Iguazu Falls, ARGENTINA
Airing Date: Jan 31st, 2005
Located on the border of Argentina and Brazil, Iguazu Falls is set in dense rainforest with magnificent views from all angles.
There are two main walks on the Argentinean side; one along the top of the cascades and the second along the bottom. The first walk is called the Superior Path and takes 45 minutes to reach the highest point of the falls.
Up here there are sweeping views of the churning water below and beautiful butterflies flutter amongst all the spray. There's also a wealth of fauna here.
Four hundred and fifty species of birds inhabit the area, including one type of bird that even nests behind the falls. The birds pick a time when there's the least amount of water and then swiftly dart into the waterfall. It's fascinating to watch.
The second walk is called the Inferior Path, but there's really nothing inferior about it. The track involves a 30 minute hike right to the base of the falls.
This trail may be steep and even quite slippery in parts, but the thunderous sound of the waterfall and the colourful rainbow amidst the spray makes the trek worthwhile. This is a great place to stop for a refreshing swim or take a short boat ride across the water to the tropical island of San Martin.
With spectacular cascades on all sides, this spot is considered to have best vantage point in the national park area. Many scenes from Robert De Niro's movie The Mission were filmed here.
No trip to Iguazu Falls would be complete without a journey to the Devil's Throat - the loudest, biggest, most spectacular cascade of all. A train ride takes you half way there, and it's a further 20 minutes walk to the cascade.
Once you're reached Devil's Throat you'll be mesmerized by its sheer velocity. As you make your way towards its jaws the deafening roar will pound your ears, leaving you mesmerized and drenched.
The facts
Travelworld has Qantas fares to Argentina from $2614 ex east coast and $3687 ex west coast.
Travelworld
Tel: 13 14 35
Visit Iguazu National Park from around $20 per person.
Peregrine Adventures
Tel: 1300 854 444
Suggested reading material: Lonely Planet
Prices correct 31/01/05
