I’ll start this post as I started the Iguazú Falls, Argentina post, the falls never really were on my to-do list. I’ve checked off a few big waterfalls already, so felt content in that regard. However, since I was in the “neighbourhood”, in Asuncion, Paraguay, I figured why not pop on over. I guess you should have this “reluctant” attitude in mind, when reading about my experience 😀
As I had based myself in Foz do Iguacu, getting to the falls was very straight forward. The local bus terminal was a block only away from my hotel. Not to be confused with the bus terminal outside the town centre, where I came in from Paraguay. The final stop is right in front of the park gates, and during the 30 minutes or so ride, the bus also swings by the airport.
At the entrance you get your ticket, before walking inside and queueing for the free park bus taking you to the falls themselves. Many buses lined up, so you don’t have to wait for long. If you’re a party of one, you might get to skip a few spots towards the end 😉 – buses need to fill up. The bus makes a few stops before terminating at Porto Canoas. Two of them are for trails leading to Upper Iguazu River and Lower Iguazu River. Didn’t do any of them. The stop second to last is where you wanna get off. It is opposite the pink park hotel. DO NOT do as I did, stayed onboard until the final stop – I got swayed by other visitors. Reason why? This is where the Iguazu Waterfalls Trail starts. Do like me, and you’ll have to plow through the oncoming stream of people.
Iguazu Waterfalls Trail is a 1.2 km path along the edge of the cliff above the Lower Iguazu River. The best it has to offer is the view of the falls on the Argentinian side. This might actually be the best about the whole Iguazu Falls site… You already spot them at the starting point, so if you don’t want to walk the trail, you can enjoy the view, and get on the next bus. Also spotted a toucan, the first one I’ve seen up close.
The Devil’s Throat area is where the trail ends. Here there is a walkway that leads out on the water, kinda of putting you in the middle of it all, and it is overcrowded! We were packed like sardines, very little room to move around. Also you get soaked by the mist created by the tumbling water. A lot wetter than I imagined it to be. Not really that enjoyable, or easy to get nice pics 🙂 I guess it is more of a somewhat cool experience than great views. For the vistas, take the stairs or the elevator to the top of the cliff, and you’ll be away from the crowds with a panoramic look on the whole area.
From here, it is a short walk to Porto Canoas, where you’ll find a gift shop, restaurant, food court, and the bus back to the park gates. Gift shop, food and drinks also at the entrance.
Website: cataratasdoiguacu.com.br
Devil’s Throat Area
Iguazu Waterfalls Trail
Else on the premises
Getting there
