Upon arrival at the Iguazu National Park, we made a beeline toward the main attraction: La Garganta Del Diablo - the Devil's Throat. We bypassed the free train out as per Sjane's usual theory (these boots were made for walking!). This is the biggest and most famous of Iguazu's 80-something falls. I have heard Victoria Falls in Africa called "the smoke that thunders" in the native tongue. I think the name could be equally apt here. From kilometres away you can hear the dull roar of the water plunging down the 80m drop. As we got closer we were continually distracted by the variety and density of butterflies along the path. The path finishes at a small metal bridge that winds its way across a kilometre of small islands and Rio Iguazu's waterways. On the way out the dull roar we were now accustomed to intensified. The spray coming off the fall was often felt on that walk out, depending on the wind inside and around the drop. When we finally arrived and gazed upon the Garganta Del Diablo, we were mesmerised. The sheer volume of water cascading over that one precipice alone was staggering; but the noise, the spray and watching the way the water moved from peaceful flow to dramatic and violent action all combined to make it nothing less than awe inspiring. I found myself trying fruitlessly to take photographs in the tempest of spray. I knew that nothing I could do with my S5 would adequately capture what I was seeing, but I felt a need to try to capture it nonetheless - to show everyone what we had encountered. Heading back in the central NP area we knew that would not be a moment quickly forgotten.
That afternoon was designated to the Macuco Trail: a 3.5km walk through the subtropical jungle ending in a small (11m or so) waterfall and rockpool some chose to swim in. For us it offered the serenity needed to relax after Devil's Throat, as well as more distractions in the form of butterflies and the biggest Bull Ants I have ever seen (easily over an inch long). Fortunately no snakes.

The next day we walked the upper trails. These paths lead us across the top of many of the larger falls in the National Park, and offered some beautiful views of the surrounding areas, as well as some pretty spectacular views actually over the edge of many of the larger falls. Not for the acrophobes.

Next up was a pre-purchased tour of the park by boat. It started pretty standard: with a 30 minute drive through the subtropical rainforest - a cheerful and knowledgeable guide keeping the tourists mildly intrigued. Next followed a cruise up the Rio Iguazu to the falls. Here we could pose for photos and take in the views from below the falls.

Then we went into the storm.

It can only be described as like being in the middle of the wildest and most ferocious thunderstorm imaginable. The captain navigated us directly into the belly of some of the biggest waterfall tempests in the park. I wanted to open my eyes but the sheer force of the water and spray discouraged such madness. Shielding my eyes with my hands really helped very little. Thrice we entered the storms of spray under the waterfalls. It was exhilarating, invigorating, inspiring, and easily the most unique spot for a shower we've ever seen.

There was very little that could possibly wipe the smiles off our faces, or bring us down off the high that boat ride gave us. We walked back up the cliff-faces; stopping for yet another inspired picnic lunch spot, before wandering the lower circuit. Here we could pose for photos at the base of some of the larger falls, and we saw a variety of coatis, monkeys, lizards and birds.

To finish our visit to Iguazu National Park, we decided to revisit the Devil's Throat one last time. I could rant and rave again about how stupidly inspiring and jaw-dropping it still was, but the real thrill took place as we were walking away from the landmark. Sjane had been desperate to see a tucan whilst there (imagine her giddiness seeing Betty White, but applied to an animal), and on our departure a tucan (bright colourful beak and everything) burst from the leafy canopy ahead and soared through the open sky for us to enjoy. No photos, as we just stood there and laughed at the perfect timing; but you can rest assured we went back to our hostel feeling so very satisfied with two days of contact with the most spectacular experiences that Mother Nature has to offer.