“Seriously,” I thought, “It’s a waterfall. Is it really going to be worth the effort to go see a waterfall?” Let me tell you, I was not expecting to be so impressed by a ”mere waterfall.’ At every turn, every viewing platform, I was just blown away by the beauty of this natural wonder, amazing Iguazu Falls.

I’d Like to See Iguazu Falls

It was quite some time after we booked our cruise that Art said to me “I’d like to see Iguazu Falls when we go on our cruise”. After all, who knew when we would ever get back there again? Actually, that’s a bit of a joke between Art and I, as this South American cruise will make the third time we have been to Lima, Peru.

Since it was his idea, I let him run with it. He determined that since our ship would be in port in Rio de Janeiro for two nights, that would be the time for us to take a quick overnight trip to the falls. 

Booking the Trip to the Falls

Art found a tour operator and started a dialogue with them; explaining what we wanted to do, and the time frame we had available. We wanted this trip to be as hassle free as possible, and asked them to make the following arrangements for us:

• Car transportation from the ship to the airport in Rio.
• Air transportation from Rio to Foz do Iguazu, Brazil.
• Car transportation from Foz do Iguazu airport to our hotel.
• One night hotel stay.
• A private guide and driver to take us to both the Argentine and Brazilian sides of the falls, and include admission to the parks.
• Car transportation back to the airport in Foz do Iguazu.
• Air transportation from Foz do Iguazu to Rio
• Car transportation from the airport in Rio back to the cruise ship.

The total price for the two of us was just under $2,100. It was a customized tour for only Art and me, and could not have been more perfect. The reason we wanted to have everything included in the price was we didn’t want to have to be concerned with having enough money in each of the different currencies. Nor did we want to waste any time trying to figure out how to get from point A to point B. We just wanted everything to be prearranged.

The Tour Operator

Our tour to Iguazu Falls was through Ripio Turismo; a company that is known in the travel industry as an ‘in bound’ tour operator. They set up tours for those coming to visit the area; contracting out all the bits and pieces from other companies and contractors to make one seamless trip. Ripio Turismo has published tours that are pre-arranged or, as in our case, they will create a customized tour. Our experience with them was very good; I’d use them again.

Two months prior to our cruise, our trip was confirmed and paid in full. We were booked on non-stop flights and the times were perfect. 

A Few Days Before Our Trip

As is usual with travel, change reared it’s head. A few days prior to our arrival in Rio, we got an email from Ripio Turismo telling us that our flights had been changed. The flight from Rio to Iguazu was no longer non-stop; we now had a two-hour layover in Sau Paulo. Our two-hour non-stop flight turned into a six-hour journey. Also, the time of our return flight had changed. Having worked in the travel industry, I know that flights change, and there is nothing you can do about it. So, in our usual fashion, we just made the best of it.

Finally, the Day Arrives

After a beautiful sunrise sail in, ms Sirena arrived in Rio at 8 am, right on time. We took some photos, then headed back to our stateroom where we packed our overnight bag and got ready for our mini adventure to Iguazu Falls.

Our driver picked us up just outside the customs building as scheduled. It was a Sunday afternoon, so the traffic to the airport wasn’t bad at all. The driver offered to come into the airport with us to assist us with the check in process, but we declined, figuring we could handle it. I guess our driver was right; we couldn’t determine where we should check it. We asked someone for help and they pointed us in the right direction. 

Boarding the Flight

Our flights were on GOL Airline. The closest I can relate them to in the US is Southwest Airlines.  They had an interesting way of grouping people to board the flight. Although seats were assigned, row numbers did not play a part in which group you were in, with the exception of the Premium Economy group.

The first group to board was the priority group; anyone over 80 years old, those traveling with babies, pregnant women and the handicapped. Next was the Premium Economy group, those seated in the first five rows of the plane and the high-level frequent flyers.

The third group was for those traveling with only a personal item; a purse, brief case or back pack. Lastly was the group with carry-on bags. They were very strict about the roll aboard suitcases; each one was measured to ensure it complied with the size rules. Every person was required to show a photo ID along with their boarding pass as they boarded, which I thought was strange since it was a domestic flight.

We were toward the back of the plane on our flight to Sau Paulo and row one on the connecting flight into Foz do Iguazu. Our guess was that there were no seats available in the regular coach section when we checked in so they had to bump us up to Premium Economy, which had more leg room. As we were in the bulkhead seats, there was even more leg room.

