Argentina, Part 5 – The Incredible Iguazu Falls
Iguazu Falls
After several weeks and thousands of miles following the Andes mountain range from south to north, it was time for a big change. Leaving the deserts of Northwestern Argentina, our next stop was the lush rainforest of Northeastern Argentina, and its most famous attraction, Iguazu Falls.
We were initially debating whether fitting Iguazu into our itinerary made any sense because it was remote and out of the way. In the end, we found a direct flight from Salta that made it possible, and we were very glad we did.
The Mighty Iguazu
It is said that when Eleanor Roosevelt visited Iguazu Falls, her comment was “my poor Niagara”. It’s easy to understand why. As impressive as Niagara Falls is, it pales in comparison to Iguazu Falls.
There are many different ways to rank the world’s biggest waterfalls, and by many of those measures, Iguazu ranks first or second. Only the Victoria Falls in Africa are considered to be in the same league as Iguazu. While Victoria Falls has the largest cascade, at 300 feet high and one mile wide, Iguazu’s 275 individual cascades are over 1.7 miles wide, and the highest drop is 270 feet.
When you walk out on the platform to the edge of the top of the falls, the roar of the water is deafening, and you are quickly soaked by all the mist in the air. The visceral impact is an experience that words and pictures cannot fully convey.
Argentina, Brazil, or Both?
Iguazu Falls straddles the border between Argentina and Brazil. It is accessible from both sides and there is also a bridge over the Iguazu River connecting the countries. Each side has something unique to offer, so if you have the time, see both.
The Brazilian side of the falls offers wide, panoramic views of the system, and features a platform that puts you right in the middle of the main section. Meanwhile, the Argentine side has an extensive network of walkways and platforms that allow you to see the area from many different vantage points.
For a real thrill, you can also hop onto a boat that takes you right into one of the falls. It’s an unforgettable experience to see the falls looming in front of your boat, then to disappear completely into the torrent of water at the base!
What Else?
Of course, there’s more to do than just look at waterfalls all day. A large area around the falls are well protected National Parks in both Argentina and Brazil. The dense rainforest in these parks hosts a large number of interesting mammals, reptiles and birds. From coatis and monkeys, to vultures and toucans, there’s plenty to keep you occupied when you’re not mesmerized by the falls themselves.
Iguazu Falls is much closer and more accessible than Patagonia from the major population centers of Argentina. This has made it an easy and popular outing for Argentinians, especially families. Unlike in Patagonia, where we felt that virtually every visitor we met was a foreign tourist, Iguazu felt much more like a place for locals.
