Iguazu Falls and Beyond

Alex Burridge – March 2024
MD South America Travel Centre

There are many highlights of South America and Iguazu Falls is often on a first or second trip ‘bucket-list’ of must-see destinations – and rightly so – as it is an amazing place to visit.

If you are thinking of including Iguazu on your next trip to South America I suggest you take a little time to explore the area, not ‘just’ the Falls.

Iguazu Falls viewed from the Brazilian side

IGUACU OR IGUAZU   

In March this year I had the opportunity to spend three nights at the very beautiful Awasi Iguazu; it was my second visit to Iguazu.  Staying at Awasi Iguazu and the excursions offered made me realise that a visit to Iguazu should be far more then the Iguazu Falls themselves.

Having said the above of course a major highlight is to explore the falls, ideally from both sides (Argentina – Iguazu and Brazil – Iguacu).  I’ve listened to numerous discussions as to which side is best – and in my opinion the Brazilian side offers the best views across the 250+ waterfalls (they are very different to both Niagara Falls or the Smoke that Thunders – Victoria Falls – both with one main waterfall).

The falls get their name from a Guarani Indian word meaning ‘great water’.  With perhaps the most powerful part of the waterfall being La Garganta del Diablo – which translates to Devil’s Throat (as well as sounding cool); a cataract where at higher water levels massive volumes of water from the Iguacu River plunge 82 metres; the sight is awesome, the sound powerful, the feeling amazing.

In addition to great views and many walkways the Brazilian side offers scenic helicopter flights over the falls (another must in my opinion – can only be booked locally), and a very good bird park.

Whichever side is your favourite – please take the time to explore both sides, probably on different days (as to try to do both sides in one day would in my view detract from the spectacle and your enjoyment).

BEYOND THE FALLS – ATLANTIC RAINFOREST

The Atlantic Rainforest trip along National Highway 101 and onto Awasi Yacui-I Reserve.  The National Highway passes through Iguazu National Park.  Throughout the journey there is a chance to spot wildlife, once onto a dirt road the chance of magical wildlife encounters increases.  A few days before our trip a female Jaguar and cubs were spotted; we saw recently made pug marks (but not the beautiful cats that made them).  We also saw many birds species including the Choco Toucan.  On a walk through Awasi’s Yacu-I Reserve we encountered white collared peccary (just missed an Ocelot), black-throated trogon and many other species of bird.

As with any rainforest walk the trees, fungi, butterflies and other insect life all form part of the discovery.  After the walk we had a fabulous asado (traditional Argentine BBQ), a glass of wine and a relax in a hammock.  A relaxing drive back to the lodge with stops to look for birdlife and to marvel at the beautiful butterflies (including the famous 88).

Awasi Iguazu is nestled into the Atlantic rainforest a short distance outside of Puerto Iguazu.  Staying at Awasi Iguazu uncovers the Falls and so much more.  It’s exclusive and fully inclusive and tailor-makes your stay to your interests.

MEETING OF THE RIVERS

Another excursion took us out on the water a few kilometres below the falls out from the Port of Iguazu; before the bridges were built river ferries were the only way people and cars could move between Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil.    Despite a rain shower, the trip along these massive and powerful rivers, was very enjoyable.  The trip took us under one of the bridges linking Paraguay with Brazil and a glass of wine or champagne and some snacks rounded off the experience.

The confluence of the Parana and Iguazu rivers is on the border of Argentina/Brazil and Paraguay.  The Parana river eventually joins with the Uruguay river and flows into the Rio Del Plata near Buenos Aires.  Whilst it’s not the Amazon at 4,880km long the Parana is a significant waterway (longer than Australia is wide).

After a day exploring Iguazu and the Atlantic rainforest it’s wonderful to return to the beautiful Awasi Iguazu.