Iguazu National Park is the number one spot outside of Buenos Aires that should be on your list of things to see when you experience Argentina travel. These falls are world-famous, and you’ll be amazed when you visit them, especially on the Argentina side (they form the border with Brazil.
On the Argentina side, you can walk trails that go right up next to the gigantic falls, and some trails do actually have spots where you can stand under the water, if you dare. The Brazilian side has the views, but you can’t get up as close to the water. Definitely set aside at least a full day, and spend a night at the Sheraton, which is the only place to stay that’s right inside the park. You will be able to see the falls right from the hotel, and it’s not horribly expensive, either. Just fly from Buenos Aires and stay at the Sheraton, leave a full day, preferable two days to explore the various trails.
There’s a tram ride to the most impressive fall, Devil’s Throat, or Garganta del Diablo which you can’t miss. The water falls 240 feet, sending up a cloud of mist that creates rainbows everywhere if the sun is out, which it probably will be. There are 600 yards of trails for you to explore, and a side trip can be taken to Isla San Martin, which offers you a chance to ride up into the great falls in a big rubber boat. If the water is too rough, however, they’ll close the boat ride services down for your safety. The guided tours are fun, but not necessary. Here are some examples of Iguazu tours you can take:
1. Amphibious Tour: Ride in a 4×4 vehicle over the Yacaratia trail, for eight km of trail-riding great adventure. You then navigate through the lower Iguazu River, six km of river, with one-third of the ride in total rapids! The waterfalls are then approached via speedboat, zipping into Devil’s Throat Canyon, and a few more of the bigger waterfalls on the Argentinian side. The whole tour takes about one hour. There are lots of stairs to climb, so no pregnant women or people with heart conditions.
2. Nautical Tour: Take a boat ride from San Marin Island, which is right down at ground level below the falls, in the middle of everything. You then get baptized under San Martin waterfalls, which are second only to Devil’s Throat in size. The entire experience takes 12 minutes.
3. Ecological Tour: You will ride a rubber raft from Devil’s Throat station, for 3 km, down the delta area of the Iguazu, smooth and silent the whole way. You’ll actually be above the falls, exploring the wildlife and plantlife. It takes about 30 mintues for the whole trip.
