At this moment, I am standing where the sky meets the earth.
The murky water is not blue like the crystalline hue of some tropical beach. Overcast skies loom heavy with unexpected bouts of sunlight. The sonorous grumbling of the falls impart a sense of urgency.
I came with the sole intent to see something majestic and beautiful. Mostly, I came to see cracks in the Earth where water is hurdled off of cliffs. After a lifetime in New York City, this is surreal - infinitely better to be alone here than in a clusterfuck of strays packed into an ever-changing island. Busy cities have this oppressive loneliness only unbound space can lift.
Back to the story at hand -
The walkway into the Garganta del Diablo (Throat of the Devil) is the perfect ending to the experience. Satan's backwash spritzes everyone who walks through. The waterfall rushes down from the left side, and swims off yet another edge just to the right. In the dense fog, I can barely see the faces of people a few feet away from me.
Everyone is reduced to a blurry silhouette. Most of the people here are with their families. Men and their sons yank their shirts off like they are about to jump in. Soaked, yet smiling, I walk off the ramp back into the crispness of real life.
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This has been my dream vacation for about ten years. Was it worth it? YES.
But why did I decide to stay for 6 nights? Sure I caught an amazing flight deal (found via @TravelNoire) but I clearly should have done more research.
Nonetheless - there is not much to offer in the city of Foz do Iguaçu itself. The food, even at their top restaurants, is mediocre at best. The local restaurants, juice stands and pastel joints are more than decent - and of course, much cheaper. There is no nightlife, bar scene, music scene... or much of any scene. Most people around here do not speak English. Public transportation is easy to figure out but there is not much else to do. Check out the Itaipu dam. Check out the bird park if their captivity doesn't depress you.
There is not much to offer other than a two-day trip to the falls. One on the Brazilian side, One on the Argentinian side. If you happen to be traveling from the United States, there is a reciprocity fee to get into Argentina. A visa isn't necessary but it's still $160. Bring the receipt to the border as proof. Don't pay for those overpriced tours. It's only a few dollars and two buses to the entrance of the falls.
So get in, get out. Have an amazing time.
I shall see what the Argentinian side has to offer tomorrow!
