Around the World in 180 Days with D and N: Iguazu Falls, Day Two

Our second day in the park combined a nature walk, a 4-wheel vehicle trip along a jungle trail, a four mile boat trip through the Lower Iguazu River (with a couple of kilometers of rapids), and very wet closeups of the Garganta and the San Martin waterfall, the second largest one.

From the entrance area, we did a 20 minute walk along a jungle path (The Green Trail) up to the central area, where we boarded a vehicle for a four mile trip along the Yacaratia Trail.

Nick on the Green Trail

Guide Explaining (in Spanish and English) the Flora and Fauna on the Yacaratia Trail

We then climbed down (lots of) steps to the River to board the boat for the River trip. We raced through the rapids, then stopped for some photo ops before proceeding twice under the San Martin and Garganta Falls. They furnish water-proof bags for cameras (and our shoes) but otherwise we were really soaked!

Boats at the Boarding Area, Lower River

Exciting Trip Through the Rapids

Toward the Garganta Falls


The San Martin Falls

Before the Deluge

Into the Deluge

After the Deluge, Very Wet But Happy

We climbed LOTS of steps after leaving the boat, but had some great views of the Falls. We then took the path toward the center of the park, past additional waterfalls. We stopped at the Sheraton (the only hotel actually in the Park), got some advice about proceeding to Bailoche the next day, and contacted Delta in Atlanta (courtesy of the Sheraton desk clerks) to change our reservation from Bariloche to Mendoza, with a flight from Mendoza to Santiago on the 30th. Back in town at our hotel, we got online and made reservations in Mendoza. The hotel manager Marcelo, a very sweet guy with very little English, brought an English-speaking buddy in to call the Mendoza hotel and arrange for airport pickup. Since our mobile phone is not functioning here, we have been reliant on the kindness of strangers and they have really come through for us!