Arriving in Foz do Iguacu

Upon our arrival in Foz do Iguacu, Brazil our driver was waiting for us. She drove us to the boarder with Argentina and assisted us with the documentation required to go between the countries. We drove through the town of Puerto Iguazu, Argentina and were surprised to see so many families dining outdoors at the local restaurants, especially so late at night.

Panoramic Hotel

Our drive to the Panoramic Hotel was quick. The driver assisted us into the hotel and made sure there were no problems with our check-in. We were pleasantly surprised when we were informed that it was an hour earlier in Argentina than it was in Brazil, which meant we got an extra hour of sleep. Before leaving the hotel, our driver informed us that our guide and driver for our tour would pick us up the next morning at 7:20.

The room at the hotel was large and well appointed. The bed was very firm, but we managed to sleep well. Although the bathroom was large, it could have used a little maintenance; but, it was fine for our needs.

We got up early the next morning for breakfast at the hotel, which was included in the price of our stay. There were hot foods, cereals, fresh fruit, pastries, cold meats and cheeses, coffee, tea and juices. I am sure anyone would have been able to find something to eat.

Unfortunately, we weren’t at the hotel long enough to use any of the amenities. There was a pool, which looked nice, and the grounds were beautiful. As suggested in the hotel’s name, there was a view of the Iguazu River. Art went out and took a few pictures of the property before we left. 

Our Tour Begins

We checked out of our room and very shortly after, our guide and driver showed up. Off we went on another adventure!

Our guide, Karina Doldan, is a licensed Professional Guide of Iguazu Falls. She spent 11 months of training, learning all about the ecosystem that comprises Iguazu Falls in both the National Parks; Brazil and Argentina. Continuing education is required to maintain her certification as a guide. There wasn’t a question we asked that she couldn’t answer. She was very open and shared a lot about living in the area. I highly recommend having a guide for your tour.

Iguazu Falls, Argentina

First stop, Iguazu National Park of Argentina. Karina told us a few facts about the park on our way there. For instance, ‘iguazu’ roughly translates to ‘great waters’. The park was established in 1934, and designated a UNESCO World Heritage natural site in 1984. We arrived just prior to the park’s opening, but were far from the first to arrive. Karina had us wait in line while she went and purchased our tickets.

Everyone was assembled at the entrance, where you could board the train that takes you to the falls. It is permissible to walk the paths to the falls, and throughout the jungle. You can easily make a full day or two of your time in this beautiful park.

Taking the  Train

Karina told us the key was to arrive at the park early enough to be on one of the first two or three trains to the falls. Each train holds about 150 passengers. On this morning, they were insistent that we be seated four people in each row of the train car, no matter how tight the fit. Their goal was to get as many people on each train as possible in order to clear out the crowd at the gate.

We headed straight to Devil’s Throat, the largest of the falls. The train made a couple of stops before we arrived there. Since Devil’s Throat is the main attraction, Karina wanted us to get there before it got too crowded. 

Walking to the Falls

The walking platform is very well done and is handicapped accessible. We walked out to the falls, stopping along the way so that Karina could explain a few things about the eco system around the falls. There was huge catfish in the water as we were walking, and we saw some butterflies and birds. As we were on a walkway over the water, we didn’t see much more wildlife than that. There are other pathways that allow for better viewing of animals in the park.

While walking along the platform, Karina told us that there are days when it is so crowded at the falls that it can take two hours to walk the 1.1km to Devil’s Throat. We made the trek in about 20 minutes.

Devil’s Throat

Once we made it to the end of the walking platform, we were at the most amazing site I have ever seen; Devil’s Throat. Water was thundering over the falls to the right of where we stood. Across from us and to the left were even more falls. Lush green foliage surrounds the falls. It was so exhilarating. I couldn’t stop smiling. It just made me so happy!

Although the majority of the mist was blowing away from us, we still got wet. Honestly, the spray felt good as it was hot and humid that morning. 

Since we wanted to make sure we had plenty of time to see the falls from the Brazilian side, we skipped the stop at the lower falls on the Argentine side. Karina did not know how long it would take us to go through customs and immigration between Argentina and Brazil, so we erred on the side of caution. 

Iguazu Falls, Brazil

As it turned out we went through customs and immigration quickly and were in the  National Park of Iguacu before we knew it. The Brazilian national park is not as old as the Argentine national park, but it is larger. It, too, is a UNESCO World Heritage natural site, admitted in 1986. 

