Day 386: Iguazu Falls, Argentina
When Chris decided to visit me in Buenos Aires for 8 days we wanted to do a side trip and had considered Iguazu, Uruguay and Mendoza.
Iguazu won out after talking to other travelers who had been to all three and said it was amazing.
A waterfall is amazing?
The truth is I’m a bit jaded by volcanoes and waterfalls after seeing so many this year but people kept talking about how great they were so we decided to head there.
I was skeptical that a waterfall was worth a 16-hour bus ride. I’ve been to Niagara Falls. I took my family on a jungle tour in Ecuador that had dozens of waterfalls. A waterfall is a waterfall, right?
I have never seen anything like this.
Iguazu is massive and powerful. People are drenched in water from the spray. In some places you have to yell to be heard.
We had a great afternoon walking around the falls. On our way back to the hostel we talked about what I would write for the blog and if it should be titled Don’t go chasing waterfalls – which Chris sung that day.
I tried to think of something clever or introspective to write.
I have nothing.
Some days I just see cool things, they don’t make me evaluate my place in nature or ponder the universe. They don’t help me question what I am doing with my life.
They just make me smile. And sometimes that’s enough.
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I'm Ayngelina and in my mid-thirties. I left an amazing job, boyfriend, apartment and friends to find inspiration in Latin America. I'm creating a new life choosing what I want instead of what other people think I should do.
Yep, you are right … sometimes you just have to shake your head and realize how lucky you are to be there.
Scott recently posted..Singing The St Louis Blues
I totally agree. Smiling is just enough.
Nomadic Chick recently posted..Summer Lovin’ Had Me a Blast Summer Lovin’ Happened So Fast
That top photo is amazing. And I totally know what you mean: So many days I have pretty pictures I want to post just because they’re far better at describing a place than I ever could. But I feel the need to also add words, much as they fail me often. I like this mantra: They just make me smile. And sometimes that’s enough.
Words to live by!
Camels & Chocolate recently posted..Gliding High Over Oahu
You’ve compacted so much of where we’ve gone…not too much to say about Iguassu/Iguazu.
It just a, well, wonderful.
Think you might get a kick out of this pic: http://www.thepanamericans.net/2010_12_01_archive.html
INcredible pictures. What kind camera are you using?
It’s not the camera, it’s the photographer!
What amazing pictures!
I fully agree with you on this one. You can’t always have something mind blowing and life changing to say about a place – sometimes they’re just beautiful. And that’s enough.
Katherina recently posted..Photo Essay- The Swiss Riviera Vevey
Iguazu is beautiful, isn’t it. Completely unexpected for me as well – but just overwhelmingly beautiful. I remember standing there, trying to imagine how it must have been for someone stumbling upon these falls, say 500 years ago.
Sophie’s World recently posted..The longest place name in the world
Have you seen the film “The Mission” with Robert DeNiro? that will give you an idea of what it was like living there centuries ago.
Ana recently posted..More Argentina fun facts
I haven’t! Which reminds me a while back I read a post with 10 movies about Argentina that I wanted to watch while here, any other recommendations
Nueve Reinas, El secreto de sus ojos (The secret in their eyes – won an Oscar), Caballos Salvajes, Un lugar en el mundo, Historias mininas, Plata quemada
Ana recently posted..More Argentina fun facts
It’s like the world collapses into this deep pit that seems to stretch forever.
I will go where one day..
Vi recently posted..What’s on in Sydney in May- 2011
Absolutely beautiful. Posted on my bucket list. Thanks for writing about things that make us smile Ayngelina.
I can’t believe you even considered not going to Iguazu! I was one of our favorite places.
Don’t know if you ever got around to watching some of our earlier podcast eps, but we did 3 on Iguazu!
I know but after 13 months of traveling you start to get less excited about waterfalls and volcanoes. I suppose it’s like cathedral fatigue in Europe.
I know what you mean, I’ve been there less then a month ago, and it’s wonderfull!
But if you have the time, you really should spent more time in the province Misiones, it has a lot more to offer than just Iguazu (I want to go back lol)
The weather is certainly a lot better than in Buenos Aires!
I’ve read somewhere that the difference between day and night is bigger than the difference between summer and winter
the world needs more WaterFalls & smiles ~paz y amor~
Well said Ayngelina! I remember gazing into that part of the falls that they call – the Devils Mouth, and almost falling into a trance! What a beautiful place!
Mark Wiens recently posted..Guide to the 4000 Islands of Laos- Don Khong- Don Det- Don Khone Part 1
Yes that’s where we started, absolutely incredible.
The first picture is absolutely stunning and I imagine it doesn’t entirely capture the beautiful that you see by being there. And sometimes a smile says it all.
I would definitely take the 16 hour bus ride to see Iguazu Falls. We felt the same way about Victoria Falls before going. We thought, really how amazing can it be? And then we saw it and were blown away. Good for you for stopping and taking in the moment.
Yep we definitely made the right decision, instead of going to Mendoza we just drank a lot of red wine here.
