We have finally left the island paradise that is Florianopolis and moved on to Iguazu falls. It is an immense difference. The falls is remarkably similar to Niagra falls, bigger, but really only an attraction because of the natural feature. Without the falls, the town would be a tiny border crossing into Argentina without a reason for visit.
Unfortuantely the size of the falls has in many ways made it almost unreachable. To protect the area from tourists and tourists from the area, everything is heavily controlled and scripted. The pathways are paved, all the tours through the park heavily monitored and guided. There is no way to get away from the groups and actually take in the majesty of the landscape without a child, tour group, selfie stick pushing its way into your view. (although on an unrelated note, I was pleasantly tickled to see that selfie taking had surpassed shark attacks in causing human fatalities on the year).
But the falls is one of the 7 natural wonders of the world (depending on which list you look at) and we are here. So we went with the throngs of tourists, took our pictures and enjoyed the day. Fortunately, on the tour that we decided to take, it ended up being only the 2 of us with a guide. So that ended up being somewhat pleasant. We biked several kilometers along a dirt road, did a little kayaking, and a short hike. We were able to see a couple monkeys and an alligator or two. A couple other animals dashed off before we knew they were there. With the spike in the dollar to real exchange rate and having a private tour for 20% off, it was the best way to enjoy the area given the choices.
Today we are going to explore the town. It doesnt seem to have much to offer, at the moment changing money and a buddhist temple are the planned highlights for the day. But tomorrow we are off to Salvador and the coasts of Bahia as we make our way to Rio.
Unfortuantely the size of the falls has in many ways made it almost unreachable. To protect the area from tourists and tourists from the area, everything is heavily controlled and scripted. The pathways are paved, all the tours through the park heavily monitored and guided. There is no way to get away from the groups and actually take in the majesty of the landscape without a child, tour group, selfie stick pushing its way into your view. (although on an unrelated note, I was pleasantly tickled to see that selfie taking had surpassed shark attacks in causing human fatalities on the year).
But the falls is one of the 7 natural wonders of the world (depending on which list you look at) and we are here. So we went with the throngs of tourists, took our pictures and enjoyed the day. Fortunately, on the tour that we decided to take, it ended up being only the 2 of us with a guide. So that ended up being somewhat pleasant. We biked several kilometers along a dirt road, did a little kayaking, and a short hike. We were able to see a couple monkeys and an alligator or two. A couple other animals dashed off before we knew they were there. With the spike in the dollar to real exchange rate and having a private tour for 20% off, it was the best way to enjoy the area given the choices.
Today we are going to explore the town. It doesnt seem to have much to offer, at the moment changing money and a buddhist temple are the planned highlights for the day. But tomorrow we are off to Salvador and the coasts of Bahia as we make our way to Rio.
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