Destination: Iguazu Falls
Date: February 2014
Activity: Helicopter and Walking tour
Trent and I posing in front of Iguazu Falls
Iguazu, Brazil February 2014
Our second day in Iguazu was a very spiritual experience for me. We headed down to walk the boardwalks that border the river from our hotel right up to the falls. The view is absolutely stunning from the hotel but as we walked along the path we were given different vistas from each look out point that seemed to be more beautiful than the last. At one point just hearing the pounding of the fall, watching its beauty, and feeling the spray I felt overwhelmed with the majesty of God. I couldn’t help but appreciate his masterful hand in creating such beauty here on earth. There was a moment I had to just stop and give thanks that I have had this awesome opportunity to see this first hand. It was overwhelming.
So many beautiful views of Iguazu Falls
Iguazu, Brazil February 2014
An ariel photo from the helicopter
Iguazu, Brazil February 2014
I wish I could have captured all of the beauty of these falls! These walkways made it possible to get up and personal with the falls.
Iguazu, Brazil February 2014
Another aerial shot
Iguazu, Brazil February 2014
A beautiful panoramic shot of part of the falls
Iguazu, Brazil February 2014
Walking hand in hand with Trent we continued our path to the falls. Soon the path continued down to an elevated pier into the water with the falls surrounding us on three sides. Since we had gone down there early before the national park had opened to outsiders we had this deck to ourselves and our friends the “O”’s. All four of us took pictures, videos and felt the spray as we lingered by ourselves in the middle of Iguazu falls for a good forty minutes before anyone else disturbed our solitude. At one point a rainbow even made an appearance and added to the beauty which I did not think could be possible. My only wish is that everyone I know, my children, family, friends even the kid who bags my groceries at the grocery store back home could witness this once in their lifetime.
Our friends the “O’s” and Trent and I had the falls all to ourselves for over a half hour. It was such a beautiful experience. Some people even put love locks on the rails and threw away the key to signify their love.
Iguazu, Brazil February 2014
The spray was soaking so I wore a poncho to cover me up!
Iguazu, Brazil February 2014
As I write this blog post I know many people will not have this opportunity to see this majestic site in person. I hope I can do it justice as I describe its complete grandeur. I know I can’t but at least when people ask me where the most beautiful place I’ve ever traveled I can easily say without a doubt Iguazu Falls in Brazil!!
After our morning walk which took us about two hours we headed back to our hotel. We had been tempted to go across to the Argentina side of the falls to take it in from another perspective. The only thing that changed our minds is that there is now a $160 visa fee to enter Argentina from Brazil. That plus the charges of a taxi or bus across the border and then another park entrance fee we decided against going into Argentina. Instead we decided to see the falls from a helicopter. We thought this may save us a ittle money and give us the view from Argentina. We were glad we made this choice!
Our helicopter ride was an amazing experience on a brand new helicopter!
Iguazu, Brazil February 2014
Pure joy as we start our amazing trip over the alls
Iguazu, Brazil February 2014
The views of the dam of the Iguazu River, the view of Paraguay, and Argentina from the helicopter
Iguazu, Brazil February 2014
Helisul Helicopters gave us a great 40 minute tour of the falls and surrounding areas
Iguazu, Brazil February 2014
My fellow passengers took advantage of the microphones in the helicopter!
Iguazu, Brazil February 2014
Our helicopter was run by Helisul Panoramic Tours and is one of the most spectacular ways to see the beauty of the falls. There are cheaper ten minute tours that take guests over the top of the falls and give a beautiful view but we opted for the longer thirty-five minute tour. The longer tour takes visitors to the Three Borders Landmark or Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay, the Itaipu Dam one of the largest hydroelectric power plants in the world and the falls themselves. We really had a great experience seeing all three. Plus we were able to see the big cities that surround the National Park of Iguazu which we didn’t even know existed because the park is so large and had been our only destination during our stay in the region.
The local Brazilians selling their wares just outside of the helicopter station
Iguazu, Brazil February 2014
These strange animals were all around the park and we only noticed the “do not feed” signs until after we fed a few for pictures.
Iguazu, Brazil February 2014
At the pool at the Hotel Cataratas enjoying a beautiful afternoon after hiking the falls and going on a helicopter ride
Iguazu, Brazil February 2014
It was another amazing day and one I would never forget. There are many more hikes and tours we could have done but my favorite was just taking the time to sit and ponder the beauty of this South American gem. I can honestly say I will never forget the grandeur, romance, majesty, and sanctity of Iguazu Falls!
Safe and happy Travels!!
