Argentina Travel: Iguazu Falls

The Iguazu Falls are a dazzling and majestic feat ofincluded in your park entrance fee. This makes it a
natural engineering. Crafted by 120 million years ofvery good option if you have mobility difficulties. From
geological history these falls create a spectacularthis side of the falls you get to see the whole of the
frontier between the nations of Argentina and Brazil.falls and fully comprehend the sheer size and extent
The falls on both sides are surrounded by largeof the falls.  The Brazilian town of Foz do Iguaçu is
national parks that are home to an extensive range ofmore of a big town compared to Puerto Iguazu which
wildlife and plant species. Tours are available of theis nice to explore alongside a trip to the falls.
surrounding tropical area in the parks, however visitorsIf you really want to experience the falls, it is possible
are their undoubtedly there to see the waterfalls.to take boat tours that take you right up to the bottom
It is important to see the falls from both sides to fullyof the falls (well as close as is possible). Be prepared
grasp the sheer size and scope of the falls. If youto get very wet. Other activities are also available in
have visited other waterfalls such as Niagra Falls in thethe national parks such as wildlife treks, walking trails
US, you notice that just one of the many waterfalls ofas well as a range of adrenaline pumping adventure
Iguazu is roughly equivalent to the whole of Niagra.activities.
The Argentinean side of the falls requires much moreWhen you visit you should be prepared to get wet.
time as the park geared more towards a visit as aEspecially if you want to get close and take the best
day activity. The entrance to the park is situated awayphotographs. On a hot day you could even wear a
from the falls and to access the falls you need to takebathing suit, letting the water give you a welcoming
a mini train ride, unlike in Brazil you do not get droppedbreak from the heat. You should also try to wear
off very close to the view point. There are varioussturdy shoes as access to the falls is along a metal
view points to see the falls from Argentina. The firstwalkway that gets very slippery.
stop on the train takes you to the lower part of theYou are able to visit the falls all year round. However,
falls. From here you can follow numerous trails alongthe falls are much more spectacular during the wetter
the side of the Iguazu river up to the lower part of theperiod of the year. While there is no ‘rainy season'
falls, seeing smaller waterfalls along the route. Photosit tends to rain more from March to June. This period is
here come out particularly well with the falls locatedalso outside of the Argentine holiday periods which are
behind you. You can also walk right up to the falls. Youduring January, Easter and July.
then can return to the train for the trip up hill to theVisitors should check before they go if they require a
view point that puts you above the falls. From herevisa to enter Brazil. Unlike Argentina, a visa is not
you can see birds that fly over the falls and appear toissued on arrival for citizens of certain countries such
kamikaze down the falls through the spray.as the US and so takes time to process. However, for
The Brazilian side of the falls can be done relativelyday trips no immigration formalities are required, it is
quick and easy. Buses transport visitors from thealways best to check.
entrance of the park all the way to the falls, which is