This is a guest post by Hillary Merwin.

A few weeks ago, I helped you plan your trip to Argentina by showing you how you can enjoy the perfect three days in Buenos Aires. But a trip to Argentina would not be complete without also paying a visit to the Cataratas del Igauzú.

The waterfalls of Iguazú have often been overshadowed by Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. However, recently named one of the New Seven Wonders of the Natural World, this international landmark deserves its new title with 1.7 miles of falls and lookout points offering almost 360 degree panoramas of the waterfalls complete with dazzling rainbows and misty showers.


The Iguazú National Park in Argentina provides all these views and more with picturesque overlooks, multiple hiking trails, a maze of bridges weaving over the river, a train ride through the subtropical jungle and, best of all, a thrilling boat-ride into the falls. That’s right; forget about staying dry on this trip!

The source of the falls? The Iguazú River.

The Iguazú Falls spring from the Iguazú River, which creates a natural border between Argentina and Brazil. In fact, one of the best places to begin your journey through Iguazú is in the quaint town of Puerto Iguazú at a scenic lookout point of the river as it joins all three countries: Argentine, Brazil, and Paraguay. There’s even an artisan fair close by where you can buy everything from an Iguazú t-shirt to a hand-made blow dart gun.

A visit to Iguazú National Park

Next up on the schedule is the Iguazú National Park. This main attraction is located in the province of Misiones, Argentina and boasts not only the magnificent waterfalls but also a subtropical jungle full of fascinating creatures like toucans, jaguars, monkeys, and coatis (a native animal to this area with the mixed features of a raccoon and anteater).

How to plan your visit

Admission:
As the estimated amount of time it takes to visit all the attractions in the park is 10 hours, it’s best to get an early start to the day. Travel agencies offer tour guides to take you through the park or just grab a map at the entrance and be your own guide! The entrance fee is about 30 U.S. dollars but make sure to bring your 130 argentine pesos, as this is the only currency they accept.

Getting around:
A great way to get around the park is by the Rainforest Ecological Train. The first train stop takes you to the path leading up to the first fall, La Garganta del Diablo (“The Devil’s Throat”). A series of bridges snaking over the river give you the feeling of being suspended above the water and the half-mile journey to the waterfall only adds to the building anticipation. Soon, the roar of water will grow so loud that you will find yourself having to yell to fellow tourists and travel companions. The first view of La Garganta del Diablo is breathtaking. Your vantage point, hovering over the falls on the viewing platform, gives you an almost 360 panoramic view of falls. And this is only one section of the park. It’s almost too much to take in, standing at the edge of an enormous 200-foot drop with the powerful roar of flowing water and rainbows arching across the sky—that is until a sudden breeze dumps a flood of mist onto the unsuspecting tourists.

But even the danger of getting wet cannot take away from the experience that is Iguazú. In fact, as long as you bring a plastic baggy to protect your camera and an extra pair of dry socks, it can be one of the most enjoyable parts. And with the subtropical climate keeping the temperature continually warm, there’s no need to fret about a bit of water.

Exploring the park:
After reluctantly tearing your eyes—and camera—away from La Garganta del Diablo, it’s time to explore the rest of the park. You can stop for a quick bite to eat at the restaurant, “La Selva,” which offers buffet-style authentic Argentine food. While there, you can also check out another artisan fair right outside where the Guaraní—the indigenous people to area—will be selling their hand-made goods. From there, the Rainforest Ecological Train will take you to both the upper and lower circuit trails. As you should conclude your journey at the river’s edge with the boat ride into the falls, it’s best to start at the top and work your way down. This will also help you stay comfortable in your somewhat dry clothes (though La Garganta del Diablo may have already soaked them).

The upper circuit offers breathtaking views of the falls from above with perfectly placed lookout areas and comfortable walking trails to each fall.

While the upper circuit offers beautifully expansive views of the falls, the lower circuit is more about “experiencing” the falls, if you know what I mean. Basically, throw your poncho away, because you are going to get soaked. Salto Bossetti is one of the most memorable falls on this trail as it gives you the chance to slip and slide your way to the front of the viewing platform and brave the heavy mist that feels more like a rainstorm.

But, as you’ve planned your trip perfectly, a bit of a soaking doesn’t matter now as your next stop takes you under the waterfalls. The Iguazú National Park offers a boat ride (only 150 pesos, or about 35 U.S. dollars) that takes you right up to the monstrous San Martín waterfall. The journey to the boat is an adventure in itself, as you will find yourself scaling down the side of a cliff, the entire expanse of the Iguazú Falls to your right and a narrow stone path under your feet. Once buckled into your life jacket, the exhilarating trip is well worth the money while full rainbows arch across the water as you zoom at high speeds towards the falls. The feeling of crouching under an enormous natural creation, gushing tons of water on you while simultaneously trying to keep your eyes open to capture the beauty of the moment is not easily described in words. Though, if you’ve brought your waterproof camera, like my friend did, you can at least bring home a more tangible memory!

If you have more time:
If you have more than a day at the Iguazú National Park, it’s easy to find things to fill your time. Whether it’s a visit to the San Martín Island, a zip-lining tour through the jungle, trekking a new trail, snagging a reservation for the incredible Full Moon Tour through the park, or simply spending an evening in the quaint town of Puerto Iguazú, this is not a place you will easily forget!

Have you been to Argentina? What else would you suggest for planning the perfect trip?

 

For more great travel tips, itineraries, reflections, and photos, be sure to connect with us on Facebook and Twitter!

Hillary Merwin is a senior at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in English Writing and Spanish. She speaks English and Spanish. She is most passionate about South America and has traveled to Colombia, Uruguay, and Argentina. You can read more about her travels on her blog, I lift my eyes up.