Foz Do Iguacu, South America – The Return 35 Years Later

Although relatively unknown outside of South America, Foz do Iguacu (Iguacu Falls) is easily one of the top 10 natural wonders in the world. While Iguacu is ranked highly on many lists of spectacular waterfalls, I say it’s the “King” and that Niagra and Victoria Falls are punk in comparison. Iguacu (from the original Indian name for “Big Water”) also demarcates the border between Argentina and Brazil. With more than 275 individual falls and a thundering 1000 cubic meters of water per second, it’s endless, alive, and awe-inspiring. You just can’t take your eyes off it. The traveler’s debate is about which side of the falls you visit, the Argentinean or Brazilian? The answer is to visit both sides. You get better panoramic views from Brazil, but experience the proximity and thunder in Argentina. While both sides have great scenic trails, the steel catwalks in Argentina take you right to the precipice in several locations. It’s easy to travel back and forth between the two countries, and the respective National Park Services managing both sides are organized and professional.

Plan a minimum of 2 days for a Foz visit and take the riverboat tour only if you’re flush with time and cash. The biggest pain in the ass is the money in Argentina (it reminds you of what Brazil was like 35 years ago), but their steaks make up for it. Speaking of 35 years ago, this was Katia and my return visit to the “Foz”. We made the same trip in 1988 after we’d recently met and were dating. On this return trip, we had our son Frank, who is now 25. I wonder what I would have said if told that my next trip to the Falls would be in another 35 years with a wife (Katia) and one of my grown sons. Maybe “you make your own luck”.