by Allan Taylor

Created on: May 12, 2008

Iguacu Falls ... the Niagara of Brazil

Claimed to be the largest waterfall in the world, Foz do Iguacu (igh-wha-soo) is the next best tourist attraction in Brazil, after Rio de Janeiro. The falls are found on a tributary of the mighty Parana River close to where the three countries Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay meet up. The falls are shared between Brazil and Argentina.

The Iguacu River plunges over a 70 meter basalt precipice in a series of waterfalls stretching along 2500 meters. This is twice as wide as Niagara and some 20 meters higher. The river is usually in flood May to June. The best time to view is August to November.

Tourists have the choice of staying in Argentina near Puerto Iguazu, or Brazil, in the city of Foz do Iguacu. The latter is preferable as it allows more choice in accommodation and flexibility for roaming around. The 1500 km bus journey from Rio de Janeiro takes 25 hours; it is a similar long haul from Buenos Aires. You can always fly.

There are about 60 hotels on the Brazilian side. Bus arrivals quickly become surrounded by hotel touts. Consult you guide book and mark off a couple of good value central hotels and take a taxi to check them out.

There are organized tours of the falls, but it is more fun and much cheaper to go it alone on public transport. The Brazilian side can be done in a morning. A Cataratas bus will take you there.

The initial lookout point gives a grand overview ... a kilometer breadth of white water plunges over a distant precipice intermingled with tropical jungle and rocky buttresses. A 1 km paved walkway leads off down the cliff though the jungle to the Devil's Throat, an awesome semicircular chasm of plunging water. At the river's brink is a catwalk out to the center of the falls. You borrow wet weather gear for the excursion, which is not feasible in flood conditions.

Above the water's impact on the basalt rock rises a 30 meter high mist that drifts amidst rainbows into the jungle, replete with masses of palms, ferns, orchids, begonias and impatiens. Along the pathways tourists will be accosted by inquisitive coatimundis, friendly raccoon-like animals, looking for a handout. An endless array of gorgeous butterflies of all colors and shapes flit about to tantalize the tourist.

The pathway goes to the Floriano Falls where an elevator takes you above the cliff to view the upper river, which is studded with islands as it approaches the falls. The walk back along the top road takes no time. You wonder how could the Argentine

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