2020 Jan. Iguazu Falls. Argentina & Brazil.
I have always wanted to visit Iguazu Falls, having read and heard about it being more impressive and magnificent than Niagara Falls which I had visited during my college days 20 years ago. Indeed it was. A friend suggested that I book my stay at Gran Melia, the only hotel within the National Park on Argentina side. That turned out fantastic, with good view of the falls upon stepping into the lobby and hotel room.
Iguazu Falls is divided between two countries: Argentina and Brazil. Both parks offer a different experience and have different characteristics and attractions. I planned to visit both sides. After check in and a quick lunch, we set off by car to cross over the border to Brazilian side of Iguazu National Park. The park set up is touristy and accessible to all ages. We boarded a park visitor bus to get into the forested area and walked along a dedicated trail to enjoy views of Iguazu Falls from Brazilian side.
We approached the lookout point for Devil’s Throat Falls, where there was a viewing bridge and observation tower.
The one-way visitor trail on the Brazilian side was not long, entire visit took less than 3 hrs with ample time stopping and taking pictures. We were back at the hotel to enjoy a dip in the pool at sunset. Beautiful clouds and falls view from Gran Melia pool.
Notice the mist cloud hovering above the Devil’s Throat Falls due to the immense water volume plunging down.
The next day we explored Iguazu National Park on the Argentinian side, which had more trails. We started with the Lower Circuit, followed by the Upper Circuit, and then the main attraction Devil’s Throat trail. Iguazu Falls when viewed from Argentinian side, was even closer and more impressive. Good fun getting wet on the boat ride as well in between the trails, which required separate booking and payment. Best to plan and book a day in advance from hotel concierge.
The trails were well maintained and easy to access for all fitness levels. Had a nice early morning stroll along the boardwalk. The lower and upper circuits offered different vantage points to take in beautiful sights of the vast landscape, with a total of 275 waterfalls in the national park.
We did not make advanced booking for the boat ride as we were unsure how much time we would spend on the trails. Decided to try our luck after completing lower and upper circuits before mid day. We walked in to check but all slots were taken. Luckily we waited as standby, and managed to board with the last group.
The most thrilling moment of the boat ride was going under one of the waterfalls and getting thoroughly drenched. It was exciting and great fun. Check out the video clip.
Exciting plunge under the waterfall
The Devil’s Throat Falls is the key attraction in the National Park, best visited in the afternoon for better photo opportunity and avoid direct glare from the sun. Access is via the jungle train to the Devil’s Throat Station. From there, a 1km footbridge led to the immense monumental waterfall. The level bridge was quiet and safe, and wheelchair accessible. Incredible views of the falls await at the end of the platform. Everyone will be wowed!
Very difficult to capture the magnificence of the falls in photos, videos are better, but the impact and immense wonder of nature needs to be experienced in person. Just amazing!
Beautiful view of Devil’s Throat and surrounding falls
Impressive water volume cascading down Devil’s Throat
That was the finale for this trip! Flew home the next day on multi leg flights via Iguazu – Madrid – Abu Dhabi – Singapore, which took a super loooong 36 hrs.
Home sweet home!
