Destination Iguaçu Falls via Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

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. 

Rio de Janeiro
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.

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.

Iguaçu Falls
Courtesy of the Brazilian Tourist Office

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

BA flies to Rio de Janeiro. For further information and best rates visit britishairways.com

Latam flies to Foz do Iguaçu from Rio de Janeiro. For further details and best rates visit latam.com‎

I stayed at the Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas (belmond.com) 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 Belmond Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro, (belmond.com) across the road from Copacabana beach. Elegance from a bygone era

First published in All About Hair (All About Hair UK), the travel and lifestyle blog with a luxury twist