Tuesday 14th August

We left Buones Aires behind and headed for Iguazu on the border of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. The weather is getting warmer at long last and we arrived at about 5 pm and had time for a walk in the Parque Nacional El Palmar along the river overlooking Uruguay. This was a good location for a campsite - if only we'd arrived earlier we could have gone kayaking or cycling.

Wednesday 15th August

A 500 Km drive today mainly through pine forests and saw mills - wonderful smell of the pine.

Thursday 16th August

We visited the ruins of the Jesuit Mission of San Ignacio Mini. This district in Argentina is called Misiones. The Jesuits founded 30 towns in what is now Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil in the 1600s. The Jesuits were converting the Guani (native) people to catholocism. However, slave hunters soon devastated these communities. We arrived in Puerto Iguazu in Argentina in time to enjoy the warm sunshine and go for an evening dip in the pool.

Friday 17th August

Visited the Argentinian side of the Iguazu Falls today - unfortunately in heavy cloud. However, the fun started with a speedboat ride up the Rio Iguazu - after about ten hell raising minutes we turned the corner to see the falls in front of us. We then drove right into the cascading torrents of water - we were drenched - what an experience! We then explored the full extent of the falls which are almost 3 km wide on the many walkways constructed, as well as in a train. Finally being rowed gently back downstream in a dinghy where we saw coaties (racoon like), woodpeckers, kingfishers and toucans. Another highlight of this trip.

Saturday 18th August

This morning we crossed into Brazil, the last country of this trip. We went straight to the Parque Nacional do Iguacu to take in the full panoramic view of the falls from the Brazilian side. A less action-packed day - but had to be seen to get the full impact of these amazing falls. Heading towards Paraty and the Costa Verde tomorrow, where we hope to spend time on the beach, weather permitting!!