Iguaçu Falls

Iguaçu (or Iguazú) Falls are some of the world’s most stunning waterfalls. Located in a national park on the border between Argentina and Brazil the falls have 275 drops, the longest of which is 75m.

It’s often said that the views from the Argentinian side are more spectacular. But I wanted to see both for myself.

Getting to the Brazilian Iguaçu Falls

To head to the Brazilian side of the falls you need first to find your way to Foz do Iguazu. I came in by bus from Argentina — a local bus quite used to the border crossing. It was easy enough to do, just make sure you’ve got your passport to hand and can follow orders. The border was lacking in clear signage for tourists. Most of the bus goers were locals so had different border security. Clearly a tourist, the officials ushered me into another room. There I received by Brazilian stamp and was soon back on the bus. If in doubt, just bare with the process. And don’t worry if you find yourself waiting at the border with the stamp ink drying. There will be another bus. It was only about 15 minutes or so before I found my next bus.

Foz do Iguaçu clearly doesn’t survive only off tourists to the falls. The city is neatly divided in busy blocks of apartments, shopping malls and all the other amenities you’d expect. If you visit the Argentinian side you’ll notice why this is important. Puerto Iguazú, the town near the falls across the border, is home to a single petrol station, some small mini markets and the odd family run restaurant.

On the bright side, that means public transport is easy enough. You can take a local bus to the falls from the central station. [Money saving tip: transport and the park entrance fees are cheaper in Brazil].

First sighting of Iguaçu Falls

I’d made the trip to Iguaçu Falls with a couple of new British friends I’d met in my Brazilian hostel. We spent half a day exploring the natural wonder of the falls:

• Listening to the crashing sound of water
• Getting up close and personal to cool off
• And taking some spectacular photo’s that dwarf us in comparison to mother nature.

Once at the park grab the open top tourist bush. It talks you through jungle type scrub and to the beginning of a short walk to view the falls. The bus only takes about 15 minutes or so but put away your phone and enjoy the scenery. And make a few new friends as butterflies come to greet you.

From the end of the bus ride the Brazilian falls are already in sight. At the first viewing platform fill your view with the falls and marvel at mother nature.

Close enough to touch

Follow the path to get closer and closer to the monstrous Devil’s Throat. Here you can walk along a path into the middle of the falls. Feel the fine spray on your body and watch the powerful water cascade over the edge.

Be prepared to get wet though! What feels like a light dusting of water is actually soaking your clothes. And when you get as close as you can the drops of water start to cloud your vision. But there was something so fun and absolutely mesmorising at being so close. The raw power and strength of the falls made you feel so present.

Plus watching tourists’ faces as they got up close was a real giggle. First there was fear, or trepidation. Then came squeals of laughter as the water got closer and closer.

The only downside was not being able to get many close up pics so you’ll have to try the experience for yourself!

A final observation of Iguaçu Falls

The last stop on my tour in Brazil was to check out the observation tower. Here you stand high above and look out over the park. Another chance to get a little wet and to appreciate the sheer scale of this natural wonder.

The Brazilian Iguaçu Falls or the Argentinean Iguazú Falls

The Argentinian side is famed for the best views of the Falls. But in my opinion it isn’t better or worse. They’re just different views and different experiences. If you have time, both are totally worth it. Brazil lets you get up close and personal to experience their true strength.

The Argentinian side lets you experience far reaching views, lovely walks and stunning vistas.

Originally posted on Sage Adventures travel & wellness lifestyle blog: www.sageadventres.co.uk.