Iguassu Trip Planning
Iguassu Falls is considered one of the great wonders of the world. Sitting on the border of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, it has been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The cities of Foz do Iguacu on the Brazil side and Puerto Iguazu on the Argentinean side is the jumping off points to visit the falls.
See the Falls on Foot
There are foot trails on both the Brazilian and Argentinean sides of the falls. These walkways are easy to follow and are in excellent condition. To access the foot paths on the Argentine side there are trains that leave from the entrance every ½ hour to take visitors to these pathways. A bus service on the Brazilian side connects the park entrance to the walkways. A bus is scheduled to drive by every 10 minutes.
Argentina’s View of the Falls
Seeing the falls from the Argentinean side is best done wearing waterproof shoes as well as a means to protect your electronics from the fall’s spray. There are five pathways to choose from. Circuito Superior is a nice simple walk to some of the best views along the upper falls. Circuito Inferior is a longer walk at the bottom of the falls. This path leads to a ferry that goes to San Martin Island. The ferry is free. San Martin Island is the perfect spot for bird watching. Garganta del Diablo is the most popular walking path. The path is 1 km and heads right to the edge of the falls. Expect to get wet. Sendero Macuco is where visitors have the best chance of seeing wildlife. The walk is 7 km of unpaved road.
Exciting Boat Trips
The Iguazu Jungle Explorer offers jet boat rides to the edge of the falls and under them. You will get absolutely soaked on this ride so be prepared. On the Brazilian side the Macuco Safari takes visitors up river to the falls using large motors to survive the rapids. Your first stop is near the spot where the Argentinean boats launch. The ride continues to the base of the falls and if possible, depending on the depth of the water, the boat captain will attempt to take you practically under the falls. There is also white water rafting trips upriver of the falls and leisurely cruises up and down the Iguassu River.
More Fun
There are other activities and sights to enjoy as well. Helicopter rides can be taken over the falls to get a better view of the water tumbling over the edge of the precipice. There are also ultra-light planes that tour the area. The Itaipu Dam is quite a site to see and tours are offered both day and night. The Three Landmarks is a monument marking where Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay come together. For the shopper, just over the bridge in Paraguay is the city of Ciudad del Este known for its very inexpensive electronics.
There is plenty to keep busy visiting Iguassu Falls. The beauty of the falls themselves as well as the surrounding wildlife and forest are absolutely amazing. There are also plenty of other attractions to enjoy so and extended vacation is the best way to see all there is to offer here.
