An Amazing Day at Iguazu Falls

Sunday, March 19, 2017; Iguazu Falls

We explored the falls all day, and what a day.  Iguazu Falls is formed by the Iguazu River which is a very wide, very shallow river.  Just before the falls it is a mile wide in multiple channels, and averages only three feet deep.  The falls form a horseshoe with a very long tail, and we began with a 1.5 mile walk on beautifully constructed catwalks along the tail of the falls.  As we started we saw a beautiful Plush Crested Jay:

And, in the water, the head of a cayman waiting for his lunch.  We couldn’t see the rest of the animal in the murky water:

We soon had a good view of the long part of the falls.  Here’s a panorama:

And we took the proper tourist photo:

 The walkways from falls to falls and over the river were easy to walk:

 Here’s a video of the multiple falls on the “tail” of the horseshoe: 

Finally, after about 1.5 miles viewing this part of the falls, we came to a station where a very local train takes you to the point from which the ¾-mile trail to the horseshoe falls leaves: 

The river is very wide here, just above the falls:

It’s ¾ mile on a catwalk to the horseshoe falls, and the viewing platforms are just above the falls: 

The power, the volume of water, the sound, all were incredible.  As was the spray!  Here’s a video:

 After lunch we had an optional excursion by power boat up the river and under the falls.  There was a 6 km. truck ride on dirt roads to get to the top of the canyon above the launch site, and then a 250 step stairway down to the boat.  With Joyce’s back as fragile as it is, she wisely chose not to do this, as did a number of the people on our trip.  But it was pretty special!  Here’s the truck which took you to the top of the canyon:

We climbed down the steps to our boat: 

And up the river we went at a remarkable speed:

 Here’s how the “tail” looked from the river:

 And here’s approaching the horseshoe:

  

After that we were told to put away our cameras in the waterproof bags we were given.  A good thing, as we went right under some of the falls and got totally soaked!  The power of the water and the roaring were exhilarating!  Truly an amazing experience.

Tomorrow we’ll tour the Brazilian side of the falls and then off to Rio.  More then.