On
the borders of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, these spectacular
waterfalls are best seen March-June (there are fewer people
then, and the humidity can get oppressive November-February).
The falls can be visited from the Brazilian or Argentine side:
Either is impressive. While the falls are seen more easily from
Brazil, the paths, jungle and sunset views are better in Argentina.
Iguazu should
not be missed: Made up of 275 cascades spanning a distance of
2 mi / 3 km and rising up to 300 ft / 90 m high, it's one of
the most impressive sights in the world. Rainbows, roaring waters,
red earth and jungle scenery make it worthy of a long stop --
enough time for real contemplation. Visitors on the Argentine
side should see the falls from both access points: the lower
trail, which twists through the rain forest to a boat that takes
you on a five-minute ride to Isla San Martin, at the base of
the southern end of the falls; and the upper trail, which ends
at the edge of Devil's Throat, the most dramatic view of the
cascades. You can also reach the two areas by bus, but in either
case, be prepared for a lot of (fairly easy) walking and a good
chance of getting wet. The area surrounding the falls is jungle
and tropical, a showcase for a wide variety of colorful birds,
butterflies and flowering plants. Good hotels (at the most reasonable
prices in Argentina) are available on both the Argentine and
Brazilian side. It's worth the extra expense to stay at a hotel
that has a view of the falls. We also recommend staying at least
one night to take advantage of changing light conditions. Sunset
on the surrounding terrain is magnificent, and by moonlight,
it's simply magical.
Nearby are
the town of Posadas and the Missions Province. If you're interested
in duty-free shopping, you can visit the town of Puerto del
Este, Paraguay, although it's rather seedy and crowded -- a
picture of South America in one of its least attractive poses.
Also just across the border in Paraguay is Itaipu Dam, one of
the world's largest dams. 660 mi / 1,060 km north of Buenos
Aires.
