The power of Iguazu

In one day we had increased our temperature by around 30+ degrees. We had gone from the ice land of Patagonia to the burning sun of Iguazu. We were here to see the longest falls in the world.

We had perfect weather – hot, sunny and not a cloud in the sky. This of course meant that we needed to apply sunscreen every five minutes and were surrounded by South Americans who thought it was perfectly acceptable to be half naked in the heat. Girls were getting around in bikinis, men in DT’s and one girl even in shorts and a bra. Honestly people!!

(The only thing in the park not half naked!)

The falls were impressive. We spend the morning walking along the top of the falls and taking in the view from above. Amazing to stand at the top and see the sheer amount of water that goes over the edge.

We then made out way down to the lower circuit and down to the river.

My adrenaline junkie mother decided we needed to head out on a boat and go as close to the base of the falls as we could. We donned our life jackets and set off.

(Life jacket models)

The falls are spread out and we first went as close as we could to ‘The devil’s throat’….Sounds like fun doesn’t it….. Anyway, we then went around the other side and needless to say between the waves and the spray we were drenched – drenched! – in under 2 minutes. But the view was worth it. And we didn’t die.

(Yes, I did that…)

(A boat going into the devil’s throat)

Have you ever tried walking around in 36 degrees soaked to the bone in wet clothes? It isn’t the most pleasant experience!

(Trying to dry out…)

We pushed on and headed to the main attraction, the top of ‘The devil’s throat’. For me, this was the most impressive part of the day. Standing at the top and seeing all the water that needs to go over is incredible. From the Brazilian side you can take a boat and go upstream…there is no way I’d be doing that…what if the force of the waterfall pulled you over? Clearly this is highly unlikely, but still….