Brazil/Argentina Trip Report, Day 7: Brazil, Iguazu national park

DAY 7: April 2, 2012

IN BRAZIL SIDE OF IGUACU ONCE AGAIN.

We started the day a little late by our usual standards--so had to wait in queue with the general crowd for tickets at 10.30. We are so used to be everywhere bright and early, so it was a bit of an issue wasting time in a queue.

This is the rainbow pool at the entrance of the national park. 

All trails marked here...

READY FOR THE JEEP RIDE--glass top for the jeeps.

on the double decker...

About 23 km or 15 miles before the junction where Iguacu joins Parana river, are the great Iguassu Falls,

Walking the trail on the Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls is easy as said earlier.

There is a main trail, approximately 1,600 meters (one mile) long. This leads us along the river with its many smaller falls to the base of the biggest waterfall GARGANTA DEL DIABLO where a catwalk extends out over the brink.

we did all the trails/several levels and had a great time

This side provides a good general view of the falls.

At the top the trail leads to the end of the tour in front of the Iguassu River above the falls.

Here, there is a souvenir shop, We bought some nice Tshirts with the logo and lovely souvenirs too with macaws and the famous semiprecious stone of Brazil.

. There is a lovely bird park on Brazil side just adjacent to the national park. 28R$ entry; open 8.30—5.30

This is red ibis on tree...and flamingos on the ground...

Flamingos on the ground at the bottom of pic.

These are grey crowned cranes--This species and the closely related black-crowned crane are the only cranes that can roost in trees, because of a long hind toe that can grasp branches.

The grey-crowned crane is about 1 m (3.3 ft) tall and weighs 3.5 kg (7.7 lbs)and a wingspan of 2 m (6.5 ft).  Its body plumage is mainly grey. The wings are also predominantly white, but contain feathers with a range of colours. The head has a crown of stiff golden feathers. The sides of the face are white, and there is a bright red inflatable throat pouch.  The bill is relatively short and grey, and the legs are black. They have long legs for wading through the grasses.

 The grey-crowned crane has a breeding display involving dancing, bowing, and jumping.  It has a booming call which involves inflation of the red gular sac. It also makes a honking sound quite different from the trumpeting of other crane species.  Both sexes dance, and immature birds join the adults. Dancing is an integral part of courtship, but also may be done at any time of the year.

camera shy....

Here's a toucan on the branch--this is a shy guy--there are very naughty ones as well

This is Curassow restricted to tropical South America.

Amazing how all birds are out in the open--there is a net high up in the ceiling though.

Here are green, yellow parakeets.

These colorful macaws are so noisy...

A naughty toucan caught in flight...it was kind of purposely flying low very near us...whooshing past us as if playing... 

 here it is showing off...alighting right near us

the same toucan flying low past us and then turning its back on us.

 The toucan agreed to pose ...

Then we were in the reptiles section—iguana here...

Caiman sunning itself near pond

turtles hardly visible in pic.

Here's the dreaded rattlesnake.

A different colored toucan--they come in 5 shade combinations

Here are some lovely macaws... nice restaurant with live music.

 A guy was helping us hold a macaw. Could have spent a whole day with this sweetie...weighs quite a bit, claws feel like barbed wire.

This is a mature sweet bird as opposed to the naughty ones we saw earlier

Scare at the Airport:

We were in hurry for our flight which was scheduled at 3.45pm. We were both flying back to Rio from where I was to be on my international flight back to Houston while son had to take the domestic flight to Sao Paulo.

We caught a taxi back to our hotel a km away, got their free shuttle ride to the airport another km away. As we won't have adequate time at the Rio airport before taking our separate flights, I spent few minutes repacking our bags.

 We then went to the checkin counter at 5 minutes before 3 PM. The guy there took his time and then told us "CERRADO"... we are too late for checkin and the gates are closed! The flight timing had been changed to 3.20 and they were boarding. It is such a small airport and people were walking to the plane we could see through the window. 

