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IGUAZU FALLS
Iguazu Falls is one of the world's largest waterfalls and is the reason people from all over the world come here. Iguazu Falls, Iguassu Falls, Iguaçu Falls, Foz do Iguacu -- however you want to spell it, it is well worth the trip no matter where you hail from. They are located right on the border of Argentina and Brazil and consist of 275 falls over 1.67 miles (2.7 km). The majority of the falls are around 210 feet (64 m) and the highest part reaches 269 feet (82 m). I read that it has the greatest average annual flow of water in the world and if you are here during the rainy season and the water is flowing, this place is way nicer than Niagara Falls. It’s a massive set of falls one after another with a wonderfully lush and green backdrop. This is one of the most picturesque places on the planet.



HOTEL TO FALLS
From the hotel to the Argentinean Igauzu Falls Park, it takes 25 minutes. The hotel charges 90 ARS ($24 USD) each way, which you can charge to your room but you will need to pay cash to get into the park and they only accept pesos. 60 pesos ($16 USD) each plus four pesos for? The place was overflowing with tourists and surprisingly, I saw a good number of Americans. There are a bunch of walkways -- an upper circuit and a lower circuit, which give visitors a variety of views and vantage points. The whole time, you’ll be shaking your head in disbelief and amazement at the incredible natural beauty you’re surrounded by – at least that’s what we did. TIP: Pack a small umbrella. It rains a lot and the hotel only has the big ones, which are awkward to carry when the sun comes out.

DAY TRIP
If you’re pressed for time, you could even do a day trip from Buenos Aires, Rio or Sao Paulo, all by flying in and out – just like many people make a day trip to Niagara Falls from New York City. However, it would be easiest from Buenos Aires since the Argentina side is the most developed with pathways and excursions. The Brazil side supposedly has the best views but one way to bypass a trip there and having to get a Brazilian visa, is by taking Argentina’s Iguazu Jungle Excursion (150 pesos per person = $40).

IGUAZU JUNGLE EXCURSION
We signed up for the jungle tour and there were a few Americans from Arizona and Maryland in our open-air vehicle. Other tourists were from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Spain (they ask everyone where they are from). The jungle tour begins with a 15-minute ride down a dirt path. We saw some big bugs (including one on me), a lizard, coatis (not on the tour) but no toucans, jaguars, pumas or monkeys. Actually, the guide and driver weren’t really looking, which was a disappointment. We also didn’t see any mosquitoes, which was a good thing because we were a bit worried about Yellow Fever, though the locals all agreed it’s just a concern in nearby Paraguay. We were all dropped off at the top of a 100-yard path to the water, where an oversized zodiac was waiting for us. This part of the trip was well worth the fee but prepare to get wet. Soaked, actually. Don’t even bother wasting the 15 pesos ($4) for a poncho in the gift shop because it does nothing to keep you dry. Just wear shorts and/or a bathing suit. The highlight was seeing a 260-degree view of the waterfalls and then ‘buzzing’ the most impressive one: Garganta del Diablo or Devil's Throat.

LUNCH/HOTEL
Afterwards, we had lunch in the park’s restaurant, Jaguar House. The food was really reasonable but their napkins were the absolute worst ever. I think they were made of parchment paper or something. If you wanted to spend just one night at the falls and not make a little vacation out of it like you can at the Iguazú Grand Hotel Resort & Casino (if they make a few staff changes, the place will rock), there is a Sheraton Hotel in the park. It’s the only one located inside the gates and definitely has the best location and view but it’s not that nice. The Iguazú Grand is much nicer and better for people who like to be away from the crowds or who are interested in gambling.

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