Day 198 - Iguazú Falls

(Ursula) Last night we stayed at a gas station in Guarapuava. A chicken family wandered around our camper, and Büsi had fun chasing the tiny chicks.

Route 277 was nicely paved and in good condition. The terrain is starting to get hilly.

At one point, a VW Beetle came fast around a curve racing directly at us. Man, oh, man! It happened so fast that I felt goosebumps afterward. Fortunately, Heinz reacted in a flash and tore the steering wheel to the right. We avoided a frontal collision and nearly ended up in a ditch. The angels looked out for us - we could have been in a fatal accident.

By early afternoon, we reached Iguazú Falls at the borders of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. Fellow travelers recommended visiting the Falls from the Argentinean side.

A ferry took us across the Paraná River to Argentina. The border crossing went unbelievably smoothly. Not even a car search! Büsi was tucked away in her hiding place under the passenger seat. This was the fastest border crossing ever. Yea!

Iguazú Falls was surrounded by nature and not at all commercialized like Niagara Falls in New York. The views of the waterfalls from the Argentine side were most impressive. We followed the trail over an elevated walkway and wooden bridges to the mighty Devils Falls. The eerie masses of water created a roaring noise and delicate mist. It was absolutely breathtaking to watch.

By now, it was late afternoon, and the light was just perfect for Heinz to take photos. After a soda and beer at the visitor center, we found a nice campsite directly on the riverbanks of the Rio Paraná.

Stats: Miles 229, Expenses $19.30Read more