Well this is it. The last entry for this trip. Whilst the check in process was a bit chaotic with cancelled flights and gate changes the actual flight to Puerto Iguazu is uneventful. As we approach the airport you can see the spray in the air from the falls which are nearby. Quite an incredible sight. Its about 30 degrees and quite humid in Iguazu so after a quick lunch its back to the hotel for a swim and a cold beer. Thats right my Aussie friends, whilst you're freezing I'm swimming!
It's an early start next morning for a 7.30 pick up to Iguassu Falls. I've been looking forward to this since the day I booked my trip. On the Argentine side the falls are located in the Iguazu National Park. A similar arrangement exists on the Brazilian side. My guide explains that Iguassu rank as one of the top 3 falls in the world. Whilst Niagra has the most volume of water and Victoria are the highest, Iguassu are the widest at almost 3 kms. They are set deep in the park and it requires a train ride from the main entrance to get there. We start at the Devils Throat which is the furthest point away. Here the falls are forced into a deep but relatively narrow canyon, hence the name. The amount of water is incredible and the spray at times makes it difficult to see anything. It takes only minutes before I am reasonably well soaked. Taking photos in this is a tricky proposition. The whole scene is quite mesmerising. Incredibly only a short distance back from the falls the water is quite shallow, less than a metre deep. Back on the train and next stop is Cataratas Station. Along the way I am lucky enough to see a couple of toucans perched in a tree. From the station there are two walks that take you across the top of the falls and then to a point much lower down. Moving around is reasonably easy as the path is an elevated metal walkway. From all angles the falls continue to amaze and mesmerise. Like fire, there is almost something hypnotical about moving water. A combination of the basalt rocks absorbing heat and the air movement caused by the falls create massive thermals. Huge flocks of vultures take advantage of this and can be seen soaring in the air. It almost seems at odds with the surroundings. From both above and below the falls are an incredible site. All too soon the visit is over and I head back into town. The town of Puerto Iguazu is built next to the Iguazu river. Directly across the river is Brazil. About a 1km from the town centre is the junction of the Parana River. These two rivers form the borders between Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina. So from a point above the junction it is possible to simultaneously see 3 countries. It's quite a drawcard and there is a fair number of people here to watch the sunset over 3 countries at the same time. A simple Argentine dinner of empanadas and a cold beer in a frenetic outdoor market area pretty well signals the end of a fantastic trip.
Over the last 12 weeks I have seen a lot, experienced many things for the first time and met some wonderful people. The time seems to have passed fairly quickly and I could quite happily keep travelling but trips such as this also confirm what a great country Australia is and how fortunate I am to live there.
But the end of this trip simply means it's time to start planning the next adventure. There's a few options to consider and I am going to have plenty of flying time to do just that.