Travel South America Skiing Adventures

Iguazu Falls, Argentina

** Nahuel Huapi National Park ** Iguazu Bird Park ** Iguazu National Park **
** Tierra del Fuego National Park ** Los Glaciers National Park **

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The noise of the water is deafening, but the sight spectacular, as tons of water crash down from heights of up to 350 feet. Such is the force of the water that in some parts of the falls, the constant spray can rise up to 100ft. The immense size of the Falls is almost unbelievable, together with a backdrop of hawks, parrots and other jungle birds flying through the sky amidst the rainbows created by the constant spray, the experience is unparalled.

The falls get their name from the local dialect Guarani word for "great water" and the first westerner to discover them was a Spaniard named Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca in 1542 who had been travelling down river looking for a route to Ascunsion in Paraguay. Legend has it that he just had time to shout "Santa Maria, how beautiful" before having to work hard to avoid capsizing as his boat raced through the torrents of water. Shaped like a horseshoe, they extend over 1.5 miles of the Iguazu River and were created by a volcanic eruption.

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Almost 4 times as wide as the Niagara Falls, and some say far more impressive, the Iguazu Falls are separated by small island oases of supposedly dry land, although more often than not these are sodden from the surrounding spray. During the rainy season the water comes crashing down at rates of around 12,750 cubic meters per second, or to put it another way that is the same as dropping 22,436,863 pints of milk from a great height all at the same time! It is no wonder that Eleanor Roosevelt exclaimed "Poor Niagara" when she toured the Iguazu Falls during a visit to South America.

Situated in almost virginal tropical forest where the ecosystem has remained unharmed and is well protected by National Parks on both the Brazilian and Argentine sides of the Iguazu River, the Iguazu Falls are sheer magnificence to behold. There are catwalks (railed walkways) that take you over the channels of water rushing in to the Devils Throat, and in some areas it is possible to swim in spray made by the falls.

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But beware of cuticle parasites that you will find are not comfortable bedfellows if they take a liking to you. For those who are just wanting to walk, the parasites are not a problem and waterproof clothing (Check) is usually provided on a guided boat tour.

The mighty power of the Falls has been harnessed since 1991 to provide about 40% of the electricity used by both Brazil and Argentina, and is thought to be one of the largest dams in the world and considered to be a masterpiece of technology. Tours are available round the Itaipu Hydroelectric Power Plant. Tours of the Falls are also available by boat or for an arial and dryer view, tours by helicopter are also an option.

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The best time of year to visit the Falls is either Spring or Autumn, that is during the months of September, October, November and March, April, May. It can be extremely hot and humid in the summer, with temperatures up to 100F at midday and rainfalls expected every day, whereas the winter months tend to be mild and dry with very little rain so the water can be very low, and therefore the Falls are not so impressive.

The Iguazú National Park is over 185,000 hectares and so as well as visiting the Falls there are some fantastic jungle trails and bird watching hikes to go on, with some impressive flora and fauna to marvel at and identify where you can. For the more adventurous (link to canopy/rope-bridge walking page) amongst you, it is also a chance to try out your skills at rope climbing through the jungle, also known as canopy touring.

** Nahuel Huapi National Park ** Iguazu Bird Park ** Iguazu National Park **
** Tierra del Fuego National Park ** Los Glaciers National Park **

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