Parque Nacional Iguazú was created in 1934 and the sub-tropical rainforest covers an area of approximately 67,620 hectares. It is now a declared UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This natural sanctuary is located in the far NE and experiences extremely high levels of humidity. The Iguazú River flows for approximately 1320km until its outlet in the Paraná. Its width generally varies between 500 and 1000m however within the park it broadens to 1,500m. A sudden drop in altitude here is the reason for the impressive water falls which form the main attraction of the park. Iguazú (Yguazu in Guarani) means Y = agua and Guazu = grande, entonces translated means Big Water.
The park is renowned for its natural heritage. There are numerous varieties of butterflies, the most impressive are bright blue and as big as your hand - spectacular! The Toucan, which you would swear is an enormous stuffed toy...until it flies - stunning. Tambien, many plants and other birds and animals, insects abound. Carpinchos, Coaties, Monkeys - the list goes on! So very impressive. One of those things you really cant describe the splendour of - you need to see it for yourself.
Went on a launch boat with two very amiable chappies - Nelson and Oscar - we shared the mate, and also went to Los Tres Fronteras, which is the confluence of the two rios (Parana y Iguazu). There, you can almost reach out and touch three countries - Brasil, Paraguay y Argentina. All very close to each other. If it wasn't for the Yacare (alligators) you could swim betwewen all three in a matter of half an hour or so. See the photo - Argentina is on the left, Brasil on the right and Paraguay straight ahead. And thats us sharing mate in the launch. Later that evening we shared an asado together - great way to end the day.
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