Iguazu Falls

I start with stating that i've only seen the Argentina side of the waterfalls, but they were absolutely gorgeous! I was there on the first of December(2008), and there were no cueues at all and Puerto Iguazu was nice and quiet as well. Things change when you get there in high-season though, so it's strongely adviced to book your accomodation ahead.

I've been walking through the park for hours and hours and every new view blew me away and it's nice to see some animals too (a lot of butterflies). Too bad I could only visit the Argentina side, the Brazilian side must be very beatiful as well. You get a totally different perspective from that side. On the Argentina side you are more on top of the falls themselves, the Brazilian side provides you with a full frontal view of this great place.

If I ever have the chance to go back to South America again, I will visit this place for sure!

Be sure to see the most impressive part: the "devil throat" (take the train from the entrance of the park).

If you're passing through the south end of Brazil, you cannot afford to miss Foz do Iguaçu. It's a set of spectacular waterfalls, in the most incredible surroundings, which straddles the border between Brazil and Argentina. As a result of this, the falls are half on the Brazilian side and half on the Argentinian side (OK, so I've only kind of visited Argentina, since all I did was to go to the Argentinian side of the falls - but hey, I got my passport stamped :-P ). Both sides really need a day each to see all the sights.

The Brazilian side, I felt, was better for photos - especially if you get it on a good day - whilst the Argentinian side gets you right up closer to the falls. The Argentinian side also offers you the chance to do boat rides along the base of the falls - very worthwhile at about R$30 per person (US$15). DO it on a sunny day though, as you do get a bit soaked. Most people, including me, come away from the falls saying that the Argentinian side is better, though that doesn't mean the Brazilian side isn't worth seeing. The Brazilian side also offers helicopter rides, which were a lot more expensive than the boat rides (obviously), and also a lot shorter.

Whilst you're there, it may be worth taking an extra day to travel to The Itaipu Dam, one of the biggest and most controversial dams in the world, and one of the main reasons why Brazil had such a huge foreign debt. Its controversy continues today - now the Paraguayan government wants to charge Brazil for water which leaves their country through the rivers and enters into the Itaipu Dam to provide electricity :-S I can't actually say how worthwhile this trip is since I didn't go there. I know it's free to visit, but expect a lot of pro-Itaipu propaganda - they're trying to repair the damage of all the international criticism from environmentalists (and economists!).

I also visited Ciudad del Este in Paraguay - a border city visited by Brazilians when they're in need of some "cheap" technology. Unless you actually want to buy something (and cheap means roughly UK prices), don't go. It's dirty, very poor, and you will get mobbed by street sellers selling everything from flick-knives to socks. By way of interesting contrast, if you enter the Mona Lisa shopping centre, passing two guards armed with no less than three guns each and wrapped in ammo belts, you enter a very posh place, with solid marble floors and expensive shops selling designer perfume. I went in just to get away from the street sellers.

Photos of the waterfalls and my friends who went with me are all online:

http://picasaweb.google.com.br/pcottam

Enjoy!

Writing a review about Iguazu Falls is basically pointless because of the simple fact that it is one of the most beautiful sights in the world. There is no reason to not go see this marvel.

The falls are enormous, uniquely shaped, and surrounded by gorgeous vegetation. The Brazilian side provides better panoramic views and the Argentinian side lets you get much closer. I'd also recommend going on one of the speed-boat rides that takes you underneath the falls - quite exhilarating to have a 50' waterfall drop directly on your head.

The one advice I have when visiting is to be aware of what the water level conditions are before you go. Depending on whether you want to take panoramic pictures, detailed close-up shots, want to get wet, etc. try to be strategic about what time of year you decide to go.

I still can't decide if I like Iguazu or Victoria more.

Do not miss Iguazu Falls.  It is located in extreme northeast Argentina on the border with  Brazil. 

On the Brazil side, you get a great overall view of the falls.  However, the most fun and the greatest experiences (my opinion) are found on the Argentine side.  There are catwalks (very safe) which take you over the water to small islands...very small...where you can experience the falling water up close.  Also there are walkways...all paved...where you can actually walk under the cascades.

Coatis or Coati Mundis can be seen roving around in groups searching the garbage cans. A coati is a racoon-like animal which is very common in Central and South America as well as Mexico....they can be found in southern Arizona also.  Although they look cute...do not try to touch them...very sharp teeth and claws.  At Iguazu, there are signs everywhere warning about these animals.

I was there 3 days and could have stayed longer.  Iguazu is higher and larger than Niagra Falls as well as being in the tropics with tropical vegetation. birds and animals. The tourist area is kept very clean with snack bars available if you should get thirsty or hungry. Clean restrooms also.

Don't miss Iguazu Falls!