07-10.12.10 Iguazu Falls (Argentina & Brazil)

There is much debate about which side of the falls is better. Argentina OR Brazil? After listening to much advice from fellow travellers we opted to stay on the Argentinian side in Puerto Iguazu. Mainly because there is much more to do in terms of trails etc (not because it is also a lot cheaper - Lee!). However, it is possible to cross back to the Brazilian side and back again in a single day to experience Brazils superior panoramic views.

Shortly after arriving at our hostel we met a fantasic couple, Darragha was from Ireland, Lucia was from Peru, they met in Chilli and live in Buenos Aires. We knocked back lots of vino and beer whilst Darragha cooked us some Argentinian steak in just his undies. After all, it was a tropical thunder storm and he didn't want to get his clothes wet which seemed perfectly rational to me....

Darragha in just his undies and Lucia

Our approach was to visit the Argentina side first to get up close and personal with this awe inspiring natural phenomenom. We started at the Garganta Del Diablo (The Devil's Throat), the highest place of the falls where something like 1800 cubic metres of water flow per second. At least this is what it said in the guidebook. Having seen it, I would say it's about right give or take a couple of litres...

Garganta Del Diablo (The Devil's Throat)

We then headed further down the falls to the Paseo Superior, a short trail along the top of the falls which really gets you into the action zone. Next up was the Paseo Inferior, which winds down the falls through the forest to within just a couple of metres of the lower falls where we both got absolutely soaked. Up close to the falls you feel the might of the water via huge gusts of wind and spray which almost knocks you off your feet. Not to mention blasting both of my contact leanses out. Literally!

The Paseo Superior (Midway down the falls)

The Paseo Inferior (The lower section of the falls)

On day two we headed back across the border to experience the Brazilian side of the falls. Unlike the Argentina side which takes a full day, if not more, this side can be seen experienced in just a couple of hours. The panoramic views of the whole falls are incredible, plus it was also good to see where we had been just 24hrs earlier. 

Views from the Brazilian side of the falls