This is a guest post written by Kieu from GQ trippin
Hey Trippers!
We’re thrilled at the opportunity to guest post for Caz and Craig and share one of our recent adventures with you all — our visit to Iguazu Falls in South America — a natural wonder we think should top everyone’s must see list!
Poor Niagara!', Eleanor Roosevelt reportedly said upon seeing Iguazu.
Iguazu falls (also referred to as Iguassu or Iguacu) are waterfalls of the Iguazu River located on the border of Brazil and Argentina. Victoria Falls may be the largest waterfall in the world, and Niagara the most famous. But Iguazu is equally impressive.
Gerard and I had the chance to visit both sides — Foz do Iguacu (Brazil) and Puerto Iguazu (Argentina).
I’m surprised I never heard much of the falls prior to our South America trip and I think it’s because when you think of waterfalls, Niagara or Victoria often comes to mind. Well, that’s all about to change.
Some facts you may not know about Iguazu Falls:
- Taller than Niagara; wider than Victoria
- Iguazu translated from the native Indian language means “Big Water“
- Greatest average annual flow of water in the world
- Featured in the movie Mr. Magoo and Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Arguably the most beautiful natural wonders I’ve ever seen. So you’re probably wondering..
Which side is better?
The equal opportunist in me would say, both sides are great! That’s the honest truth. You should definitely see both. Having had the chance to visit both sides of the fall, I have my favorite and so does Gerard.
But before you make your pick, it all depends on what you want to see. And how. Here’s hoping to help you decide.
The View
The best view is all in how you prefer to see it. By land or atop?
Garganta do Diabo | Foz do Iguacu, Brazil
Panoramic. For a panoramic view, picture perfect postcard of the falls, head on over to the Brazil side. Consisting of a network of 275 waterfalls spanning an area of 3km wide, virtually every angle, a 360 view, is incredibly breathtaking. It’s impossible to take a bad photo here.
Aerial. If you want to experience the falls from atop, that’s on the Argentina side. It’s hard to understand the sheer power and enormity of the falls from ground level. Here on the Argentinian side and a view from the top, you will understand why Iguazu holds the title for the greatest average annual flow of water in the world.
Fair warning, you’ll get mist a little.
Access
Trails. If you enjoy a good hike, the Brazil side is for you. It’s approximately a slow 40-minute hike to the falls. The hike was relatively easy, with minimal steps and uphill trek. I’m not much of a hiker but this was doable in my books.
Plus, when you hike, you get to see a lot of smaller falls along the trails. Perfect photo opportunity virtually every step of the way.
If you’re not a hiker by nature or have trouble accessing uneven trails and steps, you can stay on the double-decker bus and it will take to all the way to the end where you can take the elevator down to see the falls (no hike!).
Catwalk/ steel trails provide easy access | Puerto Iguazu, Argentina
Catwalks. If you’re traveling with family and/ or persons with disabilities, the Argentina side is more equipped for your needs. With built in catwalks over dirt and gravel, the Argentinian side is definitely more pedestrian friendly. The steel trails and bridges makes getting to the falls easily accessible for all ages.
The Argentinian side has a train system with (3) main stations — Estacion Central (at the entrance of the park), Estacion Cataratas (lower circuits) and Estacion Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat) allowing for easy transport to different viewing points of the falls so your walk is minimal.
Wildlife
If you’re deathly afraid of insects and bugs, the Brazil side is not for you. We were nearly eaten alive during our jungle ride through the forest and water boat ride.
However, if you love birds (like we do), visit Parque du Aves. The bird park is not located within the Iguazu Falls’ premises. It’s a completely separate park conveniently located across the street! Completely worth a trip back (and the extra stamps in our passports) to the Brazil side.
If you enjoy wildlife, the Argentinian side offers a variety of exotic birds and butterflies, not to mention daytime raccoons for no additional cost! They’re everywhere so be on the lookout.
Butterflies in Puerto Iguazu | Argentina
Activity
The water boat ride to the falls is best seen and experienced from the Brazil side. However, you should also know:
- It costs $100 per person
- There is a jungle bus ride before you reach the boat.
- You’re not going to get wet. You’re going to get drenched!
- Rain poncho’s are worthless
Iguassu Falls Boat Ride from GQ trippin on Vimeo.
You can rappel down the waterfall, zip-line through the jungle on the Argentinian side. We did neither for lack of time but we hear it’s great. However, I consider the walk to Devil’s Throat an activity as it was a great experience and quite enjoyeable for us both.
At times, the catwalk bridges over waterways and offers some amazing views. Like this one!
Double rainbow.. | Puerto Iguazu, Argentina
Other things to consider
- The helicopter tour is only available on the Brazil side.
- Rainbows — single or double — is best seen on the Argentina side.
- Bring water and bug repellent for Brazil, a hat and sunscreen for Argentina.
