Experience the Thrill: Get Doused by Iguazu Falls Like Tony Leung in Brazil
Last week, I embarked on a thrilling adventure to Iguazu, Brazil, the enchanting backdrop of the iconic film “Happy Together,” starring Tony Leung and Leslie Cheung. This natural wonder, the third largest waterfall in the world, is truly a sight to behold. The sheer volume of water cascading down is nothing short of breathtaking, though it does come with the minor inconvenience of potentially ruining your clothes and electronics.
Iguazu, which translates to “big water” in the local indigenous Guarani language, straddles the borders of Brazil 🇧🇷, Argentina 🇦🇷, and Paraguay 🇵🇾. Comprising over 200 individual waterfalls, it’s a spectacle that commands awe and admiration from all who visit.
Travel Tips (1 day and 1 night is sufficient)
1. Arrival: Multiple direct flights are available from São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. I opted for the local airline GOL, a joint venture with Air France and KLM, and found it to be quite comfortable. The flight from São Paulo takes approximately 2 hours, while from Rio, it’s around 2.5 hours. Iguazu Airport, with its single, modern terminal, may be small but is well-equipped.
2. Local Transportation: UBER and 99 are widely available, though for more remote locations, you’ll need to provide precise directions. Most drivers primarily speak Portuguese, so having a translation app handy can be very useful.
3. Waterfall Visit: Upon entering Iguazu National Park, you can hop on a bus that will take you through the park. The ticket costs about $20 per person and allows you to get on and off as you please. If you’re part of a private group, certified guides can drive their vehicles in, but each visitor still needs to purchase a ticket.
On the Brazilian side, the path is straightforward, following a single direction, and it takes roughly 3 hours to complete. The Brazilian side offers a panoramic view, while the Argentine side is known for its up-close and spectacular views. Given the high cost of an Argentine visa, we chose a helicopter tour, which provided a fantastic experience and saved us time for other activities.
[Helicopter Tour of Iguazu] Iguazu features a heliport, and you can book a tour with Helisul through TripAdvisor. The 10-minute ride costs $128 per person and offers a breathtaking, bird’s-eye view of the falls. You check in at the heliport, and once a group of four is assembled, you can board right away.
It’s an unforgettable experience that I highly recommend!
Additionally, there’s the option to take a boat ride into the falls, which I didn’t try, but it’s said to be an exhilarating experience.
4. Other Attractions: Parque das Aves, a vibrant bird park, is a must-visit for parrot enthusiasts. With a 2-kilometer walking trail, it’s a delightful way to spend a few hours. More on this later.
Three Borders Landmark (Marco das Três Fronteiras – Brasil): This landmark celebrates the cultural diversity of the three countries with dance and music performances. I recognized the tango from Argentina, the samba from Brazil, and, although I couldn’t identify the Paraguayan performance, it was equally captivating.
Itaipu Dam: Once the world’s largest hydroelectric dam, now ranking second after the Three Gorges, Itaipu is a monumental feat of engineering jointly built by Brazil and Paraguay. Visitors often describe it as awe-inspiring, and it’s conveniently located just an hour from the airport. Unfortunately, my tight schedule prevented me from visiting, but I’d love to hear from anyone who has had the chance to see it in person.
5. Accommodation: For your stay, you have the option of lodging in the city center or near the airport. I opted for the Sanma Hotel, which is situated close to the airport and offers a comfortable stay at $150 per night. The hotel’s location is a major plus, with the airport, bird park, heliport, and the entrance to Iguazu Park all within a five-minute drive. The city center is a 30-minute drive away, making it a convenient base for exploring the area.
6. Safety: Local colleagues advise that nighttime safety can be a concern, so it’s best to exercise caution and avoid going out alone after dark.
7. Dining: For a memorable dining experience, Bufalo Branco is a must-try. This all-you-can-eat barbecue restaurant offers a delicious array of meats and sides for around 200 reais per person. While the quality is excellent, frequent visitors might find the cost-effectiveness a bit lower over time.
