Iguazu Primer

A great excursion to combine with whatever else you do (an extended stay in Buenos Aires, wine touring in Mendoza, trekking in Patagonia, etc. etc.), is a short 2 night jaunt up to specatcular, "wonder of the world" Iguazu Falls.

Since its European discovery in 1542, Iguazu Falls has been explored again and again and became a protected area on 1 January 1935. The Falls derive their name from the native people of the area with Iguazu literally meaning water (“I”) and big (“guazu”).

There are hundreds of falls and they extend a length of about 23km (14.26mi) from inception at the outlet of the Iguazu River on the Parana to culmination at Garganta Del Diablo (Devil’s Throat), one of the most impressive of the group with a height of 80m. Iguazu National Park and the Falls are easily visited and observed from the numerous catwalks and trails that traverse the area; the lower circuit allows for a more intimate exploration of the Falls while the upper gives the visitor a panoramic view. A beautiful catwalk at the culmination of the Falls allows for an unforgettable view of Devil’s Throat.

All of the beauty of Iguazu National Park and the Falls is just a quick one hour and fifteen minutes flight from Buenos Aires and provides for a memorable extension to a trip to Argentina. It is best to plan for a 2-night/3-day visit in order to be able to enjoy the Falls and the numerous activities throughout the park; the areas’ great hotels (St. George, 3-star; Cataratas and the Panoramic, 4-star; and the Sheraton, 5-star) make for a comfortable stay.

After visiting the Falls during the morning and early afternoon, travelers can take a one and a half hour 4X4 vehicle ride through the Jungle that gives them a view of the magnificent vegetation and wildlife with a boat ride on the Iguazu River up towards the Falls to finish off the day. If visitors would rather spend more time seeing the Jungle, they can take the Green Trail (600m) into the forest, where they will see numerous birds and wildlife and varying species of plant-life. Visitors may also ride the Train of the Jungle that runs through the forest, and due to its open wagons, allows for an interactive adventure.

Travelers leave this marvel of Argentina with memories and experiences to last a lifetime. For our help in experiencing it, contact us by email (info@latitudeworldtours.com) or call our Argentina desk (866.949.9940 x701). Online visit our Iguazu page at http://www.latitudetours.com/pages/la-3-day-iguazu-falls-extension. - Raul L.