Visiting Iguazu (Iguaçu) Falls and Other Attractions

Iguazu (Iguaçu) Falls borders Argentina and Brazil and it has one of those views that will just take your breath away, at least it did for me. I only had a chance to see the falls from the Brazil side so this is what I’ll be focusing on.

Logistics

US Citizens need a tourist visa to enter Brazil. Here is a post I wrote on how to go about getting one. On the Brazil side you will be flying into Foz do Iguaçu International Airport (IGU). To get to the main town of Foz do Iguaçu from the airport, there is an inexpensive public bus (about $1USD) that you can take which I felt pretty safe in. They only take Brazilian Reals so make sure you have cash on you ahead of time.  This same bus will take you to the falls as well. Here is a great post by Points Summary which discusses how you can take the bus to the falls.

Iguaçu Falls

At the entrance to the falls there is a little cafe where you can grab a bite to eat before you begin your adventure. To enter the park, you must pay a fee of 57.30 Reals which is <$20USD and they do take credit card. You then get on a bus that will take you to the beginning of the falls trail. This is where the jaw dropping moments and subconscious exclamations of “wow” happens. Like they always say, you have to be there to really enjoy the beauty that is has to offer.

Iguacu falls

Towards the end of the trail, there is a place where you can walk out on a bridge into the “Devils Throat” and feel the power of the falls. You are so close that you will get wet from the spray and you can feel the wind as the water rushes down from the cliffs. It is really an exhilarating experience!

rainbow iguacu falls3

You will see tons of butterflies everywhere and you will find these cute raccoon like animals called quati (coati) walking around as this area is their natural habitat.

butterflies and coati

Bird Park (Parque das Aves)

Just a short walk from the entrance of Iguaçu Falls is a bird park where you can see hundreds of tropical birds. The entrance fee is 36Real or ~$11USD per tourist. Many birds are in large cages but some you can just walk right up to. It was my first time seeing a toucan up close!

Birds

My favorite part is the Macaw bird cage where many dozens of beautiful birds are surrounding you, flying above you, and walking right past you. Check out the video from my instagram account here.

Buddhist Temple

Another unique attraction northwest of this quaint town is a Buddhist Temple that sits at a higher elevation that the rest of the area. This give you the opportunity to see the town from above. The temple is set back in a neighborhood and the local bus does goes there but it does take a while and you may miss your stop so a taxi may be recommended. There is no entrance fee, just bring your camera and your respectfulness. You can visit the temple from Tues to Sun from 9:30am to 5pm. This place just has a tranquil and peaceful feel and I recommend visiting if you come to the area.

buddhist-temple

buddhist-temple2

Happy Travels!

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