Tupi-Guarani (Great Waters)

I recently decided to take some time out from my busy city ¨living¨ in Buenos Aires and head north to visit the much talked about Parque Nacional Iguazu. All natural beauty with a habitat of many rare and endangered species, this national park was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site sometime back in the early 80´s. And no wonder! It´s a magical place with the falls being nothing short of spectacular.

I must admit, before the visit I had been a tad skeptical as to how wonderful these falls were actually going to be? I was dreading another 16 hour bus ride just to get there, in addition to the insane heat and humidity that lay ahead (think 42degrees and 90% humidity!) All I could think was, ¨these falls better be worth it¨ as the memory of Niagra Falls was suddenly fresh in my mind...

While living in Canada a few years ago, I was continuously told by locals and tourists alike that I MUST visit Niagra Falls. Everyone raved about how amazing, how huge, how lovely, what a must see they were! Much like the Iguazu talk all over Argentina. But my expectations and grand visions of the famous Niagra Falls were crushed once discovering the incredibly tacky town and the not so impressive falls? Well not in my eyes anyway. A bit of a disappointment for me in the end after all the hype. Thankfully Iguazu was a different story.

The Garganta del Diablo (Devil´s Throat) is the most popular and spectacular of the falls. 150m wide and 700m long, the shear volume of water and power of the falls is enough to take your breath away. It was definately another nature nerd moment for me :) The only frustration visiting the most popular waterfall, particularly this time of year, are the never ending hoards of tourists. Given it is still the Argentine summer holiday´s, the family vacation is in full force! And they ALL want that ¨special¨ kodak moment with Devils Throat as the back drop. Some tempers were flaring when the many other tourists were getting in the way of the family photo or taking up all the space at the front of the viewing point? Honestly? This ¨vacation rage¨ was a little out of control!

Still...a day in this stunning location was worth it. And you can escape many of those nasty families once you start venturing about and visiting the many other parts of the park. There really is so much to explore and so much to do. Just to stroll about and appreciate the actual size of the national park while discovering the many spectacular and pretty falls. The lovely walks, tropical surroundings, bright & colourful birdlife and even the odd crocodile or two! You soon forget the stifling heat and annoying families and just enjoy the moment.