Iguazú

The St Mary's DSG tour  Argentina 2005 with TCEF was officially over. But for a group of 3 staff members and 12 students there were still 3 exciting days ahead visiting the Iguazu Water Falls in the northeast of Argentina and on it´s border with Brazil.

The arrival to Puerto Iguazu was some time after midday. We had the arduous task of completing customs and immigration formalities on the Argentine and Brazilian side before croosing into Brazil, Foz fo Iguaçu, where our selected hotel was located. On arrival at the hotel, rooms distribution was effected, and after everyone took their lugagge to their rooms the girls had a free afternoon to go for a late lunch, and walk around the down town area of the city and enjoy some shopping. Dinner time arrived sooner than expected, and shortly afterwards everyone retired to their rooms to get a good rest and prepare themselves for their exciting spectacle that awaited them the following day.

The next day began early with a Brazilian buffet style breakfast. Once again, the bus was waiting to take the group to observe the falls from the Brazilian side first. From this side, visitors can admire the panoramic views and inmensity of the 274 falls that are contained this natural wonder of the world. This is an easy walk down a paved path that ends in front of Devil´s Throat.   Shortly afterwards it was time for late lunch and learn what "espeto corrido" means. It means that while you help yourself to salads, waiters come constantly and serve you different kinds and cuts of meat, served and carved off a sword!.

Later was time to go back to the hotel, have a shower to recover and go out for a walk around the down town area for a couple of hours before the shops closed. Then, everyone went back to the hotel for dinner and to rest, - ready for the following day.

The last day at the falls was dedicated to visit the Argentine side.  This was a full day excursion with a lot of walking up and down on the different levels of the walkways provided by National Parks. The walks included the upper circuit, a close up view of Devil´s Throat, and the lower circuit. After some long walking hours everyone decided it was a good idea stopping for lunch before the last activity on the Argentine side of the falls. The boat ride is probably one of the most amazing experiencies and remembered moments of the visit to the falls. You first drive inside the jungle for about 30 minutes and then take the boat back through fast flowing white water from the falls through a long gorge. During the drive you can watch and learn about the local flora and fauna, during the boat ride you get an water lever view of the waterfalls. Of course, this implies getting soaking wet during the experience.

The day was exciting as it was long and tiring, so everyone was happy to get back to the hotel for some rest. The  travellers remaining energy was to go for our last time for dinner in the hotel and to pack all their bags.

The last day found everyone ready to travel..., first a flight back to Buenos Aires, and once there to take the final flight back home to South Africa.