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Iguazu Falls (Cataratas del Iguazu)
The Cataratas del Iguazu (Iguazu Falls) are one of the wildest wonders of the world, with nature on the rampage in a unique show of sound and fury. The grandeur of
this cinemascopic sheet of white water cascading in constant cacophony makes Niagara Falls and Victoria Falls seem sedate. At a bend in the Rio Iguazu, on the border
with Brazil, the falls extend for almost 3 km (2mi) in a 270 degree arch. Iguazu consists of some 275 separate waterfalls - in the rainy season there are as many as
350 - that send their white cascades plunging more than 200 feet onto the rocks below. Dense, lush jungle surrounds the falls: here the tropical sun and the
omnipresent moisture make the jungle grow at a pace that produces a towering pine tree in two decades instead of the seven it takes in, say, Scandinavia. By the
falls and along the roadsides, rainbows and butterflies are set off against vast walls of red earth.
Allow at least two full days to take in this magnificent sight, and be sure to see it from both the Argentine and Brazilian sides. The Brazilians are blessed with
the best panoramic view, an awesome vantage point that suffers only from the sound of helicopters that erupt out of the lawn of the Hotel das Cataratas right in
front of the falls.
The Argentine side offers the better close-up experience of the falls, with excellent hiking paths, catwalks that approach the falls, a sandy beach to relax on, and
places to bathe in the froth of the Rio Iguazu. Local travel agencies and tour operators offer trips that will take you to both sides. If you want to set your own
pace, you can tour the Argentine side and then take a taxi or one of the regularly scheduled buses across the International Bridge, officially called the Ponte
Presidente Tancredo Neves, to Brazil.
Note that if you are a Canadian, British or American citizen crossing into Brazil from Argentina or Paraguay, you do not need a visa for a short visit to the falls.
You must, however, pay an entry fee and have your passport stamped. Always keep your passport handy, as immigration authorities keep the region under close watch.
The best way to immerse yourself in the falls is to wander the many access paths, which are a combination of bridges, ramps, stone staircases, and new metal catwalks
set in a forest of ferns, begonias, orchids, and tropical trees. The catwalks over the water put you right in the middle of the action, so be ready to get doused by
the rising spray. Be sure to bring rain gear - or buy it from vendors along the trails on the Brazilian side. If tropical heat and humidity hamper your style, plan
to visit between April and October, though the falls are thrilling year-round. Five upstream Brazilian barrages (mini-dams) on the river Iguazu cast a man made
unreliability on the natural wonder: depending on the river flow and seasonal rains, barrages may affect the water volume in the falls anywhere from 1.500 cubic
meters per second up to 8.000 or more.
| Tourism |
| Starting at the Cathedral and Archbishop's Palace and the 17th. century Church of San Francisco with its 19th. century tower, forming a group of outstanding beauty, from there the range of tourist sights spreads out in all directions of Salta - Argentina.
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