What is there to write about the Iguassu Falls? It is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of The World. We came in early May when it just rained a lot a few days prior to our arrival. The water level is higher and the sediments on the river banks are being washed away with the high water flow. The color of the weather is coppery at this time. One just has to be there to experience Iguassu Falls with one’s own eyes and ears and the feel of the water mist on one’s skin.

And if one dares, then one should get on one of the boat rides available and get drenched by the water! We chose Macuco Safari on Brazil side, which includes electric car rides and a short walk through the jungle. However, similar trip is also available on the Argentina side. On the boat ride, one will get quite near to one of the smaller section of the Falls to feel the hard water on one’s body and also during the speeding portion of the boat ride, one can easily get drenched by the water and get the water in one’s mouth. It tasted sweet LOL. Damn me for sitting in the front part of the boat. It was fun though. I had not screamed while having fun for a while. I felt like a kid again.

For those who would like a more chill experience, the walkways to see the Falls on both Brazilian and Argentinian sides are both equally amazing. You see different part of the Falls. Just one word of caution: the coatis! They are hazardous! There is a reason why we see many of these signs around the park.

While waiting for our train on Argentinian side to the Devil’s Throat, we are first-hand witness of coatis stealing crackers from a woman’s tote and devoured them right there and then. One coati jumped on the poor woman’s legs and she bent down to pet it. He stuck his nose into her tote and found the crackers. It happened so fast. I did not have time to take out the camera. The moment the coati got the crackers on the ground, his fellas came along and a few almost got into fights!

We also did the Jeep Jungle Safari on Argentina side (Safari en la Selva). It was fun, though we did it early Monday morning, and it seemed that even the animals are having Monday blues. We saw puma and jaguar’s fresh footsteps from the night before but the kings of the jungle were nowhere to be found. We saw guati (a type of rodent), humongous fire ants, some birds such as tucans, and a lot of plants. Some of the plants are unfortunately not native to Argentina and some are now overtaking the natural habitants of the jungle. We saw giant ferns that are in danger zone for being cut off – to wrap orchids! Can you imagine??? This plant has probably been growing and alive for hundreds of years. It is heartening to see that the Argentinian government is trying to protect the natural jungle that is left. However, not enough resources are being put into the projects. For example, they only have sixty rangers for the whole park. Many buses come through the road speeding, and at night, there was always an animal being hit by motor vehicles. We had fun in the safari though we did not see much. It feels good to know that some of our funds will be used to further protect the park and the company employs people passionate about protecting the forest and educating the masses. Also one of the interesting part of the jeep safari is that we actually drove on an old jungle trail that used the road to go to the Falls back in the day. The brick structure showing the park’s name and direction to Route 12 and Route 101 is still standing. It was built in the 1930s. Imagine back in the day when one has to come in old cars with no cellphones and no GPS. And the trail fits only one car each time. Even the journey to the park would have been an adventure!!! We also passed by a well, where these people could rest and get water and get help from the park rangers. One of the notable rangers is Benito Mendez. He was shot by illegal hunters. There is a poem and a waterfall dedicated for him on the Argentinian side (you can see it on the Upper Trail).

No amount of words can do Iguassu Falls justice. Pictures speak a thousand words. Videos makes a poetry out of these words. I hope you enjoy the journey as much as we have.