From Mendoza we headed north and returned to a humid climate. Since spending over a month in the south we longed for humidity. Iguazú Falls areas didn’t disappoint and gifted us with warm Atlantic forest climate and astonishing vistas of one of the worlds most impressive cascade system. We only spent two short days visiting both parks but each one was packed with excitement and dumbfounded beauty.
Based on recommendations from others started with the Argentinian side of the park. By and large it contains the majority of the falls and there are several trails to explore. In addition to the hikes, we also took a boat ride that takes visitors up close and personal the impressive mist of the cascades. The waterfalls are powerful, beyond incredible, and just an impressive sight all around. Every glance we took whether it was on the boat or on the trail was saturated with the astonishing beauty.
On the boat ride we experienced the power of the water and every inch of our bodies and gear was drenched. After the adrenaline filled ride, we explored to our hearts content the many three trails accessible in the park. To get there we had to take a train that navigated through the jungle where we caught sightings of beautiful birds and sneaky coatis - raccoon like mammals. As a quick tangent, because this is one of the worlds top destinations, the tourism and visitor density is quite high and as such the coatis have gotten very used to being hand fed by visitors despite the parks attempts of limiting contact. While waiting for train, coatis approached visitors and some grabbed cookies and crackers from backpacks that were left on the ground. It was actually rather sad because it’s become a dangerous learned behavior. The experience was a helpful reminder of the human-wildlife conflicts that exists one popular natural protected areas.
We walked a trail to an overlook of the largest cascade, the Devil’s throat, where we could feel the power and intensity of the water up close, and thankfully, from a safe distance. We also explored the upper and lower trails where caught sight of dozens of rainbows decorating cascades scenery. Put plainly, words will not do justice and I hope the photos can catch even if just a glimpse of the beauty that surrounded us that day.
On the second day we took a bus to cross the border between Brazil and Argentina. It was one the a unique border crossing because as foreigners we had to go de board the bus go through customs and catch another bus.
As our first time in Brazil, our Portuguese was mediocre at best. For the entirety of our travels we were communicating effectively, could ask complex questions and carry long conversations because of our Spanish fluency. However, in Brazil all of that went out the window and with simple and slow Portu-ñol (Spanish/Portuguese words) we made due. Over time we picked up more words but we were definitely out of comfort zone. We accepted the challenge and thanks in large part to the kindness and patience of others. As a quick side, our Airbnb in Foz de Iguazu was something special. It was the tidiest, cleanest, and most comfortable stay we’ve had to date. We felt so special and only wish we could’ve stayed longer.
The Brazilian side of the falls has less trails but it was perhaps more impressive because the board walks traverses sections of the waters and at some point are standing on top of a waterfall. It was truly spectacular to see.
We concluded our time in Igauzú with filled hearts, tons of gratitude, and adoration for the natural wonders of the world. With this new eager attitude we headed to Rio de Janeiro - which became our favorite city for all the right reasons.
