Cascading powerful jets of foaming water roaring and
crashing, lush tropical forest, a sky ablaze
with innumerable rainbows and exotic colourful birds, Iguaçu Falls are so magnificent that they would have
even the most world-weary traveller spellbound. And topping the spectacular delights of Rio de Janeiro is no mean
feat.
Discovered in 1541
by the Spanish Conquistador Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca as he was sailing along
the mighty River Iguaçu, he
named them the Holy Mary Waterfalls (Saltos de Santa Maria).
Straddling the
border of Brazil and Argentina, the “Big Water,” as the name translates, comprises
275 separate falls – the most imposing chasm being the aptly named Devil’s
Throat (Garganta Do Diabo) which has a massive drop.
Wider than Victoria
Falls and higher than Niagara, Eleanor Roosevelt, on seeing Iguaçu Falls for
the first time, reportedly, remarked: “Poor Niagara.” Having been there too, I understand what she
meant. They are a mere trickle in comparison. At Iguaçu Falls all you want to
do is stand and stare as you take in this awesome sight that manifests the
power of nature.
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| Iguaçu Falls Courtesy of the Brazilian Tourist Office |
There is no doubt about it that Rio de Janeiro has one of
the world’s most phenomenal settings. This glamorous, high-octane city seduces
you and catches you up in its spin in a way no where else could. Its streets,
buildings and favelas – no longer no-go areas – are moulded
chaotically into the granite peaks, with everything tumbling down on to the
stunning beaches. It’s a city that has football branded in its DNA, pulsates to
the rhythm of samba
and crackles with energy everywhere you turn.
Being up close and personal with the statue of Christ the
Redeemer on the Corcovado (hunchback)
mountain, and gazing at Sugar Loaf Mountain, the blue seas and the golden
sands of Copacabana and Ipanema beaches were awesome. But, Iguaçu Falls, one of
the new seven natural wonders of the world, certainly was as thrilling and an
experience I would not have wanted to miss for the world.
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| Rio de Janeiro Courtesy of the Brazilian Tourist Office |
See the falls from both sides, as you get a different perspective. (Remember to
check out visa requirements before you go.) On the Brazilian side you get
more panoramic views. The Argentinean side, which has the lion’s share of the
falls, I found, has a lot more paths to discover. You can spend hours on end
here. Looking at Devil’s Throat from above as the foaming waters violently roar
and thunder down is incredible. From the Brazilian side you get to see it from
below. There is also a walkway which takes you close up to the drama and where you can almost be
guaranteed to be covered by spray.
But, there is nothing that can compare to having your own
Indiana Jones moment (the film was shot here) with a boat trip which takes you
right into the rapids or the cataratas as the locals call them. You won’t just
get wet, you will get soaked!
Iguaçu Falls will be ingrained in my mind forever. Whenever
I hear the song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” I transport myself back to the
sights and sounds of the watery miracle that is my utopia.
By Daralyn Danns
Getting there
TAP
Portugal offers 17 weekly flights to Rio de Janeiro, via Lisbon. Fares start
from £590 including all taxes and surcharges. For further information, visit
www.flytap.com or call 0845 601 0932. A perfect way to start your holiday, this
airline consistently delivers good service
Return
flights to Foz do Iguaçu from Rio de Janeiro, approximately £250. Costs
vary dependent on when you are travelling visit Azul (voeazul.com.br) Gol
(www.voegol.com.br) or Tam (www.tam.com.br)
I stayed at
the Hotel das Cataratas ( www.hoteldascataratas.com) owned by Orient
Express in the Iguaçu National Park, Brazil. A touch of the old-world with good
service. It’s the amazing location – hop across the road for your first sight
of the falls – which is its draw
I stayed at the Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro, (www.copacabanapalace.com)
across the road from Copacabana beach. Elegance from a bygone era
