Another early start. Up at 6am for a 7am pick up from the hotel. We are going to spend most of the day visiting “The Falls”.
On queue the van arrives and we are two of thirteen, but a family of five Paraguayans, three children and two adults were eventually declined entry into Argentina, as they did not have adequate paperwork to prove the adults were the parents of the children, and were forced to depart the tour. The balance of the group, two German guys who spoke perfect English, three youngish new Americans, one male, Egyptian, and I suspect two females of Indian origin, and an American woman in her 60’s.
It’s another scorching day with a projected 38 degrees by 3pm.
We have a tour guide, Bruno, and a driver. The tour aimed to show us all angles to the falls, first from the Argentinian side, where we had to undergo temporary entrance, all carried out by our guide.
These falls are a massive attraction and the economy of the region reflect this, on both sides. It seems each country is trying to outdo its neighbour for spending on infrastructure. Entering the huge park, 677 sq/k’s, having purchased our entry tickets online, the procedure is trouble free for the rest of the group.
From the Argentine side
Anyway, we are dropped off at a congested train siding and await a toy train to take us to the starting point of the falls viewing area. While sitting in the covered train carriages, we are jammed in beside and opposite an extended mature family and I detected an Aussie accent. I say “Aussies”, they say. “No mate, Tasmanian”!!..:) The ice melted when I told them my grandfather was from Warratah..:).
These inquisitive critters are looking for food in rucksacks. Coati. Even boarding trains in the pursuit.
They are on the trip of a lifetime. Off to Rio tomorrow before flying to Peru to visit Macchu Pichu and more. There are steel mesh walkways for 1.5km that span the various rivers and streams and terminate at a precipitous rupture in the earths surface. The Devil’s Throat.
We have a water bottle each with us but it’s soon depleted and we buy another bottle each in short order. Then another later on. The falls are pretty spectacular but the “wow” moment does not happen until we return to the Brazilian side. One can see why the tour started on the Argentinian side as there is little point going there if you were to see the Brazilian side first. Still, it’s worth doing both.
Back on the train then after a lunch paid again paid by weight, and more water, we head back to Brazil. Brasil, Brazil, Iguacu, Iguazu, depending on which side of the river you are on. The river borders three countries close to the falls but narrows to two.
Back to the Brasilian side.
Next we enter the Iguacu National Park. At the entrance gate, the driver is given a gps device that he has to carry in the van to ensure he does not exceed 40kph while in the park. I guess that because it’s a wildlife park, they are trying to ensure there are no casualties but it’s almost painful, driving 12 k’s on a wide open road at 40kph!
Close to the viewing area, a Five Star Hotel des Cataratas. A member of the Belmond Hotel group. Portuguese colonial architecture. Sold out at £570 per night (R4282.) We are paying R180..:)
Walking down towards the falls we catch a glimpse through the trees. WOW!! It’s a Niagra type reaction. Stunning. Awesome would better describe them. The area, height and width, are greater than Niagra falls, and nearly as impressive, in my opinion. Water falling from every side. No wonder 1.5 million people visited last year.
Not the best time to be visiting for us, as being Carnival week, every man and his dog are here. There is some relief from the heat with a fine spray drifting over the walkways. Many with shirts off, or nearly off, in the case of women. There will be some very burned bodies tomorrow.
On the way out, there is a casualty. Paramedics are working on a prostrate elderly male, late 70’s, is the call. Yikes..:) He’s taken away on a stretcher. Might be easier than walking miles in this heat..:)
Bruno suggested we join most of the rest of the group to take the boat excursion. at 5.30pm. We decline, not wishing to be drenched, which is non negotiable. We’re tired vegemites..:)
The exercise we have had in the last few days has been brilliant. Tiring, but badly needed. Once the walk is over, it’s back to the van and the ride back to the hotel. After 6pm by the time of arrival.
Assessment.
An exhausting day, the guide tells us we walked 6.5k’s in blistering heat along with hundreds, possibly thousands of others but very much worth the effort and expenditure. Jen’s looking svelte now..) With all cost considered, US$150 each.
Cricket.
The pundits were right. India beat the Black Caps by 44 runs. India also beat Australia by 3 runs the next day. NZ play South Africa tomorrow, to advance to the semi-finals, or go home.
We dine in Poki with the thermometer reading 40deg!! I cook porrige as we have been missing our breakfasts lately and the digestive system is complaining..;) Also, Jen’s too tired to cook.
Tomorrow we visit The Dam.
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