Iguacu or Iguazu waterfalls are some of the most impressive in the world, not the biggest, widest nor tallest waterfall, but 275 separate waterfalls spread over a three-kilometre crescent between Argentina and Brazil. Most of the falls are in Argentina, but the best views are from the Brazilian side.

I spent a few days at Iguacu, staying at the wonderful Tropical Das Cataratas Hotel, on the Brazilian side of the falls.

This four-star hotel is about ten miles from the airport at Foz do Iguau, which has flights from Rio de Janeiro, via Curitba. It has an almost perfect location, overlooking the Iguau Falls, just two-minutes walk from a terrace, from which there is a stunning view. This terrace makes a fantastic romantic place to enjoy a drink, in the evening, as the sun sets. The hotel is a very attractive, colonial style building with two good restaurants a bar and very pleasant, relaxing gardens.

There is a twenty-minute walk along a walkway next to the falls with various viewing platforms en-route and an amazing platform at the end of the walkway, at the top of one waterfall and the bottom of another. It is absolutely spectacular. Coatis, a kind of south American Raccoon and large lizards wandered along fearlessly near the tourists. The cute coatis are amusing to watch, rummaging in the rubbish bins, but apparently the favourite delicacy for Jaguars so you have to wonder if you are being watched by something slightly more dangerous. People rarely get eaten, just wet from all of the spray from the falls.

There are a few excursions available in Iguacu, including the "Macacu Safari" which involves taking an electric "jeep" into some jungle and a boat trip. It is really a mini theme park, and the "safari" is just a 600 metre walk. This slightly disappointing start, however, is followed by a very amusing and thrilling motorboat ride, into the white-water and under some of the waterfalls, giving a different, more frivolous perspective to this stunningly natural beauty. There is also a small zoo called Parque das Birds, which has a good selection of birds and a few monkeys to keep you entertained for a couple of hours.

Iguau is a wonderful place to visit for a couple of days, if you are in Brazil or Argentina. A romantic and beautiful location, which, no doubt, will be spoilt by development and tacky tourism. The Tropical Das Cataratas Hotel is in a perfect location and makes a relaxing place to stay.

Learn more about this author, Andrew Porter.
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