We requested him repeatedly to let us check our one bag and join the boarding line, We showed him our onward flight tickets for international and domestic connection and pleaded.  But he vehemently refused saying checkin closes at 3pm and pointed at the wall clock there which was showing 3 just then. But we had been standing there for 5 minutes when he chose not to attend to us and frankly we had thought the flight was at 3.45; that had been the original schedule! The guy was smirking at our misery and said we can buy new tickets all over!

Our problem was everything should be rescheduled and walkup international flight may not be easy

Son was contemplating buying new flight tickets and asking him for suggestions . I told the guy "I would like to speak to your supervisor please". He called up a young lady and we made a fervent request to her. She was on phone, gestured us to wait, then thankfully called up an employee to take our checked bag after tagging it. She also gave us our boarding passes. Took her just a coiuple of minutes! We thanked her profusely and joined the line of boarding passengers and got on our plane

Whew! From then on we always check our flight's timings on the official site looking out for changes.. mostly we get an email informing of changes, but it doesn't hurt to be careful!

VIDEOS:

Here are videos of the Terrific Iguazu falls on Brazil side, Argentina side as well as the island San Martin, all with music and captions.

https://goo.gl/photos/NPpohEpMidq3DexM7

brasil iguacu

https://goo.gl/photos/rCoA3c52ntjP8YL56

Argentina Iguazu national park

https://goo.gl/photos/RBRQyQHGHXgdmPK49

Isla San Martin

Hang gliding in Rio:

https://goo.gl/photos/W619DZsvh1XZXP6d8

Here are some pics of the tandem flight son took before he returned back home. He had done the canopy, ziplining etc too and had had a great time.  Video link above

I'll post the rest of the videos a little later as this has been so hugely delayed. We would return to AWESOME ARGENTINA for a 17 days holiday which I'll cover soon

I wanted to continue with Awesome Argentina where we had a 17 day holiday but decided I'll start with our recent 18 day vacation in New Zealand...it starts here:
http://adventuretrav.blogspot.com/2017/03/how-to-plan-trip-to-new-zealand.html

Brazil/Argentina Trip Report, Day 5: Parque Nacional Iguazú Argentina

Day 5, April 13, 2012:

Parque Nacional Iguazú Argentina:

http://www.iguazuargentina.com/en/

is the official site of the national park on the Argentine side.

The routine to get into the Iguazu national park on the Argentine side is pretty complicated. We can see where our base and entry to Argentine town are...marked by red arrows...

We took a local bus from the bus station near our hotel in Foz do Iguacu to Brazilian border, a short ride for us as we were staying very close to the border not in centro as most tourists.

Got exit stamp on passport, then took an Argentine bus to the Argentine border 2 km away... this is through no man's land. Got an entry stamp on our passport. 

Now we needed Argentine pesos as entry fee to the national park needs to be paid in only cash in local currency. So we lined up at the Cambio conveniently nearby and got pesos for 2 entry tickets. The good part is that we could use the same ticket 2 days in a row once we buy it at the Park and have it stamped on exit! 

Then another bus ride to ARG Puerto Iguazu bus terminal,

Puerto Iguazú Bus Station:

It is located downtown, 20 minutes from Iguazú Falls and 8 minutes from Tancredo Neves International Bridge, joining Argentina and Brazil. This is the place of arrival and departure of tourist from any part of the country, where buses with daily services to Iguazú Falls at the Brazilian side, and Ciudad del Este, Paraguay.

There is a public passenger transport from the city of Puerto Iguazú to Iguazú National Park every 15 minutes, whose itinerary begins at Hito de las Tres Fronteras, passing by Puerto Iguazú bus station, and buses arrive at Cataratas Area in 20 minutes.

The bus service is provided by the company Río Uruguay and people can identify it by the sign reading "Cataratas".

We bought the bus tickets to the Park at the counter at the bus terminal, got into the bus with the board "Cataratas" amd off we went to the Parque Nacional Iguzu.

