Stepping off the plane felt like entering into another world. After months of enduring chilly climates, the sheer bliss of being embraced by the gentle caress of warmth was beyond words. Even though it was night time, with each breath of balmy air, I felt a contagious enthusiasm bubbling up within me, ready to embrace every adventure and soak in the vibrant energy of this tropical oasis.
Being a small town, Puerto Iguazu has a straightforward airport transfer. A shuttle bus took me within walking distance from my hostel. The owner welcomed me warmly and shared valuable tips for exploring the legendary Iguazu Falls the next day.
The following morning, I embarked on the journey to the falls. A convenient and frequent bus from the city centre transported me directly to the park entrance. Despite the somewhat steep admission fee, it was well justified. Once inside, I was greeted by well-constructed wooden walkways that stretched for kilometres, offering panoramic views of the breathtaking falls.
With a map in my hand and a medley of sensations sweeping over me I set off into the park. It was a welcome change to bask in the warmth of the sun after a year of chilly climates. The lush jungle surroundings added an element of novelty to my recent adventures. As I ventured through the walkways, the powerful roar of the waterfalls grew louder with each step, a symphony of nature that lured me forward.
En route, I encountered smaller falls, each with its own unique charm. Though captivating, they served as mere previews of the grandeur that awaited me. Snapping a few quick photos, I pushed forward, driven by an insatiable desire to witness nature’s masterpiece firsthand.
Almost unexpectedly as I turned a corner, the full spectacle of the falls unfolded before my eyes. The sheer magnitude of the cascading waters left me speechless, a sight that defied comprehension. Pausing at a lookout point, I absorbed the breathtaking panorama before venturing closer for a more immersive experience.
Reaching a point directly beneath the falls, I could feel the immense power and mist surrounding me. Roaring all around me, it was an invigorating encounter, though the spray threatened to drench me entirely. I stepped back to admire the falls from a safe distance, captivated by their beauty and the interplay of light and water.
This experience repeated itself throughout the day as I traversed the well-marked pathways, venturing to various viewpoints and relishing the ever-changing perspectives. As the sun began its descent, signalling the park’s closure, I reluctantly bid farewell to this natural wonder.
Fortunately, the park entry ticket allows for 2 admissions, so I returned to the park the following day. This time, I embarked on a hiking trail that promised hidden gems. I don’t think the trail was meant to be open due to recent rains. The path led me through sections flooded with water, requiring me to navigate barefoot.
The pools of water were breeding grounds for mosquitoes that attacked me en masse. I’ve been to many mosquito ridden environments, but nothing compared to this. After a mere seconds of stopping, I’d have an alarming amount stinging me in search of blood. It was unbearable to pause for even a second or two. I had a rain jacket with me, but meant I had to choose between a mosquito war or overheating. I chose the heat.
After a couple of hours of torture, I arrived at a seemingly unremarkable waterfall, one that didn’t match the hype I had heard. Furthermore, swimming was prohibited, dampening my initial excitement entirely. Though, I considered it a day well spent. There was no one else on the trail and it was much more rugged than the wooden pathways throughout the rest of the park. I went back, content with the day’s activities.
Once I got back to Puerto Iguazu, I had to prepare for the 26 hour bus trip to Salta that awaited me. Fortunately, buses in South America are very spacious and sleeping is quite easy.
