South America, especially Argentina and Chile have some of the most breathtaking views and exotic landscape that a one-time visit can never be enough to satiate your traveling appetite. You are destined to come back again and again to soak in the beauty of this region. Since, we are talking about Argentina here, let’s concentrate on the beauties of this country some of which you just cannot think of leaving out of your itinerary.
If you are planning to visit two countries, say Brazil and Argentina, Paraguay and Argentina or Argentina and Chile, you can easily cross over borders by bus or car or just enjoy the luxury of flying to your destination. In case you are crossing over to Argentina from the Brazilian border, it would be rather sad if you do not make a stopover at Puerto Iguazu. The city that lies to the northeast is the fifth largest in the Misiones province of Argentina and a home to the famous Iguazu Falls, another natural wonder after the Niagara Falls.
Puerto Iguazu is a popular tourist destination, as it touches borders with Brazil and Paraguay. The city has its own Cataratas del Iguazu International Airport that is located 17 km from the city center, besides which travelers can come in from the Brazilian Airport, Foz do Iguacu International Airport. The Iguazu Falls, which is the main attraction here, is situated 18 km from the city center. The Iguazu National Park, which is a UNESCO declared World Heritage site, is the most sought after tourist attraction and holidaymakers from across the world come here to explore this natural reserve.
The climate of the area is mild in winter and hot and humid in summer while it rains throughout the year. Due to excessive rainfall, the region is covered by tropical rainforests and you can find some of the most exotic flora and fauna here. A nature walk, forest safari and a trek to the National Park that comprises of 275 waterfalls (“Iguazu”, in the native language, translates as “great waters”), is first on the itinerary of any visitor. The Iguazu Falls, discovered by Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca in 1541, are part of both Brazil and Argentina. The Iguazu River begins at Brazil in the Parana State and travels all the way into Argentina and falls into the Parana river 80 meters below the Devil’s Throat Canyon.
The upper path leads to a footbridge from where you can get panoramic views of the waterfalls and the natural surroundings around it. Watching the views from the footbridge at Devil’s Throat on a full moon night is an experience beyond explanation. You will be mesmerized by the beauty that is reflected by the moonlight. The lower path will take you to the base of the waterfall from where you can even take boat trips on the river. Other places of interest at Puerto Iguazu are the Tree Frontiers, La Aripuca Artisans complex, Mborore Museum, Municipal Nature Park and for those looking for gambling dens, the International Casino would suffice their needs.
Since, Puerto Iguazu is a great tourist destination, the city’s economy revolves around tourism. You will find a variety of accommodation options from luxury hotels to budget hotels that cater to all kinds of travelers. Puerto Iguazu is easily accessible by road as well as by air and is definitely a place worth visiting.
Photo by Marco Teodonio provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by hmlaplata provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by Santiago Rios provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by Sandro Salomon provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by Luiz Henrique Assunção provided courtesy of Panoramio.com