Endless Walkways-Argentine Side of Iguassu Falls

It is worth it to go through all the hasstle of getting through the border check to see the Argentine side of the Falls. Actually over 70% of the 275 falls are in Argentina. Altogther the falls displace 1350 cubic meters of water a second, except in September. This is the rainy season and that number is multiplied by 10 causing all of the extensive network of walkways to be shut down. In 1992 the rainy season was so bad that the walkways were washed away and what you see in my pics is the new and improved network.
With Helena guiding me, I spent the morning working through the walkways and taking hundreds of pictures. Looking down at the people riding rafts into the falls convinced me that I had to try it and it was the ride of a lifetime. If you decide to try it - here is my advice, (as usual, learned the hard way).
Wear a bathing suit under your clothes.
Wear tennis shoes.
Be in excellent condition for the walk back up the mountain.
Bring ear plugs. You really do go into the falls and the water is coming at you from all directions.
Don't forget to breathe. I had to keep reminding myself as the cold water was pounding away at me.
More photos of the walkways and the raft ride are on the google site mentioned in my last blog, and by the way, the hyperlink works! Just click on the address typed in color. Happy Trails and Happy Viewing!

Park das Aves in Iguassu Falls, Brazil

An ideal combination for a day trip at Iguassu Falls is to combine the helicopter flight over the Falls with a visit to the Bird Park (Park das Aves). They are both on the Brazil side and the bird park is almost across the street from the helicopter pad. The park has over 3oo tropical birds plus assorted reptiles and monkeys. Most of the birds are in large walk-through aviaries and this creates an ideal situation for photographers. You do have to be quick, however, because they all seem to be in constant motion. The one exception is the zen-like macaas who seem unflusterred by anything.
If you are interested in more photos of some of the sites mentioned in my blog, here is how to access them. Go to
http://picasaweb.google.com/ramblinme
Click on the picture with the album you want to see. When the next screen comes up, click on "slide show" on the top bar. This is my first attempt at imbedding a hyperlink in a blog, so please forgive if it doesn't work.
The next stop is the Argentinian side of the falls with the long walkways and boat and train rides

Iguassu Falls-More Than Promised

When friends heard that I was planning a trip to Brazil, the most popular recommendation was Iguassu Falls. After seeing them I felt they were more than the recommendations and tour book hype. This was the best part of the entire South American trip and I recommend ALL of the different ways to experience it - by helicopter, by a walking tour through the extensive walkways, by train to the other side of the falls and more walkways, and finally - the ultimate - the raft ride into the falls themselves. The Falls are the genius invention of nature and the people who designed all the ways of seeing it. You can get close in every way possible and yet there is a sense of respect for the natural beauty of the falls and the need to protect it from over-exploitation and commercialism. It becomes a very personal experience that will not be forgotten.

Iguassu Falls and a Visit to Paraguay

With an exchange rate of 1 American Dollar = 4,672 Paraguay Pesos, a quick trip across the border was the first order of business after I booked a hotel on the Brazil side of the falls. I started the day searching for an English speaking guide. On short notice I had the choice of Japanese or German, and this is how I met Helena (upper left hand pic). It's amazing how quickly the German comes back when you need it. Helena was Brazilian but learned German from Grandparents who had immigrated from Germany.
Her advice was to travel to Paraguay first, before visiting the falls. My luggage had been demolished by the airline and this was a chance to get a cheap suitcase.
The actual border crossing took almost an hour because so many people enter Paraguay every day to work in the electronics industry.
My first impression of the shopping area was of Tijuana Mexico - hundreds of stalls with people hawking their wares. Tube socks and soft drinks seemed to be the hot items of the day. Helena led me into a shopping center type of building and my impression changed. Every type of technology was on sale for unbelievable prices. I wish that I had done my homework ahead of time to buy a laptop. It was techno heaven. If you are visiting the Falls, this side trip is highly recommended if you need laptops or the latest gadget at unheard of prices.
On to the Falls.