Well the big question for the day is which is better; the Argentinian side or the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls?
We were picked up at 7.45 and after the usual delays and waiting for other people at their hotels we arrived at the border crossing of Argentina and Brazil. Our guide asked for our patience as it could take a while depending on how the various country's immigration officers woke up - were they to be in a good mood or not!

It took nearly an hour but we were finally through and into Brazil and a 10 minute ride to de Foz Iguazu - the Brazillian side of the Grande Iguazu - Iguazu River.

Whereas the Argentinian side is mostly above the falls and presents a more close up experience, most of the Brazilian side gives more of a panorama looking back towards the Argentine side. It is certainly picturesque. The walk trail descends from on top of the cliff face down towards the bottom of Devils Throat. It is here where a walkway goes out to the edge of the first drop after Devils Throat. Again the mist is cooling as it appeared more humid today. From the far out vantage point at the bottom of Devils Throat you feel enveloped from the force of the falls almost encompassing you and certainly giving you the impression of being in "the mist of it"! A truly wonderful experience and again one from which you do not want to depart from.

As we are now at the bottom of the falls we have to make our way up again to the top and this is accomplished by a lift. A bit claustrophobic waiting for the lift to arrive.

Another final view from the top giving a different perspective again of the magnitude, magnificence and might of this place of awe and beauty.

It is very difficult to put into words how wonderful the last couple of days have been in this part of the world.

Time to leave Iguazu and all the experiences and head for Foz De Iguazu Airport for the flight to Rio de Janiero.

So, is there an answer to the question posed above? Both sides of the falls have spectacular views, experiences, sights and sounds. But which one is the best? If you only had time to visit one, which would it be? Joanne says Argentina and so did those on our tour. I also have to cast my vote for Argentina, although Brazil is crying for votes. Argentina has limited development - except for the Sheraton Hotel which looks up the valley towards Devils Throat. Argentina has jet boat rides, Brazil does not. Brazil has helicopter flights, Argentina does not. Both countries strategically fly their flags
at the various vantage points. Brazil is possibly more developed with high rise buildings in Foz Do Iguazu whilst Puerto Iguazu looks and feels more like a small country town although it has 30,000 people.

Check in for TAM flight was easy and we were offered extra legroom seats for an additional R30-about $20. We declined and were given Row 2 seats D & E with a vacant seat F (the window). Aircraft an Airbus A320 with a seating of 3-3.

Airport was small but functional and very busy with air traffic. Varig, GOL, Webjet and TAM all coming and going regularly in the 2 hours we had to wait. Sign said we had to pay airport departure tax of R32 but no indication where to pay - so we didn't!
On time departure with a good view of Iguazu Falls as we took off. Vacant window seat next to me so we both slid over. Slid back mid flight as the lady in front of me - who must have paid for extra legroom, decided that wasn't enough and she reclined her seat. Not much leg room.
In flight service ok without being spectacular. Lollie to suck on for departure. Cheese and cracker biscuit, a sponge and marmalade jam biscuit (packaged in a tray and wrapping with Horado Lanche on the outer) and soft
drink offered.

A 1 hour 50 minute flight. What a beautiful sight flying into Rio over the mountains and the coastline. Huge city spread out In every direction - 16 million people in the whole area.

Another successful meet and greet from the Peregrine rep Carlos, an informative if not over the top and intense introduction from him to Rio.

Our hotel The Windsor Plaza is just 2 blocks from Copacabana Beach. We have a nice room on the 11th floor - no rooms have beach views.
We elected for the hotel buffet at R48 each (approx $25 each )which was quite nice.

At 9pm it was then time for a walk along the beach thoroughfare. Well BA and Rio could not be 2 different cities. BA clean and orderly. Rio dirtier and with a certain edge to it and we immediately noticed the many different cultures present - not just the tourists but the locals; whereas BA was noticeably almost exclusively Argentinian and little indigenous or other cultures present. Rio is different and it is this difference that makes it special. It was certainly alive along the beach and the restaurants that make up this part of the city were humming and the street vendors were busy. There was the smells of local food adding to the experience. Beach vendors were packing away their "rent-a" beach chairs, youths were playing beach soccer in the semi darkness of the beach, people were out and about; including a white pet rabbit on a leash!
A busy day tomorrow with an all day tour.
Welcome to Rio.
Goodnight.