Iguazau Falls

February 10, 2008

When we boarder the bus to make our way to the airport in Buenos Aries for the 1 ½ hour flight to Iguazau Falls our guide enthusiastically exclaimed: “You are on your way to see one of the most amazing sites in the world!”. I thought to myself….sure! I am sure it is nice…but one of the most amazing sites in the world…I doubt it!!!!

Well, was I ever wrong! Iguazau Falls is indeed one of the most amazing sites I have ever seen. Situated in the region of Argentina where Paraguay and Brazil all connect, this incredible waterfall is the largest in the world. Apparently Niagara Falls has more water per second, and Victoria Falls is the tallest, but the widest is Iguazau Falls….with almost two miles of cascading falls in the middle of a vast and dense rain forest.

By luck I drew a window seat in the plane…something that I don’t normally enjoy but in this case was pleased to have. I thought it would be great to spot the falls from the air. As we made our descent through thick rain clouds…they don’t call it a rain forest for nothing….I scanned the dense greenness and spotted two man-made buildings…hotels I assumed. Close by I saw a rising cloud only to realize that it was the mist from the falls. It seemed to go on forever…and it excited me to realize that we were indeed in for a treat.

After a short bus ride we were at the entrance to the national park on the Argentinean side. This impressive facility, built only a few years ago, was well layout with the appropriate buildings and services. Blue wrist bands were attached and clear plastic ponchos were distributed as we queued for a seat on a small-gauged railway that would take us to two different viewing spots. Thinking that the poncho would just make me too hot, I decided not to put it on….what a mistake! We had hardly left the station that the heavens opened up and as fate would have it I was seated on the side of the small train and was quickly getting wet. Luckily the first stop was not too far away, so while there my fellow passengers helped me don my poncho, pulling it over my backpack. (The ship had warned us to bring a change of clothes and a towel and other “precautions” so I was laden down with my well-used back pack) The poncho was not made for a large man AND a backpack so after a rather comical session we were able to get me into the poncho. I looked and felt like I was in a sauna wrapped in Saran Wrap. My only regret is that I didn’t get a picture of that!

Eventually we arrived at the station for the Devil’s Throat section of the falls and we made our way in the rain over an almost two mile raised walkway. Although this “bridge” was very sturdy it was difficult walking in the small sections of an open metal grate that were separated by very slippery metal strips. The “pace” or gate of the panels were just off a bit from a normal step, so no matter how careful you were you would eventually hit one of those separators and thus be extremely careful to not slip. Thankfully there was a sturdy hand rail that kept me from falling more than once. I was most concerned for so many of my fellow passengers, some of the more feeble ones who probably should have opted not to take this trip. As we continued our precarious walk the noise began to rise. It was, of course, the roar…and I do mean ROAR….of the falls ahead.

Nothing could have prepared me for what I saw! Hundreds of thousands of gallons of water cascading over steep deep cliffs many covered with thick algae or moss. It is just something that is impossible to describe. The mist was almost blinding…cooling….and wet! The noise was deafening. There was even a certain aroma to the air that I have never experienced before…AND it WAS truly, as our guide predicted one of the most amazing things I have ever seen!

Our next stop was for a delightful and filling buffet lunch. By this time the sun was out and….as was the heat and humidity. Having long since ditched my plastic poncho I was still wet, this time from the humidity! Another walk on another metal bridge….this one much shorter…brought us to a somewhat lower section of the falls where we were awed by an array of rainbows that seem to sprout up from many different vantage points. I have never seen so many colorful rainbows in one place. Our guide commented that occasional he has seen a rainbow encircle the sun….is that possible? Regardless, another phase --- another look---- at this remarkable natural wonder! It was here that our guide reminded us that the movie “The Mission” with Robert DeNiro (sp?) or was it Jeremy Irons…or both??? was filmed here. I remember seeing that movie years ago and being impressed with the scenery. Hopefully the ship’s library will have a copy and I can see it again soon.

Without question, my adventure to Iguazau Falls has given me a memory that no matter when or where I see another waterfall I will have memories of the sounds…the mist….the rainbows….the beauty of one of the most amazing places in the world!