We started at the uppermost part of the falls, la Garganta del Diablo or the Devil’s Throat. The water crashes down far below and everything is white. Here you realize just how much water is flowing through the falls as it thunders and spews a mist that drenches you. The sound is deafening but the mist feels great in the tropical heat. And when I say mist, I don’t mean like a light fog, I mean more like a sporadic rainstorm.
If you want to get even closer, take a boat ride. For $110 pesos ($28 USD), you can get a view of the waterfalls from the river and they actually take you into the base of the falls. You get absolutely soaked. All you can hear is roar of the waterfalls and the screams of the tourists (my Mom “Oh my god they are really taking us into the waterfall!! Ahhhhhh! Eeeeeek!”).
Understandably, the park is wildly popular and expect crowds of tourists, especially in the morning. The entrance fee is 100 pesos (about $25 USD) but if you can get a half-price ticket if you return for a second day. The park is big enough that you can find some spots to walk alone and listen to the jungle. While the waterfalls are the main attraction, you can see Black Capuchin monkeys roaming the trees,
Toucans
and Coatis, lovely creatures who patrol the snack bars like tropical raccoons. This one ripped a can of seltzer water from a German tourist’s hand while her husband took photos and laughed. I probably shouldn't be too judgemental, because I did the exact same thing.
It was an amazing experience and I would recommend visiting Iguazú to anyone vacationing in Argentina. The town of Iguazú is rather mediocre and feels more like Brazil than Argentina with the red dirt, plethora of motorbikes and large buffet breakfasts. We stayed at a great hotel, La Sorgente, (thanks mom!) with a very relaxing pool area. Try their wicked caipirinhas for 15 pesos.
