and around, panoramic, and takes about 1hr 15mins for the walk
until the exit. Argentina is more an experience of amongst and there is more walking and exploring involved and you can easily spend around 3hrs
here. The fact is, they are both awesome, don't miss it! This is the
official site (in Portuguese).
Flight to Rio de Janeiro
After a couple of nights in Foz do Iguaçu I took a flight with GOL to much anticipated
Rio de Janeiro (1hr 50mins).
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