March, 2005
March 16-19, 2005
Brad, you were right! Iguacu Falls in unbelievable, and probably the most amazing natural phenomenon we have ever seen. We are definitely glad we made the effort to get there. Plus, we went to the Argentian side as well . . . but that's another story.
We bunked in Foz do Iguacu, which is the Brazilian border town that has sprung up to of course accomodate visitors. The town is already 250,000 strong, and has some nice restaurants, and shops, but the entire place seems to be under construction. We can only imagine what it will be in 5-10 years. The Falls are such a phenomonal attraction that the city could easily turn into a very ritzy, affluent place. Definitely a place to buy land if you are the international real estate speculator type!
The Brazilian (as well as the Argntinian) side of the Falls is protected as a beautiful National Park. Both the management and facilities are equal to anything in the States . . . yes even Glacier. A simple trail system affords total access to gorgeous views of the falls, both from afar and from literally so close that you get wet. Unfortunately, the Park makes the Falls lose some of the majesty they would have in a rustic setting, but allowing people in a broad spectrum of ages and fitness to experience them is worth the sacrifice.
Its hard to describe the sheer volume of water coming off the falls. To offer some perspective, ten times the volume of Niagara Falls is crashing down what is probably a 300 foot high, and ten mile long waterfall . . . and that's only what you see from the Brazilian side.
After spending several hours admiring the falls from about the 150 foot vertical mark, we hired a guide to take us mountain biking for 9 kilometers through the temperate rainforest to the river before it dumps over the falls. We saw some great wildlife, including our first Capuccin Monkey sighting. After the ride, we ran into our cab ride/hotel sharing South African friends Sebastian and Dee. We all had a good laugh about running into each other again, because we of course failed to meet them at 8am that morning because we are pathetic and lazy! That's what not having a job for 9 months will do for you. We then all took a boat up river, got into two person kyaks, and kayaked through gorgeous archapelagos for several kilometers towards the falls at sunset. Can you imagine us trying to paddle in unison? "I'll lead!" "No, I'll lead!" "You're not rowing consistently, . . . etc." Our 360 spinning was pretty entertaining until we finally had a truce. We won't tell you who took control, but you know who it was! The view was obviously stunning. Unfortunately the guides wouldn't let us go over the falls, barrell style, because we would have!! OK, maybe not.
