One hop, skip, and a flight away, we landed in Iguazu Falls for our weekend side trip. To be honest, my partner planned this side trip, and I had no idea what to expect. He basically said its the Niagara Falls of Brazil.
So I went with it. One thing you should know about me is that I’m pretty jaded. Niagara Falls doesn’t seem that interesting to me. It’s not a destination I have on my list of places to see. I like waterfalls, don’t get me wrong. But one waterfall or 20 waterfalls just feels like its the same thing over and over again. In other words, it sounds boring.
Well, as it turns out. I could not be more wrong. Iguazu Falls is so beautiful and so natural it seemed fake. In fact, I felt like I was on the set of Avatar or as close to some science fiction movie where the setting is so unbelievably beautiful, it might actually be hiding some incredible secrets.
Arriving at Iguazu Falls Airport
We land at Iguazu Falls Airport (IGU.) It’s a small airport. The plane lands in the middle of the runway, and we exit the aircraft. We’re escorted to the terminal. From here, its a long walk to the entrance.
The heat, although it’s pretty intense and humid, is not as severe as I thought it would be. I figured the middle of the jungle probably has crazy humidity. However, I think I’ll be okay with this amount of heat.
We make it into the airport and follow the signs to exit.
A driver is waiting for us. He has a sign with our name on it.
There are many great things about booking the Belmond Hotel in Iguazu Falls (which I will also write a review on,) but one of the great things is the private car that picks you up from the airport (its included.)
This is pretty awesome, considering the Belmond Hotel is in the middle of the jungle. It’s literally on the edge of the cliffs that look out at the falls. Iguazu Falls, here we come.
Iguazu Falls National Park
It’s hard not to talk about the Belmond Hotel in conjunction with Iguazu Falls, considering there is nothing else but a hotel in this jungle.
Even though the hotel is gorgeous, let’s get to the falls!
Iguazu Falls is inside the Iguazu Falls National Park. Therefore, so is our hotel. However, this means you have swarms of outsiders walking in, paying an entry fee, and touring the falls on their own.
Iguazu Falls National Park has typical hours, nine to five. So if you want to avoid the masses, check out the falls before or after if you’re staying in the hotel.
Our hotel actually includes a private tour of the falls for free. It’s set in the early morning or in the evening when the park is closed to the public.
We chose to go in the morning. That way, we can work up an appetite and check out our hotel’s fantastic breakfast selection.
Iguazu Falls Free Walking Tour
The next morning, bright and early, was our free walking tour with a private tour guide! I wasn’t too happy about it. I’m not a morning person.
The fact that I have to wake up early for anything on vacation is not something I like to do. But my partner and his aunt (who we took on the trip) wanted to see the falls. So what the hell, lets live a little!
We met in the lobby and are escorted to the first lookout point, which is directly across the hotel.
The tour guide talks to us about the Jaguars in the jungle and how they track them.
Already, the falls look gorgeous.
From up here, you can see the canyon. The water is falling, creating a mist. Beautiful rainbows appear right in front of us. The lush green vegetation covers every inch of the landscape.
The water is churning and running underneath us while the sun continues to inch out slowly. It’s simply breathtaking.
If you look across the river, you’ll see the country of Argentina. Iguazu Falls is basically the border of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. We’re on the Brazilian side.
Across the river, there is also another hotel. It’s the Melia Hotel Iguazu Falls. Although it doesn’t look as lovely (architecturally) as our hotel.
The Tour Continues
We begin our descent down this canyon. The trail is paved, and it’s lined with wooden rails just in case. Although it’s starting to get muggy, the shade the trees provide is really nice.
As we walk, we notice big ugly, thick, and juicy caterpillars crawling on the floor nearby. Gigantic spider webs within the trees make you realize that you’re in the jungle.
The air smells like fresh dirt and greenery. And, now there is some moisture in the air from the falls.
There are several lookout points on the way down. Each one is slightly closer to the actual waterfalls at Iguazu.
The further down we go, the better the views get. The butterflies are out, surrounding us.
From here, you can feel the mist of the falls. It’s impressive. Iguazu Falls is a force of nature.
At this point, our tour guide hands us a waterproof Pancho (rain jacket.) We all look at each other and wonder if the mist is going to get heavier.
Are we going to get wet? One of us asked the tour guide. You’ll get a little wet as we get closer, he replies.
We’re headed right over the falls. He points to another lookout point in the distance.
This lookout point is actually a bridge that straddles the river directly in front of the waterfall. In other words, it’s close enough to have the water splash you as you look at its amazing views.
The Most Incredible Lookout Point in Iguazu Falls
While everyone else puts on their Pancho, I’m skeptical and don’t think we’re actually going to get wet. So I put my Pancho in my pocket and continue to walk.
I have my professional camera with me and my cell phone. And so do others. I doubt everyone who takes this tour comes back with ruined electronics.
I’m a skeptical person. I’m the type of person that has to see it to believe it. So show me. Take me to the place where we’ll get wet. I’ll wait.
We walk downwards and get to the bridge that straddles the river. This bridge has several lookout points, including one at the end. The booming waterfall of Iguazu is to my left. It’s soaring. It’s loud.
I can’t believe how gorgeous it is. I take picture after picture. But, my photos don’t seem to capture the beauty that I’m seeing. I pull out my phone and start recording. I create time lapses of the falls to capture Iguazu Falls.
The bridge itself is actually pretty long. As I walk across the mist starts to pick up. Now it’s more like rain. I’m getting soaked. The water is pouring. It’s cold, and it feels good against the growing heat of Iguazu Falls.
I grab the Pancho out of my pocket and wrap my professional camera to protect it. I don’t care if my phone gets wet. It’s just a phone at the end of the day.
I take my phone out, snap several pictures. Making several videos of the falls as I walk. I can’t get enough of the beauty. Iguazu Falls is a place I never imagined.
This is the big lookout point. We stand here and observe the falls that surround us for a while before we all decide to head back up.
The Ascent Back to Our hotel
The walk back up isn’t as exciting as the walk down. It’s also harder. However, the more we climb, the closer we get to the big waterfall. There is one lookout point that is literally 10 feet away from the waterfall. It’s loud, booming, and simply amazing!
My partner’s aunt, who is 78 years old, has a hard time walking back up. This means our trek is slower than usual as we wait for her. Nevertheless, it’s a great walk back up.
We get to the top where we board a double-decked, air-conditioned bus back to the hotel to wash the waters of Iguazu Falls off our skin.
Now its time for breakfast in our fantastic hotel, but that’s for the next post.
Let me break it down for you:
Do I recommend Iguazu Falls or the tour? Oh my holy hell, YES!
If you ever get a chance to tour Iguazu Falls, don’t hesitate to do so.
Our hotel included a free tour of the falls, but you can take a tour too.
Since we stayed on the Brazilian side, we did the tour from Brazil, but you can also do so from Argentina.
If you want more information on tours, Iguazu Falls, and everything in between, check out their website: https://iguazufalls.com/national-park/brazil-side/.
SAVE ME ON PINTEREST!
Great post 🙂