Are you going to use that in a book? I don’t know, but I can say that seeing Iguazu Falls, located between Brazil and Argentina, was a peak life experience
It’s easy to understand why these falls are one of the natural wonders of the modern world. If you’ve visited Niagara Falls and thought they were awesome, the only way to compare Iguazu is to say it’s “unbelievably awesome.” They are so wide that you can’t possibly see the whole expanse at once.
Probably the best way to see them is to start with the Brazilian side, where you walk along a 3/4-mile paved path across the river from the cascading water, coming to one jaw-dropping view after another, until you end up very close to a major deluge. If you want, you can take steps down closer to this cataract where you can indulge in an outdoor shower. We skipped the shower and took the elevator up to the top where we watched the water cascading down. Along the path we encountered vast numbers of interesting butterflies and some coatis (related to raccoons) who are hoping for food from visitors. After taking in this view from across the river, we crossed to the Argentinean side where we spent another day much closer to lots of the individual falls.
The Argentinean national park is a popular destination. If you go, stay nearby and try to get there early in the morning to beat the crowds. We took the first train to Devil’s Gorge, where you walk out on metal walkways over the river to get close to the rushing water. By the time we finished, the area was crowding up. We saw several people with umbrellas, and that looked like a good idea. We had rain jackets but kept just far enough away from the water to avoid getting drenched. Next we went on to the trails of the lower falls, then had lunch at the small plaza where there’s a choice of several different restaurants and an ice cream parlor. (With more coatis running around outside hoping to get tourists’ food.) Then on to the upper falls and back to the train. To see the whole thing, prepare for a long walk—like five miles including the walk to the train—but you get so many gorgeous views, and you can take it at your own pace.
If you get down to Brazil and Argentina, don’t skip this expedition. This is truly a look at the power of nature.
Rebecca York’s latest Decorah Security novella is Hollow Moon.
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NY Times & USA Today best-seller, Rebecca York, is the author of over 150 books. She has written paranormal romantic thrillers for Berkley and romantic thrillers for Harlequin Intrigue. Her romantic-suspense series, Decorah Security, is set at a detective agency where agents have paranormal powers or work paranormal cases. She also writes an Off-World series where each story is a science fiction romance taking place on a distant planet in the far future. She also writes the Unbound series for Changeling Press.
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WoW! Great travelogue, Ruth. I’ve never been to Brazil or Argentina, but I learned of these magnificent 2-country falls when I read an online article about the most magnificent destinations in the world. Then I traveled to Wikipedia and just sat there reading, with my jaw dropped. Thanks for the great travelogue!
I thought I had replied to you. But no. Thanks!
What a refreshing and informative post, Ruth. Loved the pictures, as well. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!
Sue xo
Thanks. it was a fabulous experience.
Love the photos of the falls, and the cute coatis, and the cute couple. So happy for you. I’d love to take a trip like this, where there is a spectacular waterfall.
It was a really memorable trip.
Glad you liked it.
I was at the falls in 90’s, when I lived in Chile. It was one of the years when the falls were at their peak. Three other women – one my 70 year-old mother-in-law – traveled with me to Paraguay before moving on. We stayed on the Brazilian side of the falls. It was an exhilarating experience of a lifetime. I’m so glad you were able to enjoy them too,Ruth. Your wonderful pictures have awakened forgotten memories. Thank you.
xo
Mimi