02.01.2008
A few facts about Iguazu Falls No matter how many waterfalls you have seen in your life, these leave the most experienced travelers mumbling all kinds of words of excitement when you finally stand in front of “Garganta del Diablo” or Salto San Martin. This place was definitely one of the highlights of our trip through South America. These are some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world, far more impressive than Niagara Falls, for example. Shared between Argentina and Brazil, the falls are set inside a 2.100 square kilometer national park, resembling very much the Amazonian rain forest to the north. Most of the national park is in Brazil but most of the walks and viewpoints are in Argentina. A few numbers may help to understand what makes them so impressive: The falls are “only” 80 meters high, but together are about 2 kilometers wide! The quantity of water falling down varies a lot depending on the season. When we were there, the flow was 1.750 cubic meters per second. But it can be much more! Above all it is the setting, in the middle of the rain forest, that makes this place so magic. The River Iguazu separates in many arms that consequently create a whole set of waterfalls, bigger or smaller ones. The most dramatic, “Garganta del Diablo” or “Devil’s Throat” is at the end of a gorge. The Brazilians side is much busier with a lot more tourists staying in Foz de Iguazu, because all the big hotels and a lot more accommodation is found on this side than in Puerto Iguazu in Argentina. Since there is basically only one walk on the Brazilians side, it appears almost congested during the high season. From Brazil the view is more comprehensive, providing a good overview of all the falls, whereas in Argentina you get closer to each individual waterfall. Brazil also offers helicopter rides above the falls, 80 USD for 10 minutes. The four choppers are constantly flying, and waiting time can be up to two hours, so many tourists are willing to pay this kind of money. Gilles was one of them. He said it was indeed a great experience. The noise of the helicopters is omnipresent all over the park and Argentina has protested several times, warning of the environmental impact this has. Much to the dismay of Argentina, Brazil also plans to illuminate their part of the falls during the night, whereas on the Argentinean side only full moon walks are offered. |