FACT: Iguacu Falls is located in South America at the point where Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay come together. The Fall is shared between Argentina and Brazil, River Iguacu being the border at this point. It is the widest fall in the world - at about two miles. The name of the falls comes from the Guarani Indian word meaning "great water." Geologists declare that volcanic activity created the Iguacu gorge roughly 100 millions years ago. Ancient legend says an angry local river god created the Iguacu gorge as his grave in anger. He did this when he discovered that a local tribesman was whisking away a virgin that was to be sacrificed to the god. As we left Ilha Grande, we had a 25 hour bus journey ahead of us but it certainly didn't feel like it as we admired the scenery of mountains and enjoyed the luxury journey. Surprisingly we bumped into 2 girls from our El Misti hostel on the coach to Sao Paulo, what a coincidence and we exchanged our stories of Ilha Grande and giggled over the Brazilian sailor in his bright white smart outfit. At the last stop we got confused over where we were as we expected to be on the coach for longer. After a few moments working out where we were, we finally realised that we arrived at Foz do Iguacu which was a very simple town. Looking forward to settle in our youth hostel with a swimming pool. Andre planned to go swimming in the freezing weather and backed out in the end. The youth hostel, Over Nativa was so cold that people were in their warmest clothes and blanket wrapped around them while watching the television in the common room with the doors open, crazy! The locals said that Iguacu Falls is cold for one week in the year and unfortunately we came that time but that didn't stop our excitement seeing the waterfall. On Monday morning we didn't want to get out of bed as it was so warm with our fleece, sleeping bag and two blankets but we buckled up the courage as we were eager to visit the Brazil side of the falls. Escorted by a van there and as we entered in the park, we jumped to conclusions that we were ripped off by the youth hostel as the guy disappeared out of sight after we paid the entrance fee then we realised he was on the other side of the tourist office. In a safari jeep through the Iguacu National Park, listened to the guide waffle about plants and biology we did our best to look interested till we reached Iguacu River ready to start our waterfall adventure. We looked like a right wally equipped in our waterproofs and lifejackets. Had a bumpy ride with the speed raft boat bouncing up and down on the river with large whirlpools with the Japanese. All we could see was white smoke and as we got closer, we couldn't believe our eyes as the waterfall was right in front of us. Frantically took as many pictures as we could as well being in awe. The guide told us to put our cameras away in our plastic bag that we were given to get ready to go under the falls. The speed raft boat zoomed in so fast that water sprinkled over us in no time, we couldn't open our eyes fully cos thousands litres of water poured down on us. (Fact: 1.7million litres of water falls per second) The sightseeing boat was close enough to make your heart skip a beat. We expected that to be it till we realised it was only the beginning as Iguazu Falls consists of some 275 separate falls in the rainy season. We were directed to the North of the Brazil side of the falls, we had to take a bus from the speed raft boat point to the other side. Walked a trail downwards and when we got there, we stood there for so long as it was a breathtaking sight. Disappointed that the day had to come to an end but it was spectacular. People say that it is the most beautiful of the three top contenders - other two being Niagara and Victoria. I haven't seen the other two except in pictures and, based on that, I'd say it is a toss-up. After days relying on emails to meet up with Ant, Bree and Emlyn (For those who don't know them, they are our friends who are currently travelling South America) we finally met up with them on the Argentina side of the falls. We shared our experiences, well them more than us. Seeing that the town was a bit dead we decided to make our own fun starting in our youth hostel bedroom. As mentioned before, I, embarrassingly went to a local club in my pjs without realising. We dressed worse for wear as the locals wore nice clothes and I danced away in my pjs bottoms and 4 top thermal layers all night (yes, it was that cold, 8°C but it didn't stop us from having fun!). Missed Ant, Bree and Emlyn the next day as they went to see the Argentina side of the falls. Was tempted to go with them to see the falls again but had to be realistic and stick to the travelling budget. Off we went to Buenos Aires that day to experience the city. Aman x