The stunning array of cascades is what makes Iguacu, in my opinion, the most the spectacular of the world’s waterfalls. Unlike other, taller waterfalls, the falls is made up o a semi-circle of hundreds of individual water falls, all pouring into a tempestuous river. Take a boat trip up this river to next to the falls and you are in one of the best places to appreciate them – look right, look left, look straight ahead and all you can see is walls of tumbling water crashing down over rocks with sub-tropical vegetation close by to add to the spectacle. The falls lie literally on the border between Argentina and Brazil (the border is in fact the river on which the falls are) but I would recommend staying on the Brazillian side. The views are better from here, and the most secondary activities are on this side. For British tourists, no visa is required to get into Brazil, so there are no administrative problems either. The falls is located in a sub-tropical zone and as a result temperature and humidity is high. The humid air, coupled with all of the spray and moisture given off by the falls nourishes the lush vegetation that surrounds the falls. Enjoy walks through the sub-rainforest or take a jeep safari in the close by nature reserve (which also offer boat trips onto the river and down to the falls). The animal and bird life is wide ranging, with friendly Quatis (animals about the size of a small dog which seem to be a cross between anteaters and badgers) running around all over the place as well as the occasional parrot and hummingbird. The best two ways to see the falls and to fully appreciate them is either by boat, as I mentioned before, or by helicopter. Helicopter rides costing US $50 each are well worth it for the unforgettable vistas one gets of the falls and surrounding areas – make sure you take your camera. If you’re staying at Iguacu there are other trips that can be made as well – a day trip to nearby Paraguay to visit the huge hydroelectric damn and to sample some of the quality local produce from border towns (expect fake Rolex’s for about US $3 but you’ll be lucky if they’re still working when you get back over the bridge into Brazil!). Food is high quality in the hotels surrounding the falls, but for a slightly cheaper option then you could head slightly away from the falls. Expect delicious meat and flavoursome local specialities, often at low prices (food, like everything, tends to be cheaper in Brazil and Paraguay rather than Argentina). Iguacu falls really is a spectacular natural wonder of the world that should not be missed. Without a doubt, overall more dramatic than cascades such as Victoria Falls.
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