Today was yet another early start, only this time we were heading to the airport. We said good bye to BA and headed north to the sub tropical town of Iguazu.
We arrived around lunchtime to stifling hot weather. Driving through the town (which is tiny) to the hotel from the airport was quite interesting. The whole place has a rich red/orange tinge to it, the dirt and rain don't mix well here!
We quickly checked into our hotel then headed back out to see what we came here to see, Iguazu Falls. First however, we had to cross the border into Brazil. Today we were checking the falls out from afar. It's said that the falls are shared; Argentina has the falls, Brazil has the views.
We made it through customs and border security and headed for the falls. We stopped for a quick bite to eat then entered the National Park. It didn't take us long before we had our first view of the falls. The first thing that hits you though is the sound. It's ferocious!
Spectacular is all I can say. It's quite amazing how much water there is and how fast it flows. These falls arnt the tallest or biggest in the world but they are the widest. The expanse of falls is stunning, a huge long wall of water. Visually it's amazing- it just plays out in front of you. A rampage of water.
We walked through the rainforest trek for a km or so, stopping for photos often, but the best part lay ahead. At the bottom of the devils throat fall, the most exciting and tallest, there are elevated walkways that take you out into the falls and over them. CRAZY! It's scary too seeing the water rush beneath you then fall off a cliff 80m or so down.
We got so drenched from just the spray - which is kinda like a huge splash! A great feeling though, and the sound is incredible too. So loud and constant. We were told that the avg rate of water at the falls is 6 million liters per second and that today was higher due to recent rains. Incredible!
We headed for the stairs and elevator to go back up but first stopped at this steel platform, which allowed you to stand right below the falls. You get so pounded with water here, but it's such a cool experience.
We made it back up to the top and stopped for ice cream and more great views. Words just dont seem to suffice when describing how amazing this place is, you'll have to see the photos!
We headed back home for a rest and a swim at the hotel, before getting ready for dinner!
Dinner was quite lavish and expensive, Aqva, the place was called. Nice food but a bit pompous. Sim finished off the night with gelato of course, which is next door to where we are staying.
All in all though, another magical day on tour. It's amazing how you can be in one of the worlds great cities in the morning and by the afternoon you're standing at the foot of one the worlds great natural wonders 1500km away! Love it!
- Blog from iMat
The falls sound so amazing Mat. Even with your descriptions I can't imagine how loud it must be. I do remember that Niagra falls even though nowhere as huge az Iguasau was deafening. Anyway hope you are well and will try to Skype u soon. Love Dad
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