Parque Nacional Iguzu:

We went to the visitor center and as said bought entry tickets with the cash we had exchanged. On the Argentine side—8am—6pm (100 AR$ pp, second day is for half price if you get your ticket stamped before leaving on the first day.

Fees are in Argentinean currency and can only be paid in cash and with this currency. Credit and debit card payment is available inside the National Park, except for the entrance and parking tickets. The Park operating hours go from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. • ID or passport is required at the ticket office when buying the entrance ticket. The place of residence on the ID or passport will determine the category of visitor and the fee.

The park has different boardwalks and an eco train taking us to the stations from where we can access the boardwalks

Rainforest Train/Ecotrain:

It starts at Central Train Station, very close to the services and shop areas, and where the access to Macuco Trail is located ((We covered this the next day)). From there, trains depart every 15 or 20 minutes, depending on demand. Here's a pic of the train from the official site...

Cataratas Train Station is the intermediate stop, where the access to the Upper and Lower Circuits is located and visitors can board the boat to San Martín Island. (We were able to cover only up to this part on the 1st day)

 The train ends at the Devil’s Throat (Garganto Diablo) Train Station, where the 1,100 meters long (1,203 yards) footbridge begins and leads across the Upper Iguazú River to the lookout from which this wonderful waterfall can be seen. (We covered this the next day)

We boarded the train from the entrance and got down at the 1st station to start the trail Circuito Inferior--1700 meters of trail with very rewarding views

Lower Circuit (Circuito Inferior):

• Length: 1,700 meters long (1,859 yards) • Accessibility: medium • Difficulty: access without stairs up to Bosetti Waterfall and Iguazú canyon lookout.
• Estimated time of visit: an hour and 45 minutes • Access to this trail is allowed until 05pm • Restrooms and Bar: at Dos Hermanas Square, just at the Circuit entrance.

Footbridges go into the forest foliage to where Dos Hermanas, Chico and Ramírez Waterfalls falling waters break and to the end of this part of the Circuit, where we can enjoy the lower portions of the great water wall of Bosetti Waterfall.

Metal wiremesh floors to see the waters rushing below.

There are good sign boards in most places--this one showing Circuito Inferior, Isla San Martin, which are our 1st 2 stops...

Lower trail starts here...2 arrows, 2 views.

Story behind the name:

Born in Spain. Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca, was the first European to see Iguassu Falls in the period 1541-1542. After wandering almost naked among the natives of North America for 10 years, Cabeza de Vaca returned to Spain in 1537 and was rewarded with an appointment as governor of Rio de la Plata (an area that forms Paraguay).

 In 1541-42, Cabeza de Vaca led an expedition through the South of present-day Brazil to Asuncion, the capital of Rio de la Plata. On the way he explored marvelous Iguassu Falls.

He took office as governor of the province in 1542, but was ousted two years later as the result of a revolt.Sent to Spain under arrest in 1554, he was later banished to Africa. In 1556, he obtained a pardon and a pension.

This gives views of the falls from above..."Chico Alferez Waterfall" The name was given to it for its small size in comparison to the larger falls that neighbor it...

In honor of Juan Jose Lanusse, the second Governor of the province of Misiones, he was responsible for first bringing tourists to the Iguazu Falls and the San Ignacio ruins via river. He also founded the villages of Apostoles and Azara located in the same province....

Salto Ramírez...Manuel Antonio Ramírez: poet and journalist who wrote about the river, and died young just 35 years old.

Salto Bosetti ...Carlos Bosetti, naturalist pioneer and great explorer of the Misiones jungle.

Salto Mbiguá...Mbiguá Waterfall, named for a bird similar to a duck that makes its home in the islands of the Upper Iguazu River.

SAN MARTIN ISLAND:

On the way out of Bosetti Waterfall 20 meters away, there is an access to the quay from where we can board a boat to San Martín Island. 

