Iguazu Falls

Hi all, we are now in Argentina at the Iguazu Falls. Here is an update on our travels from the last few days.

23rd September - 24th September

We spent the rest of the day relaxing on Isla Do Mel. The weather wasn´t very nice so we did some internet updates and took a walk around the island to the light house. Our bus to Foz do Iguacu was at 10:30pm from Curitiba so we left the island at 3pm to allow time for boats and buses. First problem occured when we realised we were on the wrong boat! It took us to another town but it wasn´t a major issue as we were able to catch a bus to Curitiba from there. That is what we love about travelling when the unexpected happens and you end up on a mini adventure.

We finally arrived back in Curitiba at about 8pm. After a freshen up and some dinner we boarded our overnight bus. 12pm and the second problem occured - the bus broke down!! The next 2 hours were spent changing from bus to bus. Neither Sara or I had a clue what was happening - it was hilarious. We developed great system whereby Sara jumped on the bus to claim our seats while I loaded our packs, this way we always sat together and had seats.

Finally arrived in Foz do Iguacu (Brazil side) at 9am. We found a comfortable hotel near the bus station and headed out for our first sight of the falls. The falls are split on the border between Argentina and Brazil and are in a UNESCO national park. We visited the Brazilian side first as this is regarded as inferiour to the Argentine side. A local bus took us into the national park where we then walked through trails in the forest to various viewpoints. The falls are outstanding and far better than Victoria or Niagra combined!! There is not just one fall but hundreds spread out over a distance of about 2km, spectacular. There are also walkways right over the falls so everyone is guaranteed a soaking.

25th September - 26th September - Welcome to Argentina!

Our next stop today was Puerto Do Iguazu (Argentine side). We left the hotel early (for us!!) and took the bus to the border crossing into Argentina. No hassels at the border and another stamp for the passport. Sara and I both warmed to Puerto Do Iguazu. It is a friendly town with great restaurants and shops. We checked into our hotel, booked our bus tickets to Buenos Aires and headed out to see the falls from the Argentine side. The bus took us into the national park where we transferred onto a small train that winds its way through the jungle to the falls. We took the walkway to "The Devil´s Throat" that allowed us right to the edge of one of the many falls, really incredible. We stayed at the falls until sunset and then took the train and bus back to the hotel. Our entance tickets to the park allowed us half price access for the following day. We spent the evening in town at a great restaurant where we ate 3 courses with fantastic Argentine wine all for 20pounds!!

The next day we headed back into the park and booked onto the "Grand Adventure". This is a tour where you drive through the jungle in a truck before transferring to a high powered speed boat. The boat takes you upstream to the foot of the falls over the rapids. This was great fun and everyone was soaked. The boat then goes right under the falls to soak people even further. We were drenched!! The view from the foot of the falls was amazing and you really feel the power of the water.

The weather was warm and sunny so we soon dried off as we explored the falls from the Argentine side. We had a late lunch in the park and then headed back into town to clean up and sample another great Argentine meal. Our next stop is Buenos Aires on a 20 hour bus journey, we are praying that this bus doesn´t break down too.

Next update will be from Buenos Aires so stay tuned for stories of Tango, huge Steaks and Cafe culture.