Every morning when I wake up I look at this enlarged picture of the Iguazu Falls. It is the most beautiful place on earth where I have ever been so far.
This place makes you happy, because such magical places still exist. It is absolutely breathtaking…even literally…but I’ll come back to that later.
Because the Iguazu falls are situated on the border of Brazil and Argentina, it is possible to visit the falls in both countries. We booked a flight from Buenos Aires to Foz de Iguazu in Brazil. When we reached our destination, the pilot announced that he would fly an extra lap above the falls. Not only the lucky ones on the right side of the plane could see the falls from above, but also the losers (read my boyfriend and I) on the left. Probably they always fly this extra lap, but it sounded like he was doing this for the first time. I pressed my nose against the small window screen and enjoyed the spectacular view.
Try to visit the Iguazu falls during the low season, because it can be quite busy. Better book your tour (ticket for the National Park) in advance.
There are upper trails and lower trails, so you will be able to explore the falls from above and at the bottom. Some of the platforms are made for the daredevils among us, well, if you do not have a fear of heights, you will be fine haha. It is amazing how they have been able to attach these platforms. You are standing at the edge of the waterfall, just where the water is crashing down. The sound is deafening and gives you a thrill. If you dare to look down, it feels like the water is everywhere and dozens of birds fly through the mist.
During the tour we were offered to take a ride with one of the speedboats and we immediately said yes. I remember it was not cheap, but hey, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity, so you take it. It was a small boat with a few massive engines and room for about 15 people. We ended up in a boat with a group of South Koreans. Even if you do not understand a word of what they say, it was clear they were really excited. We all received a special watertight bag for our valuables.
The speedboat guy wanted to show off his speedboat skills. Fair enough. At high speed we were racing through the jungle towards the centre of the Iguazu falls. So far so good. We quickly approached the falls, and I mean literally…. I expected the boat to slow down or turn, but the speedboat guy did not make a move. Before I knew it we were under the falls!!! I protected my head with my arms and could hardly breathe. Oh my goodie goodness, what was happening!!! The boat turned away and my boyfriend and I looked at each other like, what the h*ll. The Koreans went completely wild, screaming and yelling. The speedboat guy asked us if we wanted another go. Before we could answer the Koreans cheered “we want more, we want more”. Well….and more we got…..
Completely drenched from head till toe and still partly in shock we headed back. While catching our breaths and luckily still enjoying the panoramic view, I realised that this was one of the coolest things I had ever done.
So if you ever happen to be in Argentina, southern part of Brazil or even Paraguay, you just have to visit the Iguazu falls. An experience you will never forget (even without the boat tour).
Click on Lonely Planet Argentina to buy on The Bookdepository or click on the book below to buy on Amazon.
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