Iguazú Falls – Where three countries meet

Iguazú Falls – Where three countries meet

Iguazú Falls is where three countries collide, so if you’ve got a week you can travel and explore Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay in a single trip for a real South American adventure... If you want such adventure, the tips below will surely be a big help.

Getting around Taxis cross national borders without hindrance. There are regular buses to the falls from Puerto Iguazú and FozdoIguaçu, and to Ciudad del Este. Transport to Yacutinga is included in the lodge price; car hire is advisable to explore further a field in Misiones province.

Food and Drink If you do like beef, then you‘ll be in for a treat. Beef here, usually served in large slabs and ubiquitous throughout the region. If you are a Vegetarian – or those merely looking for lighter fare – will do better in the numerous Italian restaurants on the Italian side. In Brazil, you can find Portuguese dishes such as bacalhao (salt cod). For drinks, Yerba mate ‘tea’ is drunk socially throughout the region, at all times of the day, often from thermos flasks with metal mouthpieces that are passed around.

Iguazú Falls highlights Iguazú Falls. Twice as wide, and much taller than Niagara Falls, Iguazu Falls are the aftermath of a volcanic eruption which left a huge crack in the earth. During the rainy season of November – March, the rate of flow of water going over the falls may reach up to 12,750 cubic m (450,000 cubic feet per second). See them from all sides: Brazil for the views, Argentina for the close-up encounter, Paraguay for the extra stamp.

The Triple Border. Score a hat-trick of huge South American countries from a panoramic display with a view point over the Iguazú/Paraná confluence.

Ponteda Amizade (The Friendship Bridge). Crossing from FozdoIguaçu, Brazil, to Ciudad del Este, Paraguay Mayhem on the wild frontier. A human parallel with the natural frenzy of the falls, prompted by knock down prices.

Itaipú Dam. One of the great engineering projects of the world. Nature under the human thumbscrew. It is made up of concrete and steel on the main dam, with earth and rock on side dams. In 2008 the dam generated 94,684 megawatts, the largest amount of power ever produced by a single dam.

Yacutinga Reserve. A wildlife-rich patch of rainforest splintered by oozing creeks.

Wanda Mines. In seeping caves (on the road to San Ignacio), shine a torch on seams of quartz and amethyst crystals, agates and topazes.

San Ignacio MinĂ­. The remains of an astonishing civilization established in the jungle by 17th century Jesuits.

Health & safety Vaccination against hepatitis A, tetanus and yellow fever are highly recommended. The area is malariafree so there’s no need to worry. Be extra vigilant about pickpockets in Ciudad del Este, especially around the Friendship Bridge.