Day Fifty Six: IGUAZU - Argentinas Side

Today was another great day in hot and sunny Iguazu. Of course we woke up early again, as we were heading for the falls again. This time however it was the Argentinian side.

We arrived around 8ish in the morning. This side of the falls was much more touristy than yesterdays, going through the entry gates was kinda like entering a water theme park. We then took a mini train out through the jungle and arrived at a trail upstream of the falls.

We were guided along the platform boardwalks, through the trees and over the river until we got to the rim of the devils throat falls, the biggest. It was amazing. The view over and down into the falls was spectacular. The ferocity of the water bellowing over the edge is phenomenal - it's like something from one of those world ending movies of the late 90's. It's really quite frightening the power of nature, especially when a bamboo balustrade separates you from it.

AMAZING!

I can't believe how close you can get to the falls, if this was in Australia or the States there would be huge fences and balustrades everywhere.

We wandered back along the trail and caught the mini train to the other end of the falls. I can see why they're the widest in the world - it's far.
This trail was really cool also, as it took you up through the trees and directly over the falls with great views back to the devils throat falls. The spray wasn't as intensive here so you could see a lot more of the whole falls, really expansive.

It was now time to get wet. We hopped in this jungle jeep which took us along this jungle track to a jetboat downstream of the falls. We suited up and waterproofed our bags and headed back upstream and into the falls. As we neared the falls we were greeted by a huge and constant spray of water. We managed to get a few photos before the guide shouted CAMERAS AWAY! We were then driven right into the falls - pounded by water. Absolutely drenched, but such a thrill. We then drove around San Martin island to the bottom of the Devils Throat fall - this was even more of a thrill - scary too as you lose visibility in the mist of the spray.

After what seemed like only 2 mins we headed back to disembark. Was short but so much fun! We climbed up the stone steps to the top viewing platform, stopping frequently to check out the views. Was quite a cool path that took you below and through the middle of the falls up to the top.

Such a magical place.

We stopped for lunch at the cafe restaurants which were very much overpriced tourist traps - before heading home.

We got back to the hotel and rested, wrote and showered - not necessarily in that order.

That evening we were cooking our own Argentinian Asado BBQ. Our guide Fede, had bought so much meat. It was a cool sight seeing all the meat ready to be cooked. There was steak, flank, ribs, pork belly, chorizo, blood sausage, chicken wings, drumsticks and fillets as well capsicums with egg - all ready to be bbq grilled. AMAZING.

We started cooking about 7:30ish and waited and waited for the meat to be ready. The traditional Argentinian Asado is a slow cooking process, about 3hrs or so of bbqing time over hit cals or wood. But boy, is it worth it. I had to give Fede credit, he had been talking up his bbqing skills the whole trip, and he delivered.

The asado is served as separate portions, kinda like Teppanyaki. You basically get a timber block/plate, a knife and some bread. The order of the meats starts with sausage, followed by the pork, then the chicken. Fede called these meats fools food, as the best meat of the asado is saved to last and fools fill up on the starters. I told him i aint no fool, and filled up on everything.
It's all really salty as well, so a lot of water and fluid is needed as an accompaniment.
He then brought out the last portions - the beef. By now it's 12:30 or so in the morning. But we get through it. It's delicious.
Was a fun evening sitting by the pool and BBQ drinking and eating; we even got a game of sharades in.

It's fun being in the jungle areas, you feel like you're on holiday. Sun, water, bbqs and fun!

Off to Brazil tomorrow. Ciao Argentina - it's been amazing - we will definitely return.


- Blog from iMat