Looks like a wonderful place to visit. Lost for words!
Natalie recently posted..Yesilkent
Wow…the first thing I thought was a 16 hour bus ride?? Good Lord. But that waterfall is pretty darn spectacular!
Jan Ross recently posted..This is the Opposite of Writer’s Block
I have taken SO many 20+ hour rides but this was Chris’ first one. He said it was great and then decided he’d fly us back
So glad you enjoyed it. Although we often find tourist sites a let down Iguazu definitely lived up to all the hype for us.
Erin recently posted..Puerto Viejo- Costa Rica- Beaches- Bikes and Brownies
I know I remember when you posted about Machu Picchu!
You should re-title your article “Iguazu: You MUST go”….
I was absolutely blown away when I went there two years ago. It’s so spectacular! I love how accessible it is, despite the fact that it’s in the middle of the jungle. (One of my first blog posts was about Iguazu too)
Michael Figueiredo recently posted..Snapshot- Siena- Italy
True, I was puzzled as why everyone said it was so amazing but then once I saw it I thought – okay I get it.
So glad that you enjoyed your time there! I loved it too and was smiling from ear to ear the time.
Cheryl Howard recently posted..I Left My Heart In Plaza De San Francisco
So overwhelming to see something that large and powerful. I’m happy we made the effort to go.
It’s funny because sometimes I feel the exact same way about a trip, that it was too “pretty” to write about. But then a year or so later, I’ll suddenly think of an angle for the trip and be able to write so much more about it.
Odysseus recently posted..Cherry Blossoms in Korea
I see lots of stuff that are so pretty or cool and I think, hmm can’t write about it because all I have to say is This is cool. You should go.
you could make an other seccion in your blog mentioning those places? I, for one, am interested
Perhaps when I get home this summer I can create country guides. It could be a good idea…
Yeah, that would be helpful to people who want suggestions of pretty places to visit, especially things maybe not in the regular guidebooks. Just make a “This is cool” tab. And add pretty photos!
Odysseus recently posted..Cherry Blossoms in Korea
Great…. now I have TLC stuck in my head…. thanks for that….. hahaha
beautiful pics!
Cailin recently posted..My South Shore Adventure in Iceland Part 2
It was in mine for days, happy to pass it on!
Next time I’m in Argentina, I want to stay longer and go to Iguazu Falls. I’ve heard so many great things about it. So how does it compare to Niagara Falls? I’m sure it beats it by tons! Literally. LOL!
Jen Laceda recently posted..High Tea and Sweet Treats
Oh yeah Niagara loses out to this place. Although I haven’t been there in years, maybe I should go and check out the wax museum
Iguazu falls, I’ll keep that in mind. The pictures themselves make it look breathtaking. I can’t even begin to imagine what it must be like to be there in person! I’m glad the 16-hour bus ride was worth it.
Yes and the best part was Chris didn’t want to spend another night on the bus so he flew us back!
Sometimes you have to just pack away your jaded side and try things out. I can get rather down on things, but I try to listen to my wife because she has a better feel for what is going to be mediocre or spectacular.
Going with someone on vacation was nice as Chris was excited to do anything. You are lucky to have your wife around.
I say that every single day when I wake up to find her next to me
Robert McKay recently posted..I’m a Morning Person and You Might Be Too
Definitely on my list of places to go. I have seen a lot of waterfalls, but they are all still so gorgeous to me, guess thats the photographer in me.
So lucky you are to see all these places, I think that might hit you once you stop (if you stop) and have time to reflect and tell those of us who haven’t seen places like that, then it might hit you just how amazing they were.
glad to hear it made you smile, sometimes, a lot of times, that is all that matters.
I know I feel like a bit of a jerk for thinking oh another waterfall. But actually seeing it snapped me out of it.
Wow, amazing! I have always loved waterfalls, but I’ve never seen any quite as spectacular as these!
Jeanette recently posted..Dairy-Free Mango Smoothie or Lassi
Hi there
I’ve been following your posts on twitter with great interest, thank you!
This blog entry is so true, yes some things in the world are amazing and incredibly beautiful but they aren’t always going to inspire us to write meaningful blog entries that will change peoples lives (although I’m sure it does happen at least a few times). Sometimes we’ll see something that doesn’t inspire us to write, but it’s just enough to stand there and bask in it’s glory, letting it’s beauty wash over us and like you so simply say, it just makes us smile and sometimes that is enough.
Take care, happy travelling
Colleen
This totally beats the pants off Niagara Falls.
My first time in Buenos Aires in 2009 we did a side trip to Iguazu. It was the most stunning thing I had ever seen. You could really feel the intensity and power, and it was like nothing I had ever experienced.
I don’t think I’ll ever care to see another waterfall again because it just won’t measure up
The Travel Chica recently posted..How to Live Like a Porteño
REminds me of seeing Victoria Falls for the first time. There was really no words to say. All I felt was that it was a place of incredible spiritual energy and peace.
Would love to go to this place.
