I wish now that I had made more effort to watch David Attenboroughs docmentary on the Iguazu Falls. To know something about the ecology of the park would have enhanced the visit tenfold. The name Iguazu in the local language translates as big water.
The falls were, as promised, spectacular. Huge torrents of water plunging over plant covered cliffs, birds of prey circling above in the updraft, cicadas and tropical birds filling the thick, wam air with sound.
We balanced on boardwalks to view the falls from three heights. Some walks went right over the top of falls, another went underneath. The final one took you over mangrove islands to the top of the largest fall. The violence of the water was such that you couldn´t see the river below; mist from the flow obscured the view.
The visit was disappointingly impersonal. Surrouded by tourists it was difficult to feel a connection to the place, despite appreciating the beauty. The highlight for me was the wildlife. In just one day, without looking very hard we saw a family of coaties, wild guinea pigs, a caiman chilling in the water, catfish, a furry, wild pig looking thing, mokeys, a toad almost the size of a football, countless lizards and birds, and butterflies. Butterflies of every shape, size and colour swarmed through the air creating clouds of brilliance.
The day ended with a three kilometre walk through the jungle to find a small fall that was off the beaten track and thus,we hoped, less tourist infested. It was sweltering hot and we were depserate for a swim. The pool under this distant fall is the only swimming place in the park. After 40 sweaty minutes of walking we were delighted to find a beatiful, slender fall with a natural pool and granite rocks for sunbathing. And only a few young folk like ourselves enjoying it! Again the butterflies had gathered to show off their stripes. Lying in the fall, with a group of butterflies surroundng me, enjoying the sunshine, was a profoundly peaceful experience.
The falls were, as promised, spectacular. Huge torrents of water plunging over plant covered cliffs, birds of prey circling above in the updraft, cicadas and tropical birds filling the thick, wam air with sound.
We balanced on boardwalks to view the falls from three heights. Some walks went right over the top of falls, another went underneath. The final one took you over mangrove islands to the top of the largest fall. The violence of the water was such that you couldn´t see the river below; mist from the flow obscured the view.
The visit was disappointingly impersonal. Surrouded by tourists it was difficult to feel a connection to the place, despite appreciating the beauty. The highlight for me was the wildlife. In just one day, without looking very hard we saw a family of coaties, wild guinea pigs, a caiman chilling in the water, catfish, a furry, wild pig looking thing, mokeys, a toad almost the size of a football, countless lizards and birds, and butterflies. Butterflies of every shape, size and colour swarmed through the air creating clouds of brilliance.
The day ended with a three kilometre walk through the jungle to find a small fall that was off the beaten track and thus,we hoped, less tourist infested. It was sweltering hot and we were depserate for a swim. The pool under this distant fall is the only swimming place in the park. After 40 sweaty minutes of walking we were delighted to find a beatiful, slender fall with a natural pool and granite rocks for sunbathing. And only a few young folk like ourselves enjoying it! Again the butterflies had gathered to show off their stripes. Lying in the fall, with a group of butterflies surroundng me, enjoying the sunshine, was a profoundly peaceful experience.
2 comments:
wow, take me with you. Yes? I have candies we can share!
Hope you are enjoying evey second of it darling, love and zen vibes are sent towards you everyday.
muchos besos xox
oh my goodness. all i know is that i am grateful for the blog. i think about you almost everyday and admire your bravery and sense of adventure.
thank you for providing me with some international wonder in the middle of a town based around disney world....
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