Why do they call them "waterfalls" anyway?

Oh, probably because there's water falling everywhere. OR...because they're called "cataratas" en espanol, which means "cataracts". Not sure which one is more logical, but I'll take it.

WHAT A PLACE. I’ve never been to Niagara, but from what I’ve seen and heard, I might not need to after this. If you read my last post, you probably figured I arrived in Iguazu Falls feeling sad having to leave Floripa. But then again, most everyone I talked to gave me the whole “must-see” spiel about Iguazu. As if I like fun or something. Come on, guys. AYEEEEEE!

Day 1: Foz do Iguacu – Brazilian Side

There are 3 countries that border Iguazu Falls: Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. The falls act as a border between Argentina and Brazil, so they have their own National Park in each country. The Brazilian side is a great for seeing the falls from a distance in a panoramic fashion. Argentina is more about “up close and personal” with the falls, as they have metal walkways that allow you to walk above and below the falls, as well as jungle and speed boat tours that take you through the river to get soaked by the cataracts themselves.

At the bus station, I got off and waited for a city bus. And waited. While I waited, I ran into those girls from the Floripa beach (told you to remember them). Turns out we were on a similar trajectory, and I randomly saw them again. Coincidence or meant to be? Either way, they hopped in a cab, and I got tired of waiting and did the same. Got the to hostel, dropped off my bags, and hopped on a bus headed for the falls. What I didn’t realize was that I got there at the very beginning of Holy Week, a major holiday/vacation time for Brazilians, Argentinians and Uruguayans. AND it’s hot, like really hot with tons of moisture from the falls creating humidity hot. YES! Crowds and really, really hot: a winning combo for me! Thankfully, I was so impressed with the surrounding falls that I still had a great time.  

You get to the park, you get your ticket, you hop on yet another bus, and you don’t know what’s happening unless you did some research. I did what I always do in this situation, follow the crowd and hope they know what they’re doing. The whole trail from beginning to end is not very long, I got through it in less than 2 hours and I was taking my time. There’s tons of coati’s (Racoon-ish looking things) walking around, which everyone seems to be excited about at first but then realize these guys are very persistent and like to come right up to you and claw/bite for food. I saw an Asian woman jump up and scream when a coati came within 2 feet of her, and her husband YELLED and shook his finger at the coati for scaring her. Ahh, nature.

The trail culminates with a huge group of waterfalls in a spot called “devil’s throat”. If I thought it was crowded along the trail, I was being naive. This place was like trying to walk through a Vegas club, except instead of holding drinks and dancing, everyone’s holding cameras and shoving each other to get a decent picture. Basically, it was crowded. And hot. But WOW! I liked this place. I tried my best to just soak it all in, regardless of the shoves and bumps and “can you take our picture please’s”. It was an awesome sight to behold, and I was thankful for having the opportunity to be there. More than anywhere else on the trip, I felt humbled and in awe at the sight of these falls.

Since it only took about 2 hours, I had plenty of time and sunlight to head over to Parque de las Aves – Bird Park, just across the street from the park. This place was very serene when I had my headphones in, but if I took them out, I got some high volume SHREIKS from parrots, toucans, flamingos and whatever else was in earshot. Then, immediate headphones back in.

First time I’ve ever seen these tropical beasts up close. In certain cages, they let you in to walk amongst the birds and they generally will fly right into you or sit on the ledges as you zoom in on their beaks. Very cool feeling to be amongst these little dudes.

After the birds, I was spent. Headed back to Hostel Bambu (red telephone stairs) in Foz do Iguacu and showered up. Knowing this was my last day in Brazil, I knew I had to make sure and do something AUTHENTIC Brasiliero: Went to McDonald’s for my last McChicken. Unfortunately, they forgot to put the bottom bun on, and I had to convert it into an interesting taco. Great way to say goodbye to Brazil - Flavor taste!

Day 2: Puerto Iguazu – Argentinian Side

Woke up and packed up, and got detailed directions on how to get across the border to Argentina for the first time. Bus station sold me a ticket to the falls as well as one for a Jet Boat. Hopped aboard and prepared for a customs dealwid to get out of Brazil and into Argentina. For some reason, the driver didn’t stop at the Brazilian border and drove straight across to the Argentina side (meaning, no exit stamp from Brazil. Hm.) In the Argentina office, they stamped me through right away (meaning no $140 arrival fee that you get when you fly into the country) and hopped back on the bus to the falls.

Cataratas de Iguassu is a much bigger National park. Like I said, they have metal walkways all over the place, and there are about 5 trails/trains to take to see the whole thing: Upper, Lower, Devil’s Throat, Island and Boat tours. I got here kinda late and had to move fast to get through all the attractions. Even though it was blazing hot, everyone seemed to be carrying around their Mate (yerba mate herbs in a cup with a filtering straw, Argentina’s favorite bebida) and thermoses of agua caliente. Also, we ran across these monkeys and people decided to throw candy bars at them. Nature, baby!

I started off in Devil’s throat, where the train is so small you have to interweave knees with the person across from you. I did get some amazing shots of the river as I walked across. Also I got that uncomfortable feeling in my "lower region" as I got used to the heights and see through grates I was suspended on. AWOO!

 

The Devil’s Throat was even more impressive from this side, and (SUPPLIES!) just as crowded. It was hard to spend time on the rail and appreciate the view as not only tourists but professional souvenir photographers would ask and then YELL at you to get out of their shots. Still, I found a place to stare and be thankful for being able to experience the power of this natural phenomenon. It was sick.

I then went through the lower trail (which takes you around the bottom of the falls), hopped on the jet boat, then powered through to get through the upper trail (bird’s eye view over the falls). I won the title of “last man on the trail” as there was a ranger following me and closing the trails behind me. An exhausting, but very worthwhile 5 hours. Boots yah.

 Me with "Cataratas Dos Hermanas" (Sup Mo-Linda!)

I got back into town (much smaller city than the Brazilian side) and went for the shower move (gross). Then I went for a little exploration of the main strip, and began trying to relearn some Spanish phrases and get the Portuguese out of my system. A couple empanadas, a pear juice box and an alfajor later, I was in bed and ready to see the city of Buenos Aires.

Woke up the next day, walked through airport security wearing belt, shoes, jacket, hat and drinks in my carry-on (they’re strict here) and boarded the plane to see my first Argentine beauty burst. I like this country.