Iguazú Falls

  The Iguazú Falls has always been high on our "must see" in Brazil list.  And this past weekend, we took the short flight to the southern Brazil border to see this mighty spectacle.  And, a roaring symphony it is--275 crashing cataracts--all in perfect unison.  Mother Nature at her fiercest.  Certainly, an exhilaration to behold!

  Spanning the borders between Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay,   Iguazú is estimated to be over four times the size of Niagara Falls, thus making it one of the largest in the world in terms of height, volume and width.  (At her first sight of the Iguazú Falls, Eleanor Roosevelt has been quoted as saying, "Poor Niagara!")  In 2011, this site was appropriately deemed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

  We stayed on the Brazilian side of the falls.  It is said that the Brazilian side offers the best panoramic view, while the Argentine side offers fall-goers an amazing aerial view.  Either view  is sure to leave one gazing in awe at all their splendor.  The grandeur and power of these spraying cascades are nothing short of magical.  Throw in a rainbow or two into the mix, and it feels like a slice of heaven. 

  So yes, it was an amazing weekend to say the least and hopefully our pictures will do this wonder justice!

Don't think this sign went unnoticed by my husband.

Our hotel was located within a few hundred yards from the waterfalls in the Iguazú National Park rainforest.  At times we felt like uninvited guests, though. 

A kind gentleman offered to take a family picture. 

And another.

The Iguazú Falls formed from a crack in the earth as a result of two earthquakes more than 150 million years ago.  An accidental discovery by Spanish explorer, Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Veca during the 1500's, today the waterfalls are a designated World Heritage site.

Graham, not too interested in the water.

His nose, much more so.

I think this is becoming a signature pose for Graham and me.  I have a similar picture with him at the statue in Rio.

I think Graham looks more intimidating than these falls.  What do you think? 

Jason braved the drenching for a peak of  Devil's Throat.  Devil's Throat is the most impressive of all the falls, forming the Brazil/Argentina border.  A horseshoe shape, it is over 269 feet tall.

Since we stayed on the park grounds, we had access to the waterfalls before and after it opened to the public.  I was able to catch some early a.m. photos before the rush of tourists.

Spray off the falls

Iguazú means "great water"

Iguazú Falls generates the largest average water flow of any waterfall in the world including Niagara and Victoria Falls.

What a moment!  I am the only one in the park. Just before returning to the hotel, I turn back to catch one more glimpse and turn to see this beautiful site.  

The Natives

Needless to say, lunch by the pool got a little hairy! The waiters spend more time assuaging patrons than they do taking orders....lol! Coatis or mask-less raccoons roam the hotel grounds and were even spotted making their way into the hotel lobby.  I guess they do not like uninvited guests invading their territory.  



We almost stumbled over this critter walking back to our room one afternoon. 

Colorful birds and butterflies littered the park.

"Hydrating" before an afternoon jeep and boat excursion through the Iguazú rainforest

Patiently waiting for the boat to arrive while we were tortured by pesky mosquitoes.

Jason managed to keep Graham contained and entertained.

Graham's favorite part of the afternoon: a boat ride along the Iguazú River, atop of the falls.

Jason said he had never seen a river bubble like this before.  We were told the bubbling had something to do with the highest point in the river and the current--if I even remembered correctly.  Jason will probably read this and say that this is totally incorrect.

The Iguazú River

We made it back from our excursion just in time to watch the sunset on the falls.

 

Scratch this one off the bucket list!!