Argentina. Iguazu Falls
Iguazu Falls can be seen from both the Argentinian and the Brazilian side. The Iguazu River is the boundary between these two countries (while the adjacent Paraná River separates both countries from neighbouring Paraguay) and the waterfalls divide the river into an upper and a lower level. Iguazu is said to be the largest waterfall system in the world. Argentina and Brazil compete over which country the view is better from.
We went to Iguazu in 2016, and visited it only from the Argentinian side. It was one of the most beautiful nature sightseeing tours. Iguazu has hot, tropical weather, so there’s almost no breeze, and the spray from the waterfalls refreshes visitors during the very hot daytime. The waterfalls are beautiful to look at, and when you are in the shade the temperature is nice; it feels pleasantly warm. Because of the hot climate and all the water around, it is a very green area with lots of plants and birds. Besides the waterfalls, I must say that the whole park around them is very nice for a full day’s walk.
If I remember correctly, people were saying that from the Brazilian side, you start sightseeing from the upper level and then go down, while in Argentina it is the opposite – you start at the lower level, seeing the waterfalls from different angles in front of you; and later go up to see them from the point where the water breaks and falls down.
I very much enjoyed leisurely observing the waterfalls from the front at the beginning. The low, distant sound of the waterfalls is such a calm and romantic symphony. There’s no indication of the drama that’s waiting at the end. Over time, as you approach closer and closer, the sound gets jazzier. Waterfalls of such size only look like a quiet romantic landscape, with birds singing around them, in pictures and from far away. When you get closer, the power of such an enormous quantity of water falling is a bit of frightening, and with every step it gets noisier.
The “rock”-like climax with all the drums appeared at the end when we climbed to the top of the edge where the water breaks. A chill ran down my spine from being so close to the defining point. It is indeed as if drums were playing all around. A perfect last touch to experience not just the stunning beauty but the incredible power of the Iguazu waterfalls.
The park around Iguazu Falls
While walking in the park around the waterfalls, we met a local animal called the coati. I was really pleased to take a photo of this animal, because I thought it was difficult to spot them.
But then we took out a pack of biscuits. All of a sudden, there were loads of them around hoping to get some food. Meanwhile, other tourists enjoyed the view.
Iguazu was a truly wonderful experience.
