We spent the last couple of days exploring the Iguazu Falls- the largest waterfall system in the world!
The falls are on the border of Brazil & Argentina, so we decided to make the most of the astounding scenery and visit from both sides.
We visited from Foz de Iguazu in Brazil on a rather rainy day- but we got drenched from the mist coming off the waterfalls anyway! Standing so close to a ridiculous amount of water was mesmerising and dizzying, we were genuinely hypnotised by the flow of water, the patterns and sound.
We also visited the neighbouring bird sanctuary, which exceeded expectations. We’ve never been in an avery as large as these before.
Into Argentina
We crossed the border into Argentina and visited from Puerto Iguazu the following day, in sunshine and scorching heat. This made for clearer views, but also busier footpaths.
The mist created some beautiful rainbows and the views were spectacular. 80% of the waterfall system is in Argentina, so we could walk amongst the falls more here, though Brazil was better for panoramic views to take in their vastness.
There were plenty of Monkeys and Coatis along the way, and we were truly blown away by the scale, beauty and power of the Iguazu Falls.
Visiting Paraguay
The Triple Frontier is a tri-border area where Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay meet at the confluence of the Iguazú and Paraná rivers. It’s a major global hub for smuggling, money laundering, and organized crime, so we decided to check it out.
Whilst in Foz Do Iguaçu, the town on the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls, we were only a bridge away from Paraguay.
We walked across the Friendship Bridge to Ciudad del Este and entered Paraguay, which felt like entering a different planet.
The border town is built around people hopping across the border for duty free shopping, which has made it Paraguay’s second largest city.
It felt like a frontier town at the edge of the world, a dodgy, chaotic place where you always had to be alert.
Marooned within the mayhem, giant, modern shopping centres (with high levels of security) met the demand of Brazilians, Argentinians and tourists for tax-free goods.
Visiting was definitely an unforgettable experience, but we’re not the sort to only visit the polished, tourist-friendly areas!
