We have trekked through jungles and climbed mountains across the world in search of picturesque waterfalls, but little did we realise that even the smallest of the 275 falls of Iguazu would instantly eclipse anything we have already seen. It would be easy to lose a little motivation nearing the culmination of our 7 month adventure, but not here. The Iguazu falls are definitely worthy of a detour and without doubt one of the highlights of our trip!

Discovered in 1541 by Spanish explorer Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca and now a UNESCO World Heritage site, the national park lies in the middle of semi tropical rainforest and forms part of the river border between Brazil and Argentina. Both nations not only lay claim but also have their own version of the name for them. On the Argentinian side to the West they are called Iguazu but on the Eastern Brazilian side, Iguacu.

Centuries ago, volcanic activity created a large chasm in the river floor, immediately transforming the wide open, fast flowing river into a powerful display of nature. Passing over the drop the water whirls, tumbles and churns before thumping into the river bed some 83 metres below. Viewing from upstream you are drawn to feel a little sympathy for the unsuspecting water, with no warning of what awaits a few metres downstream!

The Argentinian side, very much like the Perito Moreno Glacier in Patagonia is very well thought out. Easily laid out from the Alton Towers style entrance, the various trails allow for different perspectives of viewing.

Firstly the Lower circuit has platforms underneath the falls providing a view from within the gorge. Initially hidden behind the trees, the intense rumbling is evident well before you gain sight of the source. The noise literally teases you closer as you await the moment it will reveal itself. Through a clearing the inevitable 'Wow' moment finally arrives followed by a series of equally breathtaking views as the platform nears the waterfall. One platform is literally underneath a wall of water and on seeing the returning viewers looking like wet tee shirt auditionees, we were glad we had taken jackets. A quick pose and click in the fine spray ensued before retreating to dry the camera lense! To complete our set of world wonder viewings we once again stumbled on fantastic weather. Sunshine mixed with fine water spray creates a fantastic rainbow underneath the falls, adding even more ambiance, to the already dramatic setting.

The Upper circuit as it implies is above the falls and quite literally on top of them. Another fine set of platforms and walkways allowing a close up view, looking over the falls and upstream.

A 3rd set of platforms emanates from the river bank 2km further upstream to the centre of the falls. Known as the Devils throat this is without doubt the most fearsome part of Iguazu, with 14 separate cascades and the longest sheer drop to the river bed below. Again a quick in and out is required at the final viewing platform, as plumes of spray higher than the falls themselves waft across the gantry. The virtual silence of the river walkway is transformed into a near deafening roar in just a few short steps!

The 1km walkway out to the centre passes through many small river islands and is home to some exotic wildlife. It is literally like walking through a butterfly park with thousands of brightly coloured species fluttering around. It is also easy to spot large birds and turtles in the river. The caution signs suggest snakes & crocodiles also prowl the area, but we didn't see any on this occasion. However, careful inspection of the walkway below, will provide a few increases in heart rate for Arachnaphobes!

Inside the park itself you will not fail to see many species of birds and even Monkeys and a type of Raccoon called a Quatis. These pointy nosed, bushy tailed animals are never far from lunch spots where it is suggested not to eat in front of them!

The Brazilian side is much simpler, yet the higher valley land lays itself to an even more spectacular view. The panoramic view of hundreds of cascades of white water across the kilometre wide landscape is spectacular and emphasises the magnitude of this work of nature. After arriving by road from the nearby towns it is easy to lose a sense of where you are! Looking across the river provides a real perspective of how these amazing waterfalls are actually in the middle of a tropical jungle!

As with the Argentinean side, the park is thoughtfully constructed with another impressive entrance. On this side a bus provides transportation for the remaining 5km within the park before opening it's doors at the start of the valley side walkway. A simple path following the gorge, again teeming with racoons and butterflies, leads to a number of increasingly impressive viewing platforms.

The sound of water thumping into the rocks below becomes louder and louder as the platform finishes alongside a powerful drop from the top to middle tear. An additional platform leads into the heart of the middle tear. Walking out to the middle is both awe inspiring and wet! The spray is constant as if walking in a heavy rain shower and even under a sunny sky it immediately turns misty. Once out in the centre platform you are literally in the middle of the Iguazu falls with water cascading through tropical jungle in all directions.

The final viewing point is above the falls at the highest observation platform. With the waterfall below and views across to Argentina, the intense sound and sights are simply breathtaking. Iguazu falls in its most spectacular glory is unlike anywhere else on the planet and a place you can happily stand and admire in perplexed awe! Campaigning to be one of the new 7 natural wonders of the world, the Iguazu falls certainly get our vote!

Across the Parani river border from Paraguay the Brazilian town of Foz do Iguazu provided our first look at the country. Unlike cities that are dependant on a local world wonder such as Siem Reap in Cambodia or Cusco in Peru, the city is surprisingly lacking in tourist traps and even more amazingly being our first insight into Brazilian life...bars! It is quite simply a town with a commercial high street and a few cafes. In contrast, the Argentinean town of Puerto Iguazu although smaller and quieter, is full of bars, cafes and hotels.

With another world wonder ticked off, it is now nearing time for us to return home. However, before we do board the plane, we will be finishing our trip with the beaches and city of Rio De Janeiro.....it promises to be a fitting finish to the most amazing 7 months!