Iguazú - big water

Right after our Bariloche vacation, we flew through Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazú to meet up with Arend and Ramona (Ari's dad and his wife) and explore the world-famous, huge, beautiful waterfalls together. By the way, also the most advertised tourist attraction in Paraguay, although they are actually not really in Paraguay, but at least close.. Actually, this natural spectacle can only be described with pictures! But don't worry to all who still want to visit the falls (and us), the pictures don't capture the experience, so it's not a spoiler ;) .

A few facts in advance: The Iguazú River (Guaraní for 'big water') plunges here over a total width of 2700 m with 275 individual falls up to 82 m deep. You can admire the falls from both the Argentinian and the Brazilian side, with the Argentinian side encompassing the larger part of the falls.

Our flight was delayed, so we waited for Arend and Ramona directly at the airport and could all drive together to the incredibly beautiful hotel that Ramona had already booked for everyone.

View of the rainforest from the balcony of our hotel room!

The first days we visited the Argentinian side of the national park. Already on the way from metal bridges above the river to our first viewpoint, one became aware of the gigantic dimensions of the river: Just the walk over several arms of the Iguazú is more like a hike before you can finally see the first spray clouds of the falls. On the way, you will also encounter a variety of exotic and sometimes huge butterflies that could not be tamer.

At the end of this path, the 'Garganta del Diablo' - the Devil's Throat - awaited us, where the water falls down a 150 m wide and 700 m long, U-shaped gorge. Deafening noise and huge (and wet!!) spray clouds included. We hadn't expected the falls to be this big!!

Devil's Throat

Devil's Throat

Then we took the park's tram to the starting points of the hiking trails that pass by the 'smaller' falls.

Hiking trails to the small falls...

We also took the opportunity to take a boat ride very close to the falls in order to quote: feel the waterfall in its whole body! However, for the fantastic perspective directly under the waterfalls and this experience, you have to be prepared to get completely soaked :D

Obligatory photo stop before the shower

Completely wet and happy

On the third day, we crossed the border to Brazil and admired the waterfalls in all their glory from this side of the river. The side is easier to admire, the only path is shorter and because we were there on a Saturday, it was much more crowded! Nevertheless, the insanely beautiful landscape impresses even with repeated amazement and with more people to the point that you can't believe such natural marvels exist.

View from the Brazilian side

On the path, people crowded at the railing with the declared goal of taking a million (ok, epic) selfies, but under no circumstances to enjoy the view :D Unbelievable with this view.

Devil's Throat from the Brazilian side

With views like these, you forget the crowd for a moment ;)

What a journey! The first vacation in South America was more impressive, diverse, exciting, and beautiful in every respect than you could ever have imagined. Thanks again to Arend and Ramona for the great time!!