Puerto Iguazzu, Argentina, 3 - 4 July 2007
We left Rio destined for Puerto Iguazu, Argentina. Considering the journey was going be a whopping 22 hours we went in search of the most comfortable bus option.... We found a class of bus called "semi-leito" which is equivalent to business class: our seats were wide, they had leg rests & reclined. We were supplied with pillows & blankets and had the option of watching 4 Hollywood Blockbusters in English!
Puerto Iguazu was a lovely, quaint town with a touch of innocence as it has not yet been subjected to mass tourism. We passed Foz De Iguassu (the equivalent town on Brazil side of border) & it was a big, commercial tourist trap. Consequently we were happy with our choice.
The following day we enjoyed breakfast with Stephan & Britta (charming German couple) then it was off to the awe inspiring falls..
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Some Facts:
Iguazú Falls, called Foz do Iguaçu in Brazilian, and Cataratas del Iguazú in Spanish, lie on the Argentina - Brazil border and are a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Taller than Niagara Falls, twice as wide with 275 cascades spread in a horseshoe shape over nearly two miles of the Iguazu River, Iguazú Falls are the result of a volcanic eruption which left yet another large crack in the earth. Four times the width of Niagara Falls, Iguazu Falls are divided by various islands into separate waterfalls.
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Under the guidance of the Lonely Planet, the Flashpackers decided to splurge & do lunch in style at the 5* Sheraton Hotel. However Lonely Planet price guide was out by 300%! None the less it was a tasty treat.
The waterfalls truly were spectacular & the Argentinian side is the one to view them from. You can see them from the front, the side, above & below. Trust us when we say they truly are a sight to behold. In addition to the falls we were blessed with innumerable butterflies & countless rainbows.
On return from the falls we bumped into our German amigos & joined them for what became a very social evening as they entertained us with their Latin American Travel Tales (they had been travelling for 6 months & Britta had suffered a bout of amoebic dysentery).
The following day (Thursday 5th July 2007) we packed our bags and said adios to to Puerto Iguazu....
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