After our early morning flight from Buenos Aires we arrive at the Hostel Inn, about a 10-minute drive outside Puerto Iguazú. The hostel is extremely well kitted-out with swimming pool, 2 bars, catering service, volleyball courts, football fields, pool tables, foozeball and WI-FI!
Hostel Inn, Iguazu
Our Iguazu team is made up of Adam 2 (South African), Adam 3 (Australian), Duncan (Australian) and little me, the fiery Irish lass. The honour of being 'Adam 1' was given to Irish Adam who is staying at the same hostel.
Between four of us it makes sense to split the cost of a taxi to the Brazilian side. We cross the border into Brazil, pass by Paraguay and queue for over an hour to get entrance tickets.
Entrance to Brazilian park
It is Sunday, 38°C (85% humidity) and we are elbow-to-elbow with hundreds of other tourists (many of whom are Brazilian). Despite the over-crowded feel and intense heat, there is nothing that can detract from the magnificence of the falls.
Adam 3, me, Duncan & Adam 2
There are many Coatis (Nasua) on the paths around the falls. There are signs throughout the park warning visitors to hide food in the presence of this raccoon-relative. The announcement on the bus inside the park advises us of the risk of contracting rabies from these creatures. Despite these messages, people continue to walk around with bags of food and some encourage their children to feed them by hand (in order to get a good photo). I find it unbelievable how ignorant people can be when it comes to wild animals. I keep my distance from these creatures and their sloth-like claws.
Coati
There are also large group of Andean Condors circling over the falls. They can fly up to 5,000 metres above sea-level with a wingspan of 9-10 feet.
Enjoying the cooling splash from the Falls
We wander the various paths around the falls before returning to the hostel for what was supposed to be 'a quiet night' ...... it is a most enjoyable evening involving Capoeira, Irish dancing, wrestling and heated political discussions. We consider taking a trip into town to visit the local club, Cuba Libre but at the appropriate moment there is an almighty downpour which begs us to sit tight under the shelter of the poolside bar.
Myself, Adam 3 and Duncan
New Norwegian friends, Frieda and Carolina
Capoeira on the dancefloor
Adam 3 is learning new moves
Relaxing by the poolside bar
The next day we are rather regretful that we stayed up until 7am. We arrive at the Argentine side, Cataratas, later than planned. There is only one thing that will wake-us up - a boat trip along the Iguazu River that actually goes under some of the falls! Absolutely drenched, we feel throughly refreshed! The intensity of the water pressure means that taking photos (underwater camera) is challenging!
Dock for getting the boat
'Safari' trip to get to the boat (lots of bugs)
Well that woke us up!!!!!
Presumably this photo was supposed to be of the waterfall?
Wahaaay! We drive under the falls again
We look a the falls from every angle imaginable, saving the highlight of the day until last - the Devil's Throat.
The Devil's Throat
Feeling a little bit waterfall-fatigued, we return back to the hostel for a quick splash in the pool, followed by a three-hour nap!! Ready to party, again! ;-) Tonight there is an asado followed by tango lessons. We keep bumping into the same people who all following the well-established Gringo Trail and also, large amounts of Israelis following their South American backpackers guide webiste!
I am glad that we visited both sides of the falls, for me the Argentine side was a more pleasant experience - there are a lot less tourists and the Devil's Throat is really marvelous. The Hostel Inn is a very well-run place and it is a good place to party and meet new people. I enjoyed staying there for a couple of days but for my taste, the place is too big, impersonal and a little soul-less. The guests at our time of stay were generally quite young (typically 18-22 years), and most of whom were heading on to Carnival.
We bid Adam 3 and Duncan farewell (they are headed to Salvador, Brazil for Carnival) and we make our way to the airport for another flight.....
Destination, Mendoza!
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