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Ola amigos
Yesterday we did the Green Passport tour on Iguazu Falls! This included an adventure aspect followed by an eco tour. We entered the park at 8.30 am and got on a jeep thu rainforest so similar to Qld as some of the plants are considered invasive species at home - ones that i was paid to irradicate! Indicates the close connection of Australia to South America through the ancient land mass of Gondwana (or was it Pangea). So many similarities in climate and flora.
From the jeep we transferred into inflatable speed boats (wearing lifejackets) and cruised down the river toward the falls, flanked by luscious rainforest-covered steep banks and circled overhead by black vultures.
We were awed as the cliffs parted to reveal the magnificent falls - nearly 2.5km wide! There are two main parts - the most spectacular is the Gargantua del diablo (the devil´s throat). After a close view of each for photos opportunities, we were given waterproof bags to store our stuff then taken right under them to be completely and thoroughly drenched by the gushing water! It was so intense you could barely keep your eyes open.
We landed and climbed up the cliffs through ferns, impatiens and philadendrons to several lookouts at different heights to view the falls. The butterflies are attracted to salt and gather in flocks of 20 to 100s next to pools and mud. They will even climb onto your finger and eat the salt from your sweat!
We caught a train back to a station where we could walk out along the top of the falls along metal bridges. This was amazing, crossing tributary after tributarty and with the most amazing views. Finally we emerged at the Gargantua del Diablo, an enormous volume of water falls in this narrow (ish) part of the falls, so the force perpetually propells a cloud of mist (like rainfall) up into the air. It was visible from the plane when i landed (it looked like a plume of smoke from a bushfire). We stayed there quite a while, getting drenched and we couldn´t take our eyes off one part that had an optical illusion as though it was bubbling right out at us, like a massive wave at the beach right before it covers you. We decided it would be impossible to explain and photos will never do it justice.
I´m so glad i made it here and have met some lovely girls and guys. Xander and Even in my room and Cait and Nikky from Sydney, also Jay from the Uk - bugs really like her!
We returned along the metal paths to a small inflatable row boat that took us on a peaceful cruise down the river back to near the entrance. We saw birds, a local creature similar to a kaymen (mother and 2 juveniles - one from this year and one from last year) and 2 turtles, one was spotted by me!!! it was so relaxing after the big day of trekking around the park.
OUr bus returned us to the hostel and we walked across the road to see Casa de los Parojes (house of birds) a wildlife santuary. Our guide, Argustin, was so knowledgable, friendly and funny. We walked for an our meeting birds, mammals and reptiles that have been rescued after being hit on the roads, attacked by other animals (including hunters-poachers) or brought in after a rich family disowns a creature that has grow up and is no longer the cute little thing they first thought. We saw brown capuchin monkeys, hawks, eagles, kites and owls plus macuco fowl - largest quail in the world. there were turtles and so much more that i forget the names of, will try to update this. there were giant macaws! now extinct in this part of the world (only up north)
While there i was bitten by a tiny spider (Arrane) and while it didn´t bother me at the time, later it swelled up and became too painful to walk on. The hostel call the doctor and Xander (who stayed 2 mth w ARgentinian family in Buenos Aires so his spanish was great) interpreted for me. She gave me an anti-inflammatory injection in my butt! It wasn´t painful and by the morning it has reduce significantly. so today is about rest and relaxation. >I will keep it elevated, iced and walk as little as possible.
Jay and i are having lunch and i will transfer by taxi to the Brazilian side where my hostel is. I fly out of Foz do Iguacu (the Brasilian side of the Iguazu falls) at 6am tomorrow up to Manaus where i will be greeted at the aeropuerto by Gero of Gero Tours, i stay at hostal dez del Julio. from there i will do a tour of the amazon - Juma area.
Well, until the next update - be well and happy
love and light always
Em
- comments
Jamee Campbell Great to hear you having such an amazing trip girl!
mary robertson oh Em! it sounds like you are having a wonderful time! I am missing you back here. enjoy your next adventure, I look forward to reading about it in the next update of your intrepid travels! love you love you love you!!!! mary faerie!! xxx
roberta Hi Em Loved your description of the falls XXXX Mum
Jay Doh Hey Miss Feather. You've painted a vivid picture of your travels thus far. It seems amazing and I am most jealous! You've reminded me of my travels in 2005 and how much I loved the experience. I'm glad to hear you're having fun and good to hear the Arrane didn't hurt your Arrass :-P Miss you heaps; so much so, you may get a local call from me sometime in January... Love ya guts xox, J
Bruce Hello Em :) Sounds awesome! Glad to hear you were not hurt too bad. It's been a torential downpour here for a week and I've been planting heaps of trees up the mountain. Getting dreached everyday but loving being in the rainforest. Hope u have a magical tour of the jungle on your next leg of the journey! Thinking of you heaps and sending you good vibes. J'taime xo