How to Guide, Natural Wonders, Travel

Behold, The Mighty Iguazu Falls

Dora Aldridge

19 December 2016

Iguazu Falls, [also know as; Iguassu Falls, Cataratas del Iguazu and Iguazu Waterfalls]

Iguazu Falls – The Brazilian side

As soon as we got off the bus and began walking there was a very distinct noise in the air. It was the sound of crashing water (375,000 gallons per second to be precise!) and we knew that very soon we were about to witness the mighty Iguazu Falls. We got our first glimpse of the waterfalls through the trees and WOW! What a sight, over the horizon we were faced with waterfall after waterfall flowing into a mighty river in the canyon below. All with numerous rainbows and huge birds circling overhead to complete the picture. What an insanely beautiful sight! Like others around us, we brought the camera out and started clicking away, feeling like this must be the best bit and making full use of this amazing photo opportunity! Rookie mistake… this was just the start.

From one of the viewing platforms we looked down to the river below and noticed a speed boat on the Argentinian side. It was taking people into and under the falls. They looked soaked to the core and enjoying it thoroughly! It immediately made it onto our list as a must-do tomorrow, we always like something a bit different.

As we continued walking along the path the views got better and better. It was a slow walk as we gawped from one viewing platform to the next. The Iguazu Falls are colossal, the sheer volume and power of the water must be INSANE! No wonder they’re capable of supplying hydroelectric power to Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. The more we saw, the more we began to understand the sheer mass and volume pouring over each edge. It felt sickening watching water at the top, following it over the edge and down into the deep below. It made me feel very small and fragile as my mind immediately went to “what happens if I fell in?” There would be no hope!

Eventually, after many stops and many photographs, we made it to the grand finale of the day. A viewing platform over the water that allows you to look up into the Devil’s Throat [Garganta Del Diablo]. Holy smokes, this is insane I kept thinking to myself! The noise, the water, the wind, the cold, this was such a treat for the senses. The viewing platform allows you into the centre of it all! You are surrounded by waterfalls; on the left a huge waterfall flows from above, then to the right there’s a cliff edge where the water drops away and disappears beneath you. Meanwhile, you are being soaked when the winds change and the mist pours over you.

We were so pleased that we’d remembered our 360° camera, this was the perfect opportunity to capture the greatness surrounding us. I didn’t even care that it was so wet, windy and full of tourists! It was just incredible to take it all in.

The stunning Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian side. #theta360 - Spherical Image - RICOH THETA

Iguazu Falls – The Argentinean side

It had been recommended to begin with the Lower Circuit [Circuito Inferior] so off we went. Just like yesterday, we began walking and before we knew it, we were again faced with the most incredible views! On the left we could see upstream to yesterdays part of the river, on the right a whole new section of waterfalls to explore. Immediately it became clear that if yesterday was good, today was going to be out of this world!

It took us about 2 hours to walk 1400m; every few meters finding a better perspective and stopping to take another round of photos! Just like yesterday, the further we walked the more impressive the falls became. Along the way we met an American lady who couldn’t stop crying at its beauty! Towards the end of the loop, we reached the waters edge and it was our opportunity to do the boat ride under the falls. Onto the boat and ready with giddy anticipation, we put on our life jackets and put all our possessions in one huge dry bag, ready for the dunking. Twelve minutes later we were soaked to the core having got up close and personal with the waterfalls.

The boat trip was amazing; so much fun and a great way to get a new perspective of the area. As you near the falls the power of the water becomes abundantly evident, you get pelted from all sides and soon it becomes impossible to open your eyes or see anything. The force was insane and this was just a little waterfall in comparison to some of the others! The boat trip was such an exhilarating experience which we would 100% recommend doing.

After lunch we headed for the Upper Circuit [Circuito Superior] for more Iguazu Fall goodness. This circuit is slightly longer than the lower circuit, but this time it takes you directly over the top of the falls. Yup, over the rivers that form the waterfalls! To the right you see the calm waters of the lake, to the left you see hundreds of thousands of litres of water flow off the cliff edge. It’s insane! Watching the falls is captivating, I tried many times to isolate a section of water and follow it down the waterfall – it’s a sure fire way to confuse your senses and loose balance!

It was time for the grand finale! We took a quaint wee train to the Devil’s Throat [Garganta Del Diablo] and walked out over the water to the viewing platform. Holy Crap! This really took our breathe away, you understand exactly where its name comes from. At one point we just both looked at each other, with no words, we knew we were experiencing something amazing. The Devil’s Throat really was the most amazing experience of the day, 700m wide and 82m tall with over 50% of all the water of Iguazu Falls plunging into the river below. As the water hits the rocks below the mist bounces back up so thick you can never see the bottom. This place really certainly earns its Natural Wonder status! We were getting soaked by the mist and spray but I couldn’t get enough of staring into the abyss…

Without a doubt, the long trip up to Iguazu Falls was worth it! When an area is labelled as a Natural Wonder of the World it instantly generates high expectations. But Iguazu met all expectations and more, it certainly deserves its accolade and I’m sure we’ll both remember it for a very long time.

How to Visit Iguazu Falls

Which Side of Iguazu Falls is Best?

If you only have time for one side, Argentina wins hands down! The Argentinian side is epic and much more of a day attraction that builds up to the main event, the Devil’s Throat! Don’t get me wrong, both sides are insanely beautiful and both offer different perspectives. If you have the time to do both sides, do them over 2 days, you don’t want to have to compromise and cut your time short on either side. The Brazilian side is a slicker operation and so doesn’t take as long to see, providing a more panoramic view of the area. On the Argentinean side everything is much bigger and you’re able to get much closer to the action. Which wins in my opinion!

Brazilian Side

How we got to Iguazu Falls from Puerto Iguazu:

We decided to save a bit of time and hassle and opted to take a taxi to view Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian side. We paid A$550 for the taxi to take us over and pick us up again 3.5 hours later. Remember when crossing the border into Brazil you need to get your passport stamped! The taxi driver knew the drill and made the process super easy for us.

What to bring:

Lightweight quick drying clothes
Camera (don’t bother with a tripod, it’s too crowded)
Sunscreen
Water and snacks
Money (everywhere on the Brazilian side took card so no need to worry about exchanging $ beforehand)

Costs per person: (correct Dec 2016)

Return Taxi: A$550
Entrance Fee: R$63.30 (can pay cash or card at entrance)

Additional Options:

Helicopter Ride: $210 (US)

Argentinean Side

How we got to Iguazu Falls from Puerto Iguazu:

Take the Rio Uruguay bus from the Puerto Iguazu bus station, the ticket office is the first one you come to after crossing the bridge into the bus station. This is super easy so don’t be intimidated. The busses run every 20 mins or so.