we spent 3 days in Iguazu to visit the waterfalls. I’ve been here 20+ years ago and things have definitely changed: more infrastructure, better organization, and way more tourists!
First day we went to visit the Argentinian side (we stayed in Argentina side). We had tickets for 8am as it was super hot so we wanted to finish early. We boarded the 8:40am train to the devil throat as first stop. The train was packed!
the walk to the devil throat was nice, mostly shaded, and flat path. When we got to the end, it was so packed
the fall is impressive
then we did the upper circuit (1 mile), with many photo shooting spots
and then the lower circuit (which is a bit more than a mile). Can you tell that Lizzy was so done with it? the heat was really tough by noon
we finished all 3 main sites by 1pm. We got empanadas and a cold drink, had lunch while watching this cute animal looking for food
we got back to hotel around 3pm, had a good rest before headed out for dinner. We went to the only restaurant in town, the service was not great (as the rest of places we visited in iguazu), took 2 hrs to serve us drink and meal when there was only one other customer. The good thing of the long wait is more time spent chatting with the girls. Lizzy was not impressed with the food.
I had ticket for us to visit the Brazilian side the next day but woke up with rain so I rescheduled it and we had a chill day. First, I spent two hours at the gym, love working out alone without rushing. Then after breakfast and some chat with the family, I took an hour morning nap (rain does it for me!). When I woke up, I suggested husband to watch the new movie (people we met on vacation) alone, girls watched another movie in a separate room. Oh…. that was such a sweet movie. Perfect to watch with a loved one in a rainy day.
We had lunch at the hotel and then girls and I went out to get a souvenir and ice cream.
then husband emerged from his nap and we went to the 3 country frontier area (argentina, brazil, and paraguay). I enjoyed the walk before sunset, observing how locals enjoy the river in a casual saturday afternoon. Mate, thermo, music, and foldable chairs, make up for a great chill afternoon.
Last day we packed up and went to Brazilian side of the fall. It was a very different experience/vibe as soon as we crossed the boarder. More and better infrastructure, more touristic things to do (aquarium, bird park, golf course, shopping malls). The cataratas park itself is rather quick to go through, 2 hrs in total including riding the bus to the devil throat, walk to the main site, and ride the bus back. It was also packed.
we all like Argentina side better (more things to do, and felt less commercial).
Before going to the airport, we went to a buffet for lunch. Too much food!!!
since we already crossed the border, the flight back to Brasilia was super easy domestic flight 1.5 hrs. We got home 8pm. Somehow I felt I didn’t have enough travel time to adjust mindset of back to routine.
Let me leave you with this pic taken at the last hotel room bathroom. This is my set up for morning mate time with my stack of journals. I like to wake up before everyone and have 450-60 min quiet alone time. When traveling, I try to calf out this time/space too.
That concluded our 18 days trip to Argentina. Another memorable trip with good balance of relaxing, nature, and family adventure.
Our New Journey 