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You need a whole day to explore the Argentine side of the falls. So, your free afternoon can be spent in Paraguay. Take a bus to the duty-free city of Ciudad del Este, which is only a few kilometers away from Foz across the Parana River. You don't need a visa for a day visit to shop.

The street markets are chockers with duty-free watches, electronic goods, booze and cigarettes. The Brazilian proletariat buy up big and crowd the return buses with stereos, TV's and microwave ovens. Tourists enjoy the atmosphere and experience of visiting Paraguay, but there is little of real interest to buy; perhaps "mate" paraphernalia and handicraft goods.

Next day early in the morning, hop on a Puerto Iguazu bus for Argentina. Day visitors get their passport looked at but not stamped. At Puerto Iguazu you transfer to a Trans Cataratas bus for the falls and National Park HQ. Here you get a map and see the displays of flora and fauna.

The Argentine side is more extensive and varied than the Brazilian ... there is more to see, long walking trails and boat trips, and more advantage points from which to photograph. A stone tower conveniently provides an overview. Before reaching the edge of the basalt plateau the river divides up into many branches so producing several distinctive waterfalls. The top path takes you to Salto Ramirez and Salto Bossetti set amidst luxuriant jungle. The lower path winds down a misty cliff covered with pink impatiens to end a rocky boat landing point. Two motor driven canoes ferry tourists across the river to the sandy beach on San Martin Island.

"Puerto San Martin" is the boating center for the falls ... thankfully downstream! I sun-bathed on the golden sand watching the activities .. the picnic groups ... the swimming in the warm murky waters ... the bronzed shapely bodies ... speed boats zoom by to broadside at the base of the falls ... showing off I thought ... and then to roar up the gorge towards the Devil's Throat. I could stay there all day doing nothing ... just absorbing Nature's vibes!

River fishing is an all year activity for dorado, surubi, piracanjuba and pacu fishes. Most famous is the huge fighting dorado, called "The Tiger of the Parana", a golden beauty of 10 to 20 kilos caught by trolling special spoons with triple hooks. Various sport-fishing companies will arrange an outing on the river. Some restaurants and charrascarias (barbecue food places) serve dorado; I found its dry white flesh rather bland; maybe its all in the cooking?

Foz du Iguacu is a great place for the tourist. It has good value hotels, wonderful churrascarias and the world's most impressive waterfall. What's more, it is the gateway to exploring Paraguay and Argentina!

Ends

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