She'll carry on through it all

Iguazu falls was, undoubtedly one of the highlights of our time in South America. Despite a wealth of photos and detailed descriptions nothing quite prepares you for how magnificent and magical these vast waterfalls are, or how awe inspiring and enthrawling it is just watching gallons and gallons of water pass before your eyes.

Iguazu Falls are a set of around 285 waterfalls on the Iguazu river forming the border of Argentina and Brazil. The falls themselves stretch across the two countries (the majority being in Argentina), and both countries have national parks which you can visit to see the falls. Just to clarify, in terms of record brakers, they are not the largest or highest or deepest in the world. However, in rainy season there is enough water to fill over five and a half Olympic swimming pools every second, which in itself is pretty astounding.

We spent two days exploring the falls, starting off in Argentina. I don't like to take sides but the Argentinian side was my favourite. The Iguazu park is easily accessed from the nearby town of Puerto Iguazu, and despite the swaths of tourists who pour in everyday, its surprisingly peaceful and doesn't feel overrun. The various paths are well laid out and don't seem intrusive, and there is a train which runs to and from the entrance and the falls (which is immeasurably better for the environment than the buses used on the Brazilian side).

We started our day by walking first round the top of the main set of falls and then round the lower part, where you can walk close enough to be soaked by the spray. I noticed most people were either putting on raincoats (Americans, Brits and older people) or taking clothes off and stripping down to their swimwear (South American, continental European and younger). Having come entirely unprepared we just got soaked. And we got even more soaked when we took the amazing 12 minute boat ride right into two of the waterfalls.

At the end of the day we took the train up to the indisputable highlight of the falls, the Garganta del Diablo, (“Devil's Throat”) at 82 metres high and 700 metres long it is much bigger in real life than I could ever have imagined. And it's true that as you stand next to it, getting soaked through to the skin, just from the spray, you feel inexplicably elated.

On our second day we went to the Brazilian side, which as our only trip into Brazil would've been worth it just for the stamp in our passports. The 82 metre tower that they've built up to the top of the Garganta del Diablo is a little intrusive but even without the passport stamp it's well worth visiting the Brazilian park for the stunningly beautiful vistas you get which will keep you snapping photos for hours.

Whilst the falls themselves are clearly the attraction the wildlife in both parks is exceptional in itself, being as it is in rainforest. Also, a fact I didn't know, the waterfalls create their own eco-system which attracts the thousands of butterflies and an array of unique and colourful birds.

South America is full of record breaking sites, adventures and once in a life time experiences and it's impossible to pick the best, but for me Iguazu is probably the most jaw dropping, breathtaking and purely spectacular view you will find. I'm sure someone will be able to disagree. You could describe them as touristy, commercial and certainly not off the beaten trail. And you wouldn't be wrong. But I think its fair to say there's a good reason why tourists flood to this site from across the world.

Lots of love,

Louise and Luke

(Posted by Louise)