Iguazu or Iguaçu falls (Argentina/Brazil)
The first sign that makes you realise you´re near the falls is the attack on the auditory senses of a mighty roar coming from the screen of the jungle and above the trees one sees a plume of vapour. It could be a fire but no, it is the Iguazu Falls. On the trail we are approached by the local sheriffs ready to do the scratch and sniff test on our bags - a local native to the area the coati abounds - about the size of a ring-tailed possum but with longer rubbery snout and a striped tail. Cute as they are, when they decide to investigate further their claws firmly attach and there is a battle reclaiming ones bag.
So juggling the bags, camera and coaties is a challenge and they soon get the message - no food, no fun - and off they go.
At first glimpse of the falls one is immediately mesmerised by the size and extent. They stake a claim that these are the largest in the world. (OK Google freaks, check this fact for us.) At this stage we are still in Brazil and the Falls span two countries. The monumentality of the falls and the charging of the negative ions from the velocity and force of the water results in an osmosis of awe. We admired the falls from all angles and drenched ourselves in the mist (you’re a treasure Murray the plastic ponchos you chose well). And so, that was our day on the Brazilian side of the falls.
We topped that off with a visit to a local bird sanctuary and there we were excited by the extent and colour of, in particular, the macaus and toucans. Lo and behold there was also an interesting display of live reptiles. Here we really did see a group (what is plural for snake) of anaconda and we can tell you they were not small. So big, I almost fell over in fear trying to retreat from the cage as Paul stood in awe.
Crossing borders is often a challenge however, we two travellers take it in our stride. A local bus to the Brazilian Immigration for an exit stamp. Another 4 kms in another bus to the Argentinian Immigration for our entry stamp. Now in Argentina, a 10 min bus trip to the bus terminal of Puerto Iguazu, a stop off at the Information Office and there we have it - accommodation, map, reals to pesos and details on how to get to the Argentinian side of the falls. We decide not to rush off, instead go the following day.
We wondered how it could be any different to the previous day. First signs was it was much less commercial. The entry was cheaper and the entrance was less grand. A short walk to a train (bit like Thomas) that took us closer to the falls. The Argentinian side provided extensive boardwalks out over the falls with views that took in the calmness before the huge fall metres below. It generated so much vapour one couldn't see the turbulance below. Another boardwalk took us midway down some of the falls providing an amazing up close and personal experience of the falls. Just the volume and power of these falls was incredible. We decided against taking the boat trip up to the falls as we had been again drenched by the Iguazu (and RW has a cold).
That night we had our first Argentinian steak. That was when we decided that the food here is above average so lets make Argentina and food and wine affair. We then wondered what we would do next.
Pictures later, rushing to catch bus.
The first sign that makes you realise you´re near the falls is the attack on the auditory senses of a mighty roar coming from the screen of the jungle and above the trees one sees a plume of vapour. It could be a fire but no, it is the Iguazu Falls. On the trail we are approached by the local sheriffs ready to do the scratch and sniff test on our bags - a local native to the area the coati abounds - about the size of a ring-tailed possum but with longer rubbery snout and a striped tail. Cute as they are, when they decide to investigate further their claws firmly attach and there is a battle reclaiming ones bag.
So juggling the bags, camera and coaties is a challenge and they soon get the message - no food, no fun - and off they go.
At first glimpse of the falls one is immediately mesmerised by the size and extent. They stake a claim that these are the largest in the world. (OK Google freaks, check this fact for us.) At this stage we are still in Brazil and the Falls span two countries. The monumentality of the falls and the charging of the negative ions from the velocity and force of the water results in an osmosis of awe. We admired the falls from all angles and drenched ourselves in the mist (you’re a treasure Murray the plastic ponchos you chose well). And so, that was our day on the Brazilian side of the falls.
We topped that off with a visit to a local bird sanctuary and there we were excited by the extent and colour of, in particular, the macaus and toucans. Lo and behold there was also an interesting display of live reptiles. Here we really did see a group (what is plural for snake) of anaconda and we can tell you they were not small. So big, I almost fell over in fear trying to retreat from the cage as Paul stood in awe.
