Iguassu Falls, seen from the Brazil side.

Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil

by Eve Andersson

Home : Argentina : One Article
"Poor Niagara!" Eleanor Roosevelt is reputed to have exclaimed upon experiencing the beauty and expansiveness of Iguazu Falls. Visiting Iguazu Falls, I felt like I was in a surreal paradise. Even more than the falls themselves, I was entranced by the surrounding nature — particularly the abundant, vibrantly colored butterflies who were at ease among humans.

Iguazu Falls lies right on the border between Argentina and Brazil (on the Brazilian side, the name is spelled Iguassu or Iguaçu). The Brazilian side has impressive views but little else; a three hour visit to that side will suffice. The Argentine side is much more interesting, with multiple hiking trails and even opportunities to take a boat under the falls; a proper visit to the Argentine side requires a couple days.

Iguazu Falls, view from Circuito Inferior. Iguazu Falls, view from Circuito Superior. Garganta del Diablo. Iguassu Falls, seen from the Brazil side. Crowded walkway, Iguassu Falls, Brazil side. Rainbow over the Iguazu River. Iguazu Falls, view from Circuito Inferior. Iguazu Falls, view from Circuito Inferior.

Spray from the Iguazu Falls at Garganta del Diablo, with a rainbow. Despite being 82 meters high, you may get completely soaked by the raging, splashing water at the Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat) viewpoint.




Butterflies

Butterfly on my hand, path to Garganta del Diablo. Purple, black, red, yellow, white butterfly, path to Garganta del Diablo. White, black and red butterfly, path to Garganta del Diablo. Black and red butterfly on yellow flowers, near the entrance to Sendero Macuco. Black, white and orange butterfly, path to Garganta del Diablo. Black and red butterfly, on the path of Garganta del Diablo. Blue, black, white and red butterfly, Sendero Macuco. Orange butterfly on yellow flowers, Sendero Macuco. Butterflies, path to Garganta del Diablo. Black, white, red and blue butterfly, path to Garganta del Diablo.

Butterfly with "88" pattern on its wings, on my arm, path to Garganta del Diablo. My personal favorite: butterfly number 88 (not its official name).

Coatimundi

Despite being unbearably cute, you're advised not to touch or feed the coati, as they can bite.

Coati, Sendero Macuco. Coati on the Circuito Inferior. Coati peeking out from behind bushes, Sendero Macuco.

Plush Crested Jay

Plush Crested Jay. Plush Crested Jay. Plush Crested Jay. Plush Crested Jay. Plush Crested Jay.

Insects and Spiders

Green and orange insect, path to Garganta del Diablo. Red dragonfly, Sendero Macuco.

Large spider hanging above the trail, Sendero Macuco. Large spider and his prey hanging above the trail, Sendero Macuco. The spiders hanging above your head as you traverse the trails are impressively large and shiny.

Large ant, Sendero Macuco. Ants of all sizes abound; some are several centimeters long.

Sign showing a snake and a headless man, path to Garganta del Diablo. Fortunately, I encountered no snakes (or headless men).

Plants

Curled twigs, Sendero Macuco. Hanging plant, Sendero Macuco. Red, heart-shaped leaf, Sendero Macuco. Curled tree, Sendero Macuco. Pink flower on the Circuito Inferior. Tree with spiral indentations, Sendero Macuco. Leaves with the sun behind, Sendero Macuco. Treetops, Circuito Inferior. Fruit tree, road near Sendero Macuco. Tree with green fruit. Water droplets on leaves, Sendero Macuco. Valeriana pyrenaica plant.

More photos: View all photos in the directory /photos/argentina/.
Eve Andersson (eve@eveandersson.com)
Add a comment