ARGENTINA: Puerto Iguazú

The bus trip from Asunción to Puerto Iguazú proved to be less complicated than expected. Armed with some good movies and fortified by a three-hour nap the time passed quickly. Fortunately, I woke up before my stop in Ciudad del Este. Frankly, complications wouldn’t have mattered anyway since I had finally escaped Paraguay’s horrible capital city, and the second bus only took another hour to reach my final destination. Puerto Iguazú’s claim to fame is as a waystation to the falls and a break from the city life.

BELMOND HOTEL DAS CATARATAS – This place is steps away from good views of Igauzú Falls. I think I stayed here in 2004 after Carnaval in Rio. The views from Argentina are superior which is why I’m staying in Puerto Iguazu. The trip to the Brazilian side was just a refresher.

On the trail, I ran into what I assume was a friendly skink who had lost a tail that was in the process of growing back. He didn’t seem to mind having a camera shoved in his face because he carried on turning over rocks and munching on insects without a care in the world.

IGUAZÚ FALLS – BRAZILIAN SIDE

Boats take scenic tours up the river and drive under the falls giving the occupants a nice fresh shower. This probably is a big help given the ninety-degree heat this time of year.

LOOKING DOWN THE DEVIL’S THROAT

CLOSE-UP OF THE DEVILS THROAT

ARGENTINIAN SIDE OF IGUAZÚ FALLS

SELFIE-SHOOTING TOURISTS – THE BANE OF MY EXISTENCE

TOUCAN HIGH IN A TREE

COATIMUNDI – ON THE PROWL FOR UNHEALTHY SNACKS – I COULDN’T BELIEVE IT, BUT A CHINESE TOURIST TRIED TO STOMP A BABY COATI WHO JUST WANTED SOME FOOD. I’M SURPRISED THEY DIDN’T TRY AND CUT OFF ITS TAIL FOR A SOUVENIR.

THIS ONE FOUND A PIECE OF BREAD

THIS BUNCH GATHERED FRUITS THAT WERE JUST DROPPING OFF OF THE TREES BY THE BUSHEL.

BABY COATI MUNCHES ON FRUIT

WATERFALL TRAIN STATION

THE TRAIN TAKES YOU TO THE FAR REACHES OF THE PARK

THEN YOU DISEMBARK AND WALK A HALF MILE TO THE FALLS

The Devil’s Throat comes into view.

People file past for an opportunity to view the Devil’s Throat.

I recommend getting up at the crack of dawn to avoid the crowds.

Looking back at the Brazilian side.

BRAZILIAN SIDE – That’s the elevator tower.

THE DEVIL’S THROAT

HEADING FOR THE TRAIN

THE VAN BURGER – This place made fantastic burgers from two mini-vans on their open-air patio with a cook in each.

RICK & MORTY – The restaurant had this great mural.

Then they switch on the black-light at night.