Day 14 - Iguazu Falls, Day 1

21:30
Gabriel picks us up at 09:00, and we head straight for the Argentinean border. Our first stop is at a viewpoint of the three countries that join at the Tres Fronteras - we’re in Argentina, and to our left is Paraguay and our right Brazil. Gabriel keeps us entertained with information, history and stories about the area, the conjoining rivers, and the falls. We enter the Iguazu Falls National Park, and Gabriel drops us at the Gran Melia Hotel, which has amazing views towards the falls. This plush, 5* hotel is only a couple of kilometres from the falls, and has views over the river canyon to a similarly luxe hotel on the Brazilian side - the Belmond.

The weather’s not great. Persistent, and occasionally heavy rain. We’ve all brought what we deem to be appropriate clothing. There are three different walking circuits around the Argentinean side of the falls, and we’ll take them all. We start with the lower circuit, which is a great intro. As we approach the falls, we can hear and *feel* them. There are 275 drops in total, varying from a small trickle to an absolute torrent. Around 75% of these are accessible on the Argentinean side of the falls, so we’re in for a fascinating day of viewing.

We emerge from the jungle, and have a view from below up to a set of falls that are in full flow. October is one of the most spectacular months to view the falls, as it’s one of the wetter months of the calendar. While these larger falls are incredibly impressive, we’re also struck by the number of smaller falls dotted around the park. There is just SO MUCH water trying to get from up there to down here.

In other news, it transpires my waterproof is no longer waterproof. Curses. I brought a spare poncho, but it’s back in the car…

The upper circuit takes us up to and across the top level of the falls. This is a much more visceral experience of the falls, as we’re just metres from the point where they drop 80m down to the base of the canyon. It’s markedly busier up here. Many, many content creators creating much, much content.

We then take a train up to the Devil’s Throat, which was closed until recently, due to the bridge being entirely washed away by floods late last year. The spray coming up from the base of the falls makes it appear like rain clouds are being birthed, so thick is it. The roar of the water is mind-blowing. There’s just an innate sense of majesty - of natural power. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen before.

Gabriel drops us back at Hotel Rouver, and I’m desperately in need of some sleep. This bug is still lingering, and it’s wiping me out. I sleep through my alarm, and Vicki wakes me a little before 20:00. I’m fuzzy headed and beyond jaded. We pop over to the supermarket to grab some supplies, and decided against heading out for food. We’ve another early start tomorrow, and feel like we could do with as much rest as possible.Läs mer