Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls 1/5/24

 Buenos Aires by Laurie Hardcastle Seil

It’s time to explore the “Paris of South America”! I’ll admit I’m feeling a bit sad I won’t see much of this beautiful city, but I am extremely excited to visit Iguazú Falls. There is so much to see here in Buenos Aires I could research and go on all day but since none of us have time for that I’m going to just suggest a few of the many sights in the barrios or neighborhoods that you might visit if you’ll be here in port for two days. And of course, I’ll share a few things about the awe-inspiring wonder that is Iguazú Falls as well.

Buenos Aires, meaning “good air”, was named after the fair winds that blew in off the ocean. I found it interesting that Magellan made a quick stop here on his trip to navigate around the world. He tried to find a connection between the Atlantic and Pacific by going up the Rio de la Plata but quickly realized that wouldn’t work. We’ll be heading through the strait he did find soon enough. Buenos Aires was actually founded twice, first in 1536 but it was soon destroyed by the native Querandi peoples following a nasty battle between themselves and the Spaniards. In 1580 a second settlement was started but it took a while for it to grow. The colonists were under the rule of the Viceroyalty of Peru which meant that all trade had to go overland from Argentina to Lima, Peru then on to Spain, then reverse to get anything back. Once the powers in Peru started neglecting Buenos Aires the locals set up their own contraband trade with Brazil and the Caribbean and the settlement began to thrive, it also nurtured the settler's independent spirit. By the time Napoleon put his brother on the throne of Spain in 1810 the citizens had had enough of colonial rule and in May of that year began their war for independence, achieving their goal in 1813 with the help of national hero José de San Martin. 

It was recommended over and over that if you’re visiting here you need to go to a tango show. Stories vary on exactly how the dance was born but it was considered somewhat offensive by the city’s citizens overall until the early 20th century when the Argentinian high society embraced it. It is now a UNESCO-designated Intangible Cultural Heritage, who even knew there was such a thing!

On to Iguazú Falls, the largest waterfall system in the world at 2700 m (2.7 or 1.7 mi) in length. Its 275 individual falls are found on the Iguazú River which forms the boundary between Brazil and Argentina. The name itself comes from a Guarni Indian word that means “great water”. 80% of the falls are on the Argentina side while most of the river itself is in Brazil. Devils Throat (Garganta del Diablo) is the largest of the falls, a thundering mass of water that powers over the cliff. Rainfall here is highest between December and February so that’s when the falls are most powerful, yay for us, it’s also the hottest time to visit so I guess we can’t have it all. We get a twofer here because not only is Iguazú National Park in Argentina a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but Iguaçu National Park in Brazil has the same designation. Where else in the world are you going to find that? 

Iguazu Falls as amazing and well worth the craziness to get here.  With little (or no sleep) we boarded our plane to the falls at 5:30 am (3:30 am pick up from hotel), boarded the bus and began what ended up being a VERY long day.  Since we were touring both sides of the park, starting with Brazil, you needed to clear customs in Argentina and then immigration in Brazil, which took about 2.5 hours!!! And then the magnificence began.  We walked in excess of 15K steps, and it was worth every step.  The pictures and videos are amazing but in person - there are really no words to describe mother nature!!!  We also got to witness a proposal in front of Devil's Throat (she said yes!).  The entire day was fabulous, but the boat ride into the falls was a hoot.  Totally drenched and went into the falls 3 times.  Must have been our lucky day with the rainbow awaiting us at the end of the ride.  After about 8 hours in the park, it was back to the bus, through immigration and customs again.  Arrived at our hotel and in our room at 8:15 pm.  The pickup for the dinner and Tango show was 8:30 pm so we missed it - no way to get a shower and out the door that quick (besides being exhausted). Return would have been midnight, and we had a 4:30 am pick up the next morning to see the Argentinian side.  We were the FIRST group to ever get into the park at 6 am to watch the sunrise over the falls.  Again, watch the video and see the pictures, it was magical.  We had a morning breakfast after walking the top of the falls, and then walked the lower falls for another 2 to 3 hours.  Another 15K steps that day.  Then back on the bus to the airport arriving at the ship at 6 pm.  30 minutes to spare to board the ship!!!  All in all, an extremely successful time at Iguazu Falls.  Wildlife abounds and scenery is magnificent.  If you ever have

the chance to go - GO!!!  Only regret is that we did not get to see Buenos Aires which looked to be another wonderful city to tour.  Maybe our next trip?????