Iguazu Falls

It has to be said that we have encountered some frustrating bad luck during this adventure; torrential rain and snow preventing the full journey along the Inca Trail, the loss of a full days photos on that trip, protests hindering a border crossing at Puno, various bouts of illness throughout Peru and Bolivia, snow in the Atacama desert preventing a border crossing there, not to mention the ash cloud from a volcanic eruption in Chile threatening our plans for that leg of the journey.

So after 23 hours, 2 buses, 6 films (of dubious quality), a breakfast consisting of more biscuits and sweet things than a McVities factory and yet more rain, we finally reached the eagerly anticipated Iguazu Falls. It was shut.
Ok, I’m exaggerating, it was only the main attraction (Garganta del Diablo and the Isla San Martin) that was closed but that didn’t stop us heaving a weary sigh of resignation upon being informed of the news. The rain the preceding day had ensured that the walkways to these areas of the national park were inaccessible due to dangerously high water levels. Ho-hum.....

However, even with this setback, we still managed to leave there uttering such clichés as “awe-inspiring”, “jaw dropping” and “breathtaking” - giddy with the euphoria that only a thousand or so cascading cubic feet of water can induce.

The sheer enormity of what you are seeing and hearing is difficult to articulate. In the Guarani language, Iguazu means “great water”. A rather modest description of the most spectacular falls in the world you might say. Networks of sign-posted walkways guide you around the series of waterfalls to the best viewpoints. The views are spectacular at every turn and the cacophony of sound can be heard for miles – Iguazu Falls is a powerhouse display of natural force. Even the jostling hoards of tourists vying for that perfect picture spot, cannot detract from the wonder.

Dean - 14/08/11