I flew from São Paulo to Iguassu falls on Saturday morning and arrived in the area early afternoon. I instantly noticed the temperature drop upon arrival and dug out my coat.
I opted to stay on the Brazillian side of the falls as it was convenient and my friends recommended the Tetris Container Hostel to me. Indeed, I slept in a shipping container for three nights – not unpleasant but a bit cold due to poor insulation.
Day 1 – Brazilian side
After sorting myself out, me and two girls from the dorm headed out to the Brazillian side of the falls. It was absolutely beautiful and we were treated to the sight of double rainbows in the winter sun. The trail wasn’t too long and we were joined by loads of Coatis walking along the path sniffing for food. We were able to walk right out onto a platform where we were in the middle of several waterfalls – it was LOUD and also wet, as the spray coming from the falls was pretty powerful.
Day 2 – Argentinian side
The lovely Dutch gal from my room and I headed out to the Argentinian side of the falls. It took us a while to figure out the bus system but we eventually got one to the border before getting a van to the entrance of the falls. Once in, we headed straight for the upper trail, which takes you above the falls and shows off the calm water before the big drop. We then got a train to Garganta del Diablo, or ‘Devils throat’ and walked 2km before reaching a spectacular viewing platform that made you feel like you were fully immersed in the falls. Again, the spray was pretty strong and the sounds were loud, but we LOVED it. After a full day of walking we decided to head back to the hostel on the Brazillian side. For the first time during my travels, we cooked dinner instead of eating out (haha), and then joined in the Brazillian winter party which involved mulled wine and Forro dancing (yes, I danced).
Day 3 – Argentinian side
I headed back to the falls again but this time with a group of Aussie girls from the hostel. We opted for a taxi (more expensive but smoother process) and got to the falls early. I wandered off to do the lower trail, which showed good views of the falls from a lower angle and a close up of the Salto Bossetti. I then rejoined the girls for a second look at the Devils throat (my favourite bit) where we scored a few good photos before the mist turned us into drowned rats.
A popular question is “which side of the falls is best?”, and I would say the Argentinian side has more to offer. The trail on the Brazil side has fabulous view points that capture a lot and show the overall scale of the falls, but the Argentinian side is more close and personal with a more immersive experience. I read a lot of advice saying you need 3 days at the falls, and with hindsight I could have done it in two, but would have needed to start early and finish late.
