After having been to the most southern point of Argentina, why not try its northern? So off we go to Puerto Iguazu, a good 1’300k from the Capital. The bus being expensive (90€ per person) we decide to pull the adventure further and hitchhike giving us a maximum of two days to reach our destination. Leaving Buenos Aires at 6:30 in the morning to catch a bus from the city centre to Zarate where the highway starts, we start hitchhiking around 9:30 am. Within 30 min a car takes us and the journey begins! 8 cars and camions later we finally make it to Iguazu the following day at 4pm (2 hours later than our friends who left BA 6 hours later than us. Some have more luck than others…!).
Iguazu, which means Water and Big in Tupi, is one of these places I will never forget. I knew it would be impressive but didn’t expect to be amazed that much all the way through! Being one of the natural wonders of the world share between Brazil (20%) and Argentina (80%), this place offers a sensation of greatness like no other. Shared between Brazil and Argentina this place holds about 275 waterfalls from 60 to 82m high over 2.7km with an average flow rate of 1,756 cubic meters per second; and wild flora where we saw many butterflies, birds, spiders and quatis. I even got attacked by a quatis who was greedy for my sandwich!
We spent the first day in Brazil, visiting the exotic birds’ park (a must see! The park regroups 800 animals and 200 species types of birds, being a farandole of colours and sound – a treat for the eye!) in the morning and the waterfalls in the afternoon and visited the Argentinian side the second day. Personally I would recommend starting with the Argentinian side. This side of the park offers different viewpoints of the waterfalls and you spend more time walking around within and on top of the waterfalls. Whereas the Brazilian side offers an overall view of the different waterfalls within its natural environment and hence a better view of its majesty.
As pictures speak better than words I will let you to it.
Iguazu, which means Water and Big in Tupi, is one of these places I will never forget. I knew it would be impressive but didn’t expect to be amazed that much all the way through! Being one of the natural wonders of the world share between Brazil (20%) and Argentina (80%), this place offers a sensation of greatness like no other. Shared between Brazil and Argentina this place holds about 275 waterfalls from 60 to 82m high over 2.7km with an average flow rate of 1,756 cubic meters per second; and wild flora where we saw many butterflies, birds, spiders and quatis. I even got attacked by a quatis who was greedy for my sandwich!
We spent the first day in Brazil, visiting the exotic birds’ park (a must see! The park regroups 800 animals and 200 species types of birds, being a farandole of colours and sound – a treat for the eye!) in the morning and the waterfalls in the afternoon and visited the Argentinian side the second day. Personally I would recommend starting with the Argentinian side. This side of the park offers different viewpoints of the waterfalls and you spend more time walking around within and on top of the waterfalls. Whereas the Brazilian side offers an overall view of the different waterfalls within its natural environment and hence a better view of its majesty.
As pictures speak better than words I will let you to it.
Foz da Iguaçu
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Parque de las aves
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Puerto Iguazu
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Transportation: a 24h hitchhiking from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazu, a total of 1’300km. Otherwise the bus costs about 90€ for 17 hours.
Accommodation: we stayed at the Colonial Hostal a block and a half away from the bus station, which is very convenient for all the tours and transportations of the waterfalls. We paid ARS 400 (24€) per night for a double room including a private bathroom, AC, the use of the wifi, the kitchen and swimming pool. We place was clean and relaxing.
F&B: costs are cheaper than in the rest of the country. We mostly fed ourselves by buying food in the supermarket which is more expensive than the restaurant sometimes but can be expanded over several meals. In Foz do Iguaçu (Brazilian side of the waterfalls) I recommend trying the Açai bwol with fruits and granola (4€), it’s very refreshing considering the heat, and delicious.
Activities:
Brazilian side: transport from Puerto Iguazu to Foz do Iguaçu costs ARS 80 (4,5€) per person way back. The entrance to the bird’s park costs 40 reales (12€) and the entrance to the waterfalls 64,30 reales (18€).
Argentinian side: transport way back to the waterfalls costs ARD 130 (8€) per person and the entrance ARS 500 (30€). If you want to enjoy the boat ride below the waterfalls it costs ARS 450 (25€) for 15 minutes.
Accommodation: we stayed at the Colonial Hostal a block and a half away from the bus station, which is very convenient for all the tours and transportations of the waterfalls. We paid ARS 400 (24€) per night for a double room including a private bathroom, AC, the use of the wifi, the kitchen and swimming pool. We place was clean and relaxing.
F&B: costs are cheaper than in the rest of the country. We mostly fed ourselves by buying food in the supermarket which is more expensive than the restaurant sometimes but can be expanded over several meals. In Foz do Iguaçu (Brazilian side of the waterfalls) I recommend trying the Açai bwol with fruits and granola (4€), it’s very refreshing considering the heat, and delicious.
Activities:
Brazilian side: transport from Puerto Iguazu to Foz do Iguaçu costs ARS 80 (4,5€) per person way back. The entrance to the bird’s park costs 40 reales (12€) and the entrance to the waterfalls 64,30 reales (18€).
Argentinian side: transport way back to the waterfalls costs ARD 130 (8€) per person and the entrance ARS 500 (30€). If you want to enjoy the boat ride below the waterfalls it costs ARS 450 (25€) for 15 minutes.
Travellers’ tips: hostels are cheaper on the Argentinian side, yet many people say they are of better quality on the Brazilian side.
In the Argentinian side of the water falls, I would suggest starting the visit from the inferior level (blue path), to the superior level (red path) to finish with the orange path leading to the Garganta del Diablo.
Be careful with the quatis and food! They are always looking for food around the park and attack anyone holding food that could interest them. Their paws are sharp and can also bit deep. So be careful!
In the Argentinian side of the water falls, I would suggest starting the visit from the inferior level (blue path), to the superior level (red path) to finish with the orange path leading to the Garganta del Diablo.
Be careful with the quatis and food! They are always looking for food around the park and attack anyone holding food that could interest them. Their paws are sharp and can also bit deep. So be careful!
Gracias a Stéphanie Vallet para las bellas fotos!