Caz Makepeace recently posted..Sydney Harbour Bridge- Great viewing spots for photos
Just seeing pictures of this place amazes me. I can’t wait to see it for myself!
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Absolutely lovely and YES I will go there one day, let me gear up on my camera equipment first
David @ MalaysiaAsia recently posted..Pantai Cenang in Langkawi – Plane View
I agree! Sometimes pics are better to share than some deep, introspective, philosophical post. Of course, they have their moments but sometimes something is just so cool, you just need to share it’s awesomeness with everyone! Great pics!
Amy recently posted..Bring International Luck to Your Friday the 13th
Awesome travel blog you got here! Me like a lot!
Iguazu is one of the most amazing places we’ve been to. We went to Niagara falls just a month before Iguazu and after visiting Iguazu, Niagara seemed like a playground
I wanna go back and spend several days there….
Lifecruiser Travel Blog recently posted..Lifecruiser Travel Brief List
Wow a month before, have you seen Angel Falls
Totally agree- and such an easy thought that sometimes we overlook. Just being happy and enjoying our surroundings and who we are with makes everything even more better.
I have to admit when I say Niagara Falls I was like…so? But I’ve only heard good things about Iguazu…
Roy | cruisesurfingz recently posted..Gatecrashing A Hen Party In London
Yeah I know, I wasn’t very impressed with Niagara either, why anyone would want to go there for their honeymoon is beyond me.
Iguazu falls has long been a place I’d love to see next time travel to South America. You’ve just confirmed it for me! A great post that reminds us how blase we can get about things when we are travelling.
I’ve only recently started following your blog and am really loving it. Thank you!
Thanks so much Cherina, I have covered a lot of territory so if you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask!
Iguazu Falls is beautiful! I am not sure much needs to be said about it – just show the photos!
Jeremy Branham recently posted..Travel confessions
That is sooo worth the 16-hour bus ride!
pinaytraveljunkie recently posted..The GeThaiway
It was actually a pretty easy ride, we slept for 8 of those hours and had movies and food for the rest
I just wanted to say this is some beautiful photography and an overall beautiful blog. I’m going to add you my travel links page
Keep it up! x
Thanks so much Steph, really kind of you. I LOVE Colombia, spent two months there and hope to be back before the end of the year.
Wait, you mean every second is profoundly MEANINGFUL? My illusions have been shattered…
Hehe I try, but sometimes a waterfall is just a waterfall!
The photos made me audibly gasp “Wow.” Stunning, hun.
Ceri recently posted..Mexico’s Invisible Victims
Nice. I like the “don’t go chasing waterfalls” title idea
I hate coming up with titles for posts, reeeaaally hate it, so the cheesier the better for me. Ha! Glad it was worth a 16 hour bus ride-that would have made me skeptical too!
Claire recently posted..Travelers Regret
I hate titles as well, it’s the very last thing I do.
Adding this to my must see list.
Jacqueline recently posted..Travel journalling
I have yet to visit these falls but visiting Angel Falls was def. up there with amazingness. And actually the smaller waterfalls were spectacular as well. Now I must got to Iguazu one day. Love to see you smile like that! I wish I was right there with ya.
Mica recently posted..A Lagoon- moody blues- & Frog Waterfalls
After this I’ve learned not to be so skeptical of waterfalls.
Gorgeous waterfalls, I just kept staring at them in awe.
Angela recently posted..A trip- a photo – Saint Peter’s Basilica- the Cupola- Rome
I’ve been to Niagara, too. I agree – it doesn’t have much character. I’ve had more fun discovering waterfalls on hikes through the back woods. Although I do remember standing beside the top of the Niagara and getting a real sense for the power of it. Yes – smiling is enough.
MaryM recently posted..Much more than hamburgers
All I remember are the tacky stores that surround the area, thankfully Iguazu has none of that.
I love waterfalls, but sometimes people are indeed making big deals out off rather tiny ones. Sign that I’m a bit jaded? But everytime I see Iguazu and Victoria falls in photos, man, I really want to go there!! So majestic!!
I don’t think I’m that jaded… I’m easily impressed still
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Beautiful photos.
I like your point about sometimes you see amazing things and they are just that amazing, they don’t move your a make you ponder life. They are just there, they are beautiful, they are powerful, and that is good enough.
Cheers!
Looks great, another place I will have to stick on the to see before I die list!
It is so worth it.
I am a great fan of waterfalls. Watching nature unleash it’s spectacle is such a very fulfilling experience. Hope I can visit Iguazo Falls in the future.
It was definitely a powerful sign of nature.
Always breathtaking the things nature conjures especially when we least expect it. Waterfalls are one of those things you come across from time to time but can never fully appreciate unless there.
I was just there, and totally agree with what you write here. The place is amazing, and so worth a visit. Great pictures!
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I know it’s hard to say more than – this place is awesome, you have to go.
Just another place to put on the bucket list, great post.
Wow! Great shots. Uguazu looks impressive.
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Really nice article, very beautifull photos
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