- Puerto Iguazu (Argentina) is cash only!
Now that you have the facts, we have one question for you.
Are you Team Argentina or Team Brazil?
——–
The verdict for us?
The Brazil side may have given us the best shot from the entire trip, but our vote is for the experience with Argentina.
The Argentinian side had a lot more to offer — comfortable trails, different viewing points and numerous activities to choose from. Plus, double rainbows and colorful butterflies are far better than giant mosquitoes and spiders!
Bio: We’re Gerard and Kieu from GQtrippin.com! To sum our story in short, G’s job quit him and I (Q) am taking a career break to travel (half) the world — New Zealand, Australia and Asia to be exact.
The journey starts December 27, 2011 and we can’t wait! Join us for travel adventures and great indulgences across the globe. Do say hi to us on twitter or facebook.
Missing the Iquazu last year when I was touring South America is the one thing I still kick myself about. So I won’t pick a side until I’ve been there, but it looks like both sides need to be seen!
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All the more reason to come back to S. America!
It definitely deserves a few extra days in your trip but you’re gonna love it!
Kieu ~ GQ trippin recently posted..RTW: G’s Packing List
The land view looks incredible. Great shot!
Cal recently posted..Weekend Photo: Sunset – South Island, New Zealand
Thanks! I completely agree. Probably the best shot from our entire trip to Iguazu! It was hard not to take a good photo on the Brazil side. Even for an amateur like me.
Kieu ~ GQ trippin recently posted..RTW: G’s Packing List
Thanks for letting us guest post. We really hope more people get to see Iguazu Falls, it’s definitely one of the highlights for our South America trip.
I’m Team Brazil all the way. For me, the panoramic views are unbeatable. I went to the Argentina side first and although the Devil’s Throat is loud and you can see a lot of water falling off the top, the mist rose so high that I could only see a few metres down. I had NO IDEA just how big it was until I went to the Brazilian side and you can stand infront of it. That made it so much more impressive for me.
Great pics by the way!
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Totally! The panoramic view is incredible. Hard to describe how ridiculous it looks even in pictures. I think it’s also great that you saw the Argentina side first before seeing the Brazil which made it so much more impressive for you. We had the same feeling but did it backwards. Lol. Thanks for your comment!
Kieu ~ GQ trippin recently posted..RTW: G’s Packing List
I wanted to tell you that the falls were also featured in the movie The Mission, with Robert de Niro and jeremy Irons, an excellent film.
Paula, from Argentina
Cool! We’ll put it on our movie list to see when we return to the States. Wonder what other movies Iguazu Falls is featured in.
Kieu ~ GQ trippin recently posted..RTW: G’s Packing List
It makes me feel a little better knowing I’ll only get to see them from this Argentina side this time around!
oOohh great! When are you going? Make sure to bring a hat and sunscreen.. and CASH!
Kieu ~ GQ trippin recently posted..RTW: G’s Packing List
I went to Iguazu a couple years ago, and both sides were great. Weather plays a huge role in scenic shots. It was bright and sunny with rainbows everywhere on the Argentina side, and it was misty and cloudy on the Brazil side the next day. Definitely agree that you can really see/feel the power of the falls from the Brazil side, but the Argentina side has more rainbows and more to offer. Great post!
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Funny we had the exact weather conditions! Haha. Weather definitely plays a big role in getting the perfect shot. Though call me crazy but I sort of like that overcast, misty gray look on the panoramic view too.
Kieu ~ GQ trippin recently posted..RTW: Q’s Packing List
Sweet!! Make our decision a lil easier when we get there in a couple of months!! Great post!!!
We can’t wait to see your photos! How’s C. America treating you guys so far?
Kieu ~ GQ trippin recently posted..RTW: Q’s Packing List
This is so thorough and comprehensive – great post, guys! I think when we go we’ll try both sides.
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Thanks, guys! You definitely should visit both sides. They’re so different it was hard to do a comparison, rather just listing the facts. But either or, or both, you won’t be disappointed. Enjoy!
Kieu ~ GQ trippin recently posted..RTW: Q’s Packing List
Great information…thanks for sharing!
–Meliha
Meliha recently posted..Christmas decorations in Bellagio
Not a problem. Are you thinking of visiting Iguazu Falls? Let us know if you need additional info.
Kieu ~ GQ trippin recently posted..RTW: Q’s Packing List
Nice post ! In this post the photos presents great scenery that attracts visitors to this place.
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Thank you! Definitely worth visiting if you’re in South America. The views are breath-taking.
Kieu ~ GQ trippin recently posted..Bay of Islands: Cruising on The Rock!
I visited only the Argentinean side, I doubted wether to visit the Brasilian side or go to Paraguay. My travel-companion had already seen the Brasilian side and assured me Argentina was better… but still, I keep on wondering if I didn’t miss a thing! (It’s nice to read you guys share my travel companions opinion, I feel a bit better about it lol!)