Crossing borders is often a challenge however, we two travellers take it in our stride. A local bus to the Brazilian Immigration for an exit stamp. Another 4 kms in another bus to the Argentinian Immigration for our entry stamp. Now in Argentina, a 10 min bus trip to the bus terminal of Puerto Iguazu, a stop off at the Information Office and there we have it - accommodation, map, reals to pesos and details on how to get to the Argentinian side of the falls. We decide not to rush off, instead go the following day.
We wondered how it could be any different to the previous day. First signs was it was much less commercial. The entry was cheaper and the entrance was less grand. A short walk to a train (bit like Thomas) that took us closer to the falls. The Argentinian side provided extensive boardwalks out over the falls with views that took in the calmness before the huge fall metres below. It generated so much vapour one couldn't see the turbulance below. Another boardwalk took us midway down some of the falls providing an amazing up close and personal experience of the falls. Just the volume and power of these falls was incredible. We decided against taking the boat trip up to the falls as we had been again drenched by the Iguazu (and RW has a cold).
That night we had our first Argentinian steak. That was when we decided that the food here is above average so lets make Argentina and food and wine affair. We then wondered what we would do next.
Pictures later, rushing to catch bus.
4 comments:
It's appropriate that you got drenched at the Falls so that you are experiencing some of the weather from home. Unbelievably wet and cold over here. Your vivid descriptions are making us feel that we are there with you. Great stuff and what a fabulous journal you both will have to come back to and revisit. Thanks for sharing.
hi Robby and Paul its great to read your ramblings and adventures, love the your attention to detail and the wonderful images you convey with language. Unlike your sunfilled days the hunter and the cc is in the grip of wild wet weather with huge seas and strong winds. We were away for the june long week end down Jindy and missed most of it but when we came back we saw lots of damage about the place. You remember the giant gum at the house we are interested in, well it came down and just missed the little studio....its a real mess. You must be going to greece soon?...Take care love george and deb
Hello intrepid travellers and greetings from NE Victoria, from Coach Carole.
Days of wine and roses here on the border - 33rd Winery Walkabout successfully completed last weekend. Our small country towns of Rutherglen and Milawa swell with thousands of tourists seeking the best Wine Down.
I've enjoyed reading of your journey so far and I've scanned for news of Machu Pichu but I'm thirsty for more. That is a destination within my sights and I'm keen to hear of your impressions.
Your travelogue is very colourful and peppered with visions of worlds so different to mine. Keep on writing, I'll be reading.
CC waves and sends the white light to surround you on your travels.
As you suggested I Googled, photos first then info. WOW, what a sight. For the benefit of other blog readers I have posted a wee snippet of what I read. (I beat the VB's)
"Iguazu Falls are one of the most spectacular sights in the world. Taller than Niagara Falls, twice as wide with 275 cascades spread in a horsehoe shape over nearly two miles of the Iguazu River, Iguazú Falls are the result of a volcanic eruption which left yet another large crack in the earth. Iguazú Falls is undoubtedly the most visited place in Misiones and one of the most imposing natural attractions in Argentina.
The waterfall system consists of about 270 falls along 2.7 kilometres (1.67 miles) of the Iguazu River. The average drop from the top of the falls to the narrow canyon below is 240 feet (by contrast, Niagara Falls drops 170 feet on the Canadian side and only 110 feet on the American side). Iguazú river is born in Paraná state in Brazil, and after crossing 1,200 km. on a plateau where it receives several affluents, it reaches a fault forming a crack in the interleaved layers of sandstone and basalt where the river runs."
Hey we have our own falls here, infact they are everywhere, from casacdes to rapids, overflowing rivers and streams. Water Tanks????, who needs 'em. Can't get rid of the wet stuff quick enough and more to come. My feet are going mouldy !@#$$^. The tracky daks are out, heaters are on it would be my bet that in 9 months time there will be pitter patter of tiny feet abounding through out the NSW maternity wards.
Hobart today 18-6-07 is -4, Brr with snow on dem da mountains all the way up the Great Dividing Range.
Now the question is ??? Did he of many names touch, look or fondle said Anacondas???
Off to NZ on Friday 22nd, plenty of wet and white fluffy stuff there as well. Hope Junie has the soup pot on :-)xxxx
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