The falls and the biggest rrrooodent in the world

We had planned to spend a few days at the beach in northern Urugauy but it was a little cold for lounging on the beach so we decided to make our way up to Iguassu falls. After much consultation with our lonely planet we decided the best route would be to head from Montevideo, where we spent a night up to Porto Alegre in Brazil then hop onto another bus to Foz do Iguassu. Sounds easy enough but affter 30 hours on a bus we arrived in Foz do Iguassu in a zombie like state and very keen to get some sleep. Foz is a really relaxing town on the Brazilia side of the border of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. It is just down the road from the spectacular Iguassu Falls and was well worth the effort getting here.

We found a great little hostel to say at called Bambu Hostel. The staff here were more than helpful and there was a nice group of mellow travellers staying here. It was pretty cold and misty when we got here but but once the sun came out and the mist burnt off it turned out to be another amazing blue sky day. After freshening up with a luke warm shower and putting on some clean clothes we decided to make our way up to the Brazilian side of the falls. It was really easy to get there, just jumped on a public bus which takes you right up to the start of the reserve where the falls are.

The falls were absolutely amazing, and they are based in an area of preserved forrest which adds to the atmosphere. The falls can be viewed from both the Brazilian side and the Argentinean side of the border. Brazil only has access to 20% of the falls but is still well worth a look as that side gives you more of a panoramic view of the falls. We spent a couple of hours taking in the views and enjoying the warm Brazilian sunshine. Argentina and Uruguay had been a similar temperature to back home, so it was great to get some warmer temperatures.

We woke up the following day to another beautiful sunny day and headed over to the Argintinean side of the border. So strange just being able to drive to another country in a matter of minutes!! Our hostel had arranged a tour for us which was really good value, our guide was knowlegable and had a really keen eyye for the lopcal wildlife. He would spot turtles, cayman and birds that we just walked straight past. The Argentineans own 80% of the falls and you get a much more up close look at them from this side. We got really up close on a boat, they dorve us right under the falls and got us absolutely soaked. definitely recommend doing the boat, just make sure you keep your camea dry and bring a something to change into.

After getting off the boat we got picked up in this army style truck with this funny local guide. He had the quirkiest speech which had us all amused. He told us about the Puma and Jaguars which are around but very rarely seen. He also mentioned that this area is home to the worlds largets RRRRooooooooodent, as he put it. A 80kg critter that apparently looks like a pig. I was really hoping we would see one but I think the combination of massive army style 4x4 and the sound of this crazy local speaking into a microphone scared every animal in a 2 mile radius.

We had a great time in Foz, if you are plannig a trip here definitely spend at least 2 days here and take a look at the falls from both sides. Off to Rio this evening, can´t wait.