You say Iguacu and I say Iguazu….

Day two at Iguazu started at 8:30am – but we were waiting for Ricardo at 7:30am – why? He forgot to tell us that Brazil went off of Daylight Savings Time at the beginning of the month – Argentina does not change until March 14/15. Oh well…at least we were not late.

We drove first to the Parque das Aves – a Bird Park. The Park was set in the natural jungle setting – there were some cages but mostly giant aviaries. It was a lot like the Wild Animal Park in Escondido/San Diego. The Parque also rehabilitates birds. Two Scarlett Macaws were there because poachers had cut out there wings for the feathers…how awful!!! The Park was well maintained and had explanations in Spanish, Portuguese, and English.

Next we drove to the Falls after stopping at a small museum at the entrance to the Brazilian National Park. Ricardo took us to the starting point of a pathway down into the canyon of the river. At the top we saw a large coatis – a raccoon like animal whose habitat runs from Central America to northern Argentina.

The walk down the path was spectacular. Since most of the Falls are actually on the Argentinean side, the views are really best from Brazil. The path continues to a natural ledge that is about half way down into the gorge of the Iguazu River. Views from here are spectacular – there is that word again! There are viewing platforms seemingly built out into thin air!

There is an elevator that takes you back to the top – where there are more viewing platforms and a restaurant. We again indulged in a great buffet lunch – which served as our main meal of the day. From here, we took a park bus back to where Ricardo’s car was parked at the hotel – the one inside the Park on the Brazilian side.

The last stop of the day was the BEST – the Macuco Safari by Boat. The trip starts with a ride through the jungle in a “wagon” type vehicle with seating for about 20 being pulled by a jeep. After a while, you switch to the back of a truck fitted with seats. Finally, you reach the river. On a floating dock, you take off your shoes and socks, put on a life preserver, and board the Zodiac with outboard motor. Off WE GO! The Zodiac flies down the river – what a great way to cool off. After a while, the Falls come into view – and the Devil’s Throat – what a sight from the floor of the canyon from the river! After waiting our turn, the Zodiac raced up the river toward the main part of the Falls. Along the side of the canyon there were three large falls. The “captain” swung around and we approached the water – suddenly we were really close to where the water hit the river. Drenched! Did I say “Drenched?” I mean soaked, drenched, water-logged!! No wonder we were told to take off our shoes and socks.

The unsuspecting Tourist about to be drenched!!

In our group of “boaters” were 5 “grandmas” from St. Louis having the times of their lives! Whooping and hollering like teenagers. What fun…and it sure cooled us off! We bought a DVD of our trip. Think I will look at it during the next heat wave in San Diego!!!

Back to the Pousada after another fabulous day at Iguazu Falls!