In the National Park of Iguacu buses take visitors to the falls area. Busses leave the main entrance about every 15 or 20 minutes, and make several stops along the way. We did see the location where you can take the boats out on the river and go right under the falls. This isn’t a proposition where you might get wet; you will absolutely get drenched. We passed on this optional excursion.

Pathways and Viewing Platforms

The pathway to the falls in this park is also very well done. However, it encompassed a lot of steps. There are handrails most of the way. So, even though I was able to navigate the steps, it could be difficult for those with mobility issues.

It isn’t impossible for those with mobility issues to see the falls. There’s an elevator that will take you down to a lower level where you can get a nice view of the falls. It doesn’t enable you to see all of the falls, but it is a decent option.

Although it seemed longer, the falls view pathway is only 1.2 km long. There were several viewing platforms along the way which provide incredible views of the falls. With both a snack bar and gift shop on the path, this park is a bit more commercial than the Argentine park. 

Wildlife

We did see more wildlife in this park. Quatis or, as Karina called them, racoons, were abundant on the Brazilian side. We saw them most often near the snack bar. They are scavengers and can be a little aggressive if they think you have food. Just like our American racoons, they were very cute, but do carry rabies; so we didn’t let them get too close!

The iguana resting on the path was not disturbed by the humans nearby. A pretty butterfly graciously stopped on a handrail near us to pose for a few photos.

I made one request of Karina, “Don’t point out any snakes”. I have a fear of snakes. I’m sure it comes from growing up in Florida, where we were told “Don’t go in the woods, there are rattle snakes. Don’t go near drainage ditches, there are water moccasins”. Even seeing pictures of snakes just creeps me out. I know they are part of nature and have an important role to play; I just don’t need, or want, to see them. Period.

A Full View of Devil’s Throat

At the final platform, where we were provided another incredible view of Devil’s Throat, we got a bit wet again. From this angle it’s possible to see the fall’s full magnificence.

We took the elevator up from the falls to the transportation center at the end of the trail. There were several places to eat, ranging from a fast food, a sandwich shop, and a full sit down restaurant. We opted to grab a sandwich before we left the park for the airport. 

Heading Back to Rio

We arrived at the airport early, which was fine. When we checked in for our flight, we were told that we didn’t have reserved seats. The agent offered us two seats together if we wanted to upgrade to Premium Economy. “Great”, I thought, “what’s this gonna cost?” I asked, “How much?” The answer was 37 Real. I did the math in my head, and realized that came up to about 9 dollars each. No brainer; “Yes, please”. We ended up on row one for the flight back to Rio.

Other than departing late, our flight back was rather uneventful; until we were about to land. We were probably 20 feet above the runway, when the pilot gunned the engines and aborted the landing.

Sorry About That Folks

The pilot came on the intercom and explained what happened, in Portuguese, of course. I’m sure he apologized but we didn’t understand a word. Well, I did pick up one word, “sequencia” which I guessed meant he was going to have to go back around and get back in line to land. The flight attendants looked over at us and told us “ten more minutes”.

About 45 minutes later, we finally landed. We never did hear what happened, but from what Art and I saw, our guess was that they were trying to land on the taxi way, rather than the runway. 

Back ‘Home’ to Sirena

Once we got to the arrivals area, our driver was there waiting for us. Since it was later in the evening, it was a quick trip back to our floating home, ms Sirena; no traffic issues at all. For a city a large as Rio de Janeiro, we were shocked at how little traffic we encountered on our way to and from the airport. That was not the case on our trip the next day, but I’ll talk about that next time!

You can read about the first part of our journey, Miami to Rio, and check out the companion photo journal. Next up is Rio to Buenos Aires, Argentina!

Iguazu Falls, More Than  a ‘Mere Waterfall’

There are numerous beautiful, astounding, amazing waterfalls around the world. I have only seen Niagara and Iguazu. Actually, I have seen many waterfalls, just not on the magnitude of Niagara and Iguazu. I have now added Victoria Falls to my bucket list. Perhaps when I get to go on an African safari, I will include it. Until then, I will have great memories of the amazing Iguazu Falls.

Please, enjoy this short video of one of the many amazing waterfalls of Iguazu.

How about you? Have you seen any of the great waterfalls of the world? I’d love to hear about your experiences!