The Circuit goes on along the border of the Iguazú River opposite to the island, and we can marvel at its beaches and cliffs. The second part of the Lower Circuit ends at the lookout on top of where this branch of river meets the Iguazú canyon, and the impressive Devil's Throat and its typical mist can be seen at the far. 

For those looking for adventure in the heart of the Falls with views of the San Martín waterfall and of “The Window” – or to cross the lower Iguazú river – this trail is a challenge of physical strength. 

A butterfly took the ride with us to island San Martin...

The beach was rocky--full of pebbles. Still had a nice soak in the lower Iguazu river...had our lunch...

It was a hot afternoon and the milk from the carton came in handy with our sandwiches.

The 650 m trail located on the island begins with a 172 step staircase. 

Happy after the long trek....such a rewarding view....

Salto San Martin -- In honor of General José de San Martín, father of patriotism and liberator of the Republics of Chile and Peru, to whom he gave their independence.

San Martín is regarded as a national hero of Argentina and Peru, and, together with Bolíva, one of the liberators of Spanish South America.,, Founder of the Cavalry Regiment, hero of the fight for American independence.

The third and last parts of the Circuit, which lead back to Dos Hermanas Square, have stairs and go through the Lower Iguazú shore where Alvar Núñez, Elenita, and Lanusse steep waterfalls can be enjoyed.

This is Salto dos Hermanas--The Two Sisters Falls, in honor of Maria and Teresa, daughters of the second Governor of Misiones - Juan Jose Lanusse

We took the speed boat ride on ARG side as well, it was exhilarating...

Filled up our drinking water from this tiny little falls...

At the Circuito Superior: this is an easier trek after our 2 treks...Circuito Inferior and San Martin trails

Upper Circuit (Circuito Superior):

• Length: 1.750 meters long (1913 yards) • Accessibility: high • Difficulty: none, without stairs> • Estimated time of visit: two hours. • Access to this trail is allowed until 05:00pm. • Restroom and bar: 50 meters away from the exit of the Circuit, at Cataratas Train Station. 

It begins two hundred meters from The Rainforest Train Cataratas Station and along its way we can enjoy a panoramic view of the semicircular chain that begins at Dos Hermanas Waterfalls, going through Chico, Ramírez, Bosetti, Adán y Eva, and Bernabé Méndez Waterfalls, ending at Mbiguá Waterfall lookout as a first stop. 

It is characterized by having its trails set on top of the waterfalls edge, which allows a vertical view from the top, something really electrifying. After Mbiguá Waterfall lookout, the gangway crosses the Superior Iguazú River to reach the edge of the second largest fall of this beautiful system: the San Martin Waterfall. This balcony has the best and widest panoramic view of the whole Park: we can see the Hotel Das Cataratas and the elevators on the Brazilian side, and the Sheraton Hotel, the Old Water Tank Tower, the balconies of Upper and Lower trails, the San Martin island and the gangway to Devil's Throat on the Argentinian side. To exit this circuit, the gangway runs snaking back through islets in the Upper Iguazú delta, to finally reach Cataratas Station.

This is Salto Adan y Eva...Named after the first inhabitants of the Garden of Eden.

Both the countries should be complimented for preserving such a green natural environment thru out

We see the greenery and the falls everywhere--no commercial buildings

We see so many different facets of the same falls--the trail has been expertly designed

As darkness descends, and the park staff hustle us out, we headed for the entrance to catch our bus to Puerto Iguacu, ARG bus terminal. We got our tickets stamped when we left the park, so we paid only half entry fee next day.

We did the whole routine of passport stamping and boarding different buses. We requested the Brazil bus driver to drop us where we can get a local bus to our Hotel. The bus was going to Centro. He dropped us some where far away. We thankfully got a taxi to our hotel. We were mighty pleased we were able to converse in Brazilian Portuguese and reach our hotel safe

The whole experience of the day, the several waterfall views and speedboat ride had been AWESOME. We were so thrilled! 

Another lovely day at the falls is reported in the next post:

http://adventuretrav.blogspot.com/2017/01/brazilargentina-trip-report-day-6.html