Iguaçu Falls
We flew from Rio de Janeiro to Foz, staying three nights at the Hotel Foz do Iguaçu. We viewed the Falls from both the Brazilian and Argentine sides, we visited Itaipu Dam on the Paraná River, the world's biggest hydroelectric facility, and also Parque das Aves, a wonderful bird park housing over 160 different species within a 40-acre forested park. We also crossed into Paraguay for a unique shopping experience.
|
|
Parque das Aves, on the Brazilian side, had large walk-through aviaries and the birds included macaws, parrots, toucans, flamingos, hummingbirds and more. Some of the birds allowed themselves to be petted, and one feisty little toucan hopped around on the ground untying people's shoelaces! There was also a butterfly habitat and a reptile exhibit.
|
|
After lunch at Porto Canoas Restaurant (and drying off) we walked the many trails that led to scenic viewpoints and one panoramic view of the Falls after another. Iguaçu Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are higher than Niagara Falls and wider than Victoria Falls. There are actually 275 separate waterfalls and areas where the waterfalls are in layers, overlapping each other.
|