Our second day at Iguaza meant a trip to Brazil. Because we had to be back at the airport at 2pm, we were a little worried about timings if we had to wait in line at immigration on either side of the border – and have our passports stamped together with 40 other tourists. So we opted for a taxi to take us across. The taxi driver took no notice of immigration on the Brazilian side so we entered and left without a trace… okay then.
The Brazilian side felt a little more ‘organised’ as you took a bus straight to the fairly short (by comparison) walkway that would take you to the lookout point. While it did not have the enclosing rainforest, it also had that “spectacular reveal” moment. The falls were almost more impressive from this side!
Although most of the river flows through Brazil, about 90% of the falls are on the Argentinian side, which meant you could get quite close. What Brazil offered was a better overall view – and what a view!!
The very last bit of the walkway takes you fairly close to the bottom of the Devil’s Throat and, because you’re down wind, you actually get pretty wet! I donned my fabulous poncho, while Derek opted to get soaked in order to cool down.
We both struggled to tear ourselves away from the falls as it was one of the most spectacular sights we’ve ever seen. It really awakens all your senses – hearing the incredible thunder of the water; seeing that amount of water just falling over the cliff; feeling the mist and getting so close you can almost touch the curtain of water.
On the bus on our way back I finally spotted a toucan!! I almost jumped straight out of the window with excitement!! Yes fine, it was about 30m away and we were on a bus but it was still a TOUCAN!! I am convinced one is going to sit on my shoulder in Costa Rica… cannot wait.
Not done with animals yet, Derek had his own special encounter with what we can only assume was some type of fire ant. The devil made its appearance while I was in the bathroom, and when I came out his lunch was strewn on the floor and he was writhing in pain. Oh dear… “man bite”?
He described the pain as walking on hot coals with three inch needles piercing your toes under the nail. The critter had left part of his sting in his toe as he squealed in pain. At that point his whole foot had gone numb so much so that even the gentle breeze on his foot was painful.
While he hobbled along, we had one last task for today: to leave a secret treasure note for our travelling friends, Louna and Tobie. We picked one of the trees outside, it had two bricks underneath, with a flattish rock in the corner. We left the note underneath said rock and texted them a few cryptic details. Hopefully the thunderstorms hold off for a while to allow them to find their secret message!
Our fleeting visit to Brazil was over and we headed for the airport in Argentina. We arrived early (as usual) but this time we had a chance to go through all our photos from the last three weeks and relive all our amazing memories. Antarctica felt like months ago, but at the same time we can still remember it as if it was yesterday. We want time to stand still on our holiday, but we are also appreciating all the amazing memories we’re making with every passing second.
Back to Buenos Aires for one more day and then onto Bolivia!
The Falls look so awesome. Almost like Victoria Falls (when there is water). Wish we could have some of that water…
Great photo of you both IN the falls, look so relaxed and happy.