IGUAZZU FALLS

 Iguazzu Falls , a UNESCO world heritage sight, is the largest waterfall system in the world. It has 275 separate cascades ranging from 69 meters to 82 meters. It is on the border of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. but the waters fall on the Brazil and the Argentinian side.  The water flows from the Brazil side, mainly from the rainforest area and the falls into the 2 countries. Iguazzu has a flow rate of 61600 cu.ft of water per second.

We did have a rough time reaching Iguazzu due to bad weather in BA. The waiting area was overflowing and we had no idea about the flight delays. They had only one display board for about 20 gates  and with everyone crammed around it , it was a tough  time

I have seen Niagara too ,and even though Niagara is supposed to have a higher water flow rate, the spectacle here is quite majestic. Argentina , from where we approached first, is a bus ride away. We had to walk a fair distance and they had walkways over the falls , giving us a a great view.






This is the South American cousin of the Racoon. Its called Coati in South America.


Here is a video link to the water falls from the Argentina side
https://youtu.be/08Ww_5v0IaU

We then took a zodiac ride to the edge of the waterfall, getting thoroughly drenched in the process. They give you a water proof bag to keep your shoes, cameras etc  but there is no way one can avoid being  soaked. But that was such a fun experience , it was totally worth it. The force of the spray hitting you is awesome  and it was quite an exhilarating experience.

                                                                              The 50 seater zodiacs 





Check out this link.
https://youtu.be/jfQaJm-LaZo

We got back to our hotel in Iguazzu by evening and made preparations to cross to Brazil next morning by road. The idea was to complete the falls from the Brazil side and then go to the airport there and take a domestic flight to Rio de Janeiro. We figured that it would be easier to clear immigration  in Iguazzu rather than in Rio. Thats exactly the way it panned out . We didnt bring out our luggage for scrutiny. We just presented ourselves at the border check post and got our passports  stamped  and we were waved through.
One could easily see the difference in the two countries right away. Brazil was so obviously prosperous. While there a large number of vehicles and trucks waiting to enter Argentina and the average time was 2 hours for clearance, in Brazil it was  a  breeze. The falls information and ticketing too was good and smooth and the entire falls trip lasted  barely 3 hours. And the stark difference was in the airport. While even the domestic BA airport was filled to beyond capacity, the Iguazzu airport in Brazil was sleek and modern with excellent facilties and clean toilets. Very impressive.
here are some  photos from the Brazil side.
                                                     The crowds on the Argentinian side
                                        And the Brazilian border control !



    Here are some videos.
https://youtu.be/uEZGFVPWXfQ

https://youtu.be/Fdb_Cw0pYZw

https://youtu.be/qJY6OmCzexk

We then left for Rio de Janeiro. The idea really was to catch the Carnival. Our timing for the Antarctic was perfect and we didnt want to miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of something which is world  renowned
More on that in the next edition, probably the final episode from this long trip. Be prepared for several videos of the carnival and some unique experiences !









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