4 March 2023, Iguazu Falls, Argentina –

Yesterday’s downpours disappeared overnight, and gave way to blue skies and much warmer temperatures.  Before retracing our steps to Iguazu Falls, we had an important landmark to visit – the Tres Fronteras (Triple Frontiers) monument, on the edge of the Iguazu and Parana rivers.  From this spot you can look north into Brazil, and east into Paraguay, although to reach either, you’d have to a) swim and b) face border control as you climbed out of the water.  Each of the three countries have built similar monuments, in an act of international co-operation.

We thought being able to see three countries simultaneously might be unique,  but there are no less than 175 places in the world you can do this – I guess we Australians get more excited about it than most.  Anyway, there was plenty to take mandatory silly photos at.  Ian was even asked to video someone doing a piece to camera for Youtube (we knew it wasn’t TikTok as he was instructed to hold the phone horizontally, and he didn’t do any dance moves).

Our new best friend, the driver from yesterday, picked us up right on time, and we fell into the airconditioned cab with relief. It was very hot and humid by now – the weather we’d been expecting yesterday.  We entered the park like veterans, and headed purposefully for the “Superior” (or Upper) walking circuit.

If the Devil’s Throat was something of a water-based thrill ride, this walk had a stop-dead-in-your-tracks moment, as we came around a bend in the boardwalk and saw myriads of falls stretching out almost as far as we could see. It was jaw-dropping.  The walk continued past cascade after cascade, crossing the river at vantage points where we could see the water thundering over the sheer cliffs.  It was so powerful in places that it actually formed waves before plunging down.  We could also see the jet boats making their way upriver, trying to get as close as possible.

Next we took the Inferior, or Lower, Circuit.  Part of this trail was missing so we didn’t get the experience of being drenched in spray.  We decided the Superior Circuit was the superior walk, for more spectacular viewing. 

On our walks we met more bird varieties, lizards, monkeys, squirrels, and of course coatis hanging out at the restaurant.

The two days were very different and we enjoyed both for different reasons.  By mid afternoon we were heading back to the airport to wait for our third flight in as many days.  We finally got back to our hotel after 10pm, then joined the crowds of locals back at the nearby Parilla restaurant.  The BA weather had finally cooled down, there was a lovely breeze, it was Saturday night, and people were out enjoying the evening.  We finally collapsed into bed after midnight, reminding ourselves that only this morning we were in the jungle of far northern Argentina.