Foz de Iguaçu

The Iguazu Falls lie on the border of Argentina and Brazil. The name comes from the native Gaurani language Y for "water" and ûsaú for "big", and in fact these falls are incredibly powerful and breathtaking. The falls are formed by the Iguazu River and Paranà River running over the Paranà Plateau. 

To visit the falls you can stay on the Brazilian side in Foz de Iguaçu or on the Argentinean side in Puerta Iguazu. We decided to cross the border, add an extra stamp to our passport, and stay in Argentina. We also had heard that the Argentinian side is more impressive, and so it was! 

The falls are part of a national park which has many trails where you can see lots of animals and also see the falls from the lower trail or from above on the upper trail. We first walked the lower trail and couldn't imagine how the upper trail could be more beautiful as argued in the guide books. But once we walked the upper trail we were completely taken a back by the beauty that is so awe inspiring. 

The upper trail is where you see the Garganta do Diabo, "The Devil's Throat" which is the largest waterfall in the whole park. The force, the sound, the wind, the experience of standing of this massive waterfall is incredible. You keep asking yourself " Where does all this water come from? It just doesn't stop!" 

Argentina had a completely different feel than the Brazil we had experienced so far in Rio de Janeiro. Being winter it was quite cold, cloudy, and damp. Puerta Iguazu is a very small town and almost has the feel of an old Western shanty town. 

Every few steps we saw Argentines drinking Yerba Maté with their personal mug and metal straw and dressed in thick sweaters made from Llama wool. We enjoyed the infamous argentine barbecue and discovered a local hot sauce, Chimi Churri, which we brought back two bottles!