Perhaps the switch to visiting this 7th natural wonder of the world now from the Argentine side rather than the forbidden land of Brazil (click here: no visas!) was a blessing in disguise. Could we have otherwise woken up to this view seen below? Plus the added anticipation of arriving at night and not knowing what was in store until drawing back the morning curtains. We’ll never know if Brazil is somehow better, and who cares? We have immense appreciation for what we are seeing.
Certainly people from all corners of the world travel to see this sensational destination, certainly among the top three waterfalls in the world. (Click HERE for my Worldwide Waterfalls blog). We met folks from Sydney, South Korea, Hungary, New Zealand, Italy and more. And it’s not like you can just hop in your car and continue on your merry way. It is definitely a destination.
Once aboard our Aerolinas Argentina flight from Buenos Aires, it was a breeze. The Iguazu airport is small but very modern and easy to navigate. The drive to the Gran Melia Iguazu was maybe 20 minutes. Of course, arriving at night built up our anticipation of what was to come.
What the rooms lack in size is made up for the proximity to the falls and excellent service. I opted for the “Red Level” service providing a lounge for nonstop grazing and guidance with communication in person or via Whatapp.
The warning sign on the balcony door regarding the monkeys that is not overstated. Leave the balcony door open and they will happily come inside your room and consume everything not nailed down. Apparently the room next door was accessed and a parade of monkeys passed by with chips, fruit and other snacks. The one below is on our balcony (empty handed). The gangs show up like clockwork every morning and late afternoon.
A pack of three below.
For our first visit to the falls, we walked the lower circuit. Other options are walking the upper (longer) circuit and the train that takes passengers to the amazing Devil’s Throat which we did on day 2.
The entire national parque that encompasses the falls has something around every corner. There is unique wildlife not seen elsewhere, and the falls calmly begin and progress to the ultimate cascades of water falling. The photos sum it up best.
Below, a coati – similar to a raccoon. Neither he nor the hubby had interest in each other.
View day 1 from the lower circuit
Below, view after the rain from our room
Wait, no mention of the food? A delicious lunch at the hotel below of fig, burrata, almonds & argula, followed by chicken milanese and fries (abundant here). Milanese preparation is a favorite in South American cuisine — who knew?? 
A trip to the local town and a stop at the “Triple Frontier” landmark. We are in Argentina; to the left is Paraguay and the right is Brazil
Below, a personal favorite photo — “the calm before the storm” where the spray indicates what is to come!
The indescribable “Devil’s Throat”
Next stop: Asuncion, Paraguay!
6 Responses
Such beautiful surroundings and the monkeys are very cute too! You two sure have great travel adventures.
Thank you! We sure do. Congrats on Leo 14. Seems like a great choice🙏
WOW. I guess I’ll start planning our trips according to yours. Your photos, your description of everything… what a delight!
Thanks Marcia!! It’s a lot of work but so worth it in the end..
What an amazing trip and spectacular photos! Your descriptions with links are great. Did you feel 2 days visiting the falls and national parque was sufficient? Thanks for sharing your wonderful (and not-so-wonderful) experiences!! Safe travels 🙂
Thank you Nomi! We were actually at the property 3 nights and it was plenty. One could do a day on the Brazil side for a different perspective, but we had that visa issue. 😒