As I wrote in my previous post, Iguazu Falls were on our ‘to do’ list in Argentina and after our trip to the Brazilian side our anticipation had increased. We took the local bus, ‘El Practico’ and bright yellow so you can’t miss it, out to Iguazú National Park for the princely sum of $5 pesos, the bus service running every 30 mins. From the main road it took around 20 minutes and takes you right to the ticket centre. Once through there are a selection of shops and options for trips and tours. If you plan to take a boat trip I would recommend that you book it here, we didn’t regretting it later as we ended up taking the wrong trip!
Isla San Martin viewing balcony
You can wait for the small train which runs every 30 mins, but on chatting with the helpful park guides about our options we decided to walk as you can waste time waiting around for the train. We headed off on the Green Trail to start the various circuit routes that you can take, our first circuit being the Circuito Superior, or Upper Trail. On the Argentine side of the falls you walk on walkways and balconies right over the top of the falls, with routes taking you down to the foot of numerous falls.
One part not to be missed is Isla San Martin. There is a small ferry boat, reached via the Circuito Inferior, which takes you across the water to the Island. When there you walk up and round to see the falls tucked away from view of the Brazilian side, Salto San Martin, and I would suggest allowing an hour to get there and walk about and back. We did a boat trip which took us right under these falls and the falls round on the main part of the river… what a way to experience these waterfalls… you can’t breathe from the pressure of the water that falls upon you! Great fun and a great way to cool down on a hot day. Unfortunately we really wanted to do the trip that takes you up Rio Iguazu Inferior, close to the Devil’s Throat, and when we asked Iguazu Jungle Explorer about the Aventura Nautica trip we were told that’s what the trip did, but in fact that wasn’t the case – so make sure you are clear about what you want to do and that they confirm what exactly the trip includes. We think the Brazilians did the trips further up the Rio Iguacu close to the Devil’s Throat. Iguazu Jungle Explorer do provide bags to keep your things dry – just remember to close it properly!
Aventura Nautica - new meaning to "soaked"
Rio Iguazu, it's oh so quiet...
The highlight of the trip is when you head for the Devil’s Throat. We got there around 3.30pm in the day. The walk across the river to the falls is a 1100m long across metal walkways over the Rio Iguazu Superior and rather exposed to the sun, so if there in the heat of the day be prepared to get very hot and scorched. The walk is peaceful as the water flows so gently… you wouldn’t believe what you are about to see and hear on the basis of these surroundings!
Slowly you become aware of a rumble which gets louder as you approach, then a cloud of spray becomes visible ….then you are deafened by the sound of vast amounts of water falling…. It’s mesmerising, humbling and awesome – and the falls were not even in full flow when we were there!
Patience is a virtue, as people tend to go fairly quickly after having a look and taking snaps, so hang around and you will get a few minutes of peace at some point to wander and take in the view points from the large balcony.
Garganta del Diablo
Keep attention to when the last train back leaves (generally an hour before the park closes), as from the Devil’s Throat it’s a bit of a hike and if there later in the day you will need to leave sufficient time to make it back before the park closes after your wonderful day.
Check You Tube for my vid from this side of the falls.
View downriver