But if (or when) I go back, I want to take the helicopter, must be amazing to see it from above, although it’s supposed to be quiet expensive.
Hi Juana! Glad you enjoyed the Argentinean side. We loved both sides of the fall, it was a tough call. But definitely consider the Brazil side if/when you return for the helicopter tour and the best panoramic view. The Brazilian side has a lot to offer as well.
Cheers!
Kieu ~ GQ trippin recently posted..Bay of Islands: Cruising on The Rock!
This is such a timely post for me! I’m off to Rio for Carnival next month and really wanting to take a side trip to Iguazu Falls. I think reading this post helped make my mind up. Thanks. Hope you’re having fun in NZ!
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Carnival sounds awesome!!! We were there for Reveillon (New Year’s) and I hear Carnival is 10 times the celebration. We’ve done quite a few post of our time in Rio so don’t hesitate to check out our blog. We spent a good 4 days in Iguazu but many often fly down for a 2 day trip and back. Safe travels and let us know if you have any questions. Have a great hostel on the Argentinian side we can recommend too if you need it.
Kieu ~ GQ trippin recently posted..Zorbing in Rotorua
Acabo de visitar los dos lados y ambos son espectaculares. En Brasil nos bastaron dos horas para hacer todo el recorrido, pero en Argentina un dia completo no basta por los multiples recorricos, todo ellos bellos e interesantes, yo recomiendo hacerlo de la siguiente forma: 1 Garganta del Diablo, 2 Circuito Inferior e Isla San Martin (llegar al balcon) – esto por la mañana – almorzar – 3 el Circuito Superior (es el mas suave) y al final de la tarde hacer la Aventura Nautica. Al otro dia completar el Circuito Inferior y luego hacer el Sendero macuco – Para completar hacer sesiones de fotos con la fauna (coaties, mariposas, pajaros)
Por lo que describi, mi opinion es que el lado argentino se lleva ajustadamente la ventaja.-
Thanks for your comment Marcelo. After translating your comment through google, we have to agree. Argentina is better slightly. Wish we had a little more time to fully explore the falls.
Gerard ~ GQ trippin recently posted..Waitomo & The Road To Hobbiton
Double rainbow!! This place spuds amazing…!
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It really was! There were rainbows everywhere. I couldn’t capture a triple rainbow but I bet it wouldn’t be hard to find here.
Kieu ~ GQ trippin recently posted..Waitomo & The Road To Hobbiton
Great post! I have only ever been to the Argentina side of Iguazu, but would love to go to the Brazil side to compare the two firsthand!
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Thank you for your comment, Clara. I don’t Iguazu has a bad side judging from what we saw.
The panoramic views are incredible! Enjoy and let us know what you think!
Kieu ~ GQ trippin recently posted..Waitomo & The Road To Hobbiton
I’ve flown over the falls but I’ve never seen them up close. Looks like a lot of fun from your video!
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oOoo.. That must have been an amazing view. We were able to see just a glimpse of the falls on our flight over. If we ever go back, I’d love to do a heli tour. The boat ride was definitely fun but a bit cold and we got drenched! Haha
Kieu ~ GQ trippin recently posted..Waitomo & The Road To Hobbiton
I wish so much that I made it up here when I was in South America – I spent a large portion of my time in Patagonia so didn’t get to head as far north as I would’ve liked. Your photos are stunning! Reminds me of how much more I have to see when I go back. Hope you are enjoying Sydney and good luck with the rest of your travels!
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I would love to return and hit up Patogonia. There’s so much to see and do in S. America I think it’s underrated some times. Sydney was great! Finally got the Asian food we were craving. Lol. Thanks for your comment!
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How amazing! The rainbow looks out of this world
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I wish I did a panoramic video. There were rainbows everywhere! Crazy beautiful.
Kieu ~ GQ trippin recently posted..4 Things You Should Get Upon Arriving in New Zealand
Next year i definitely going to Brazil
Definitely put in our your list! We only went to Rio and it was awesome!
Kieu ~ GQ trippin recently posted..4 Things You Should Get Upon Arriving in New Zealand
How do you get from the Brazil side to Arg side? We plan on flying into Brazil side, staying a night and then heading to Arg side and seeing that for the day, we’re flying to BA the following morning.
There are shuttles from each town center on both sides. You can even hire a taxi for the day. Beware, the border office will take up lots of space each time you cross the border! So you hope you have empty passport pages! Flying into the Argentinean side will makes things a lot easier.
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Otro film en el que hay escenas de “Iguassu Falls” es Monndraker – Mision Espacial (James Bond por Roger Moore). Los felicito por la descripcion que hacen y como contestan los comentarios – Un saludo grande