I’m not a person that is easily impressed. However, my first view of Iguazu falls left me with my chin on the ground just staring at the sight in front of me.

In a nutshell, Iguazu Falls is one of the most stunningly beautiful places I have ever seen.  These falls are humongous; they are higher than Niagara and twice as wide, with 275 separate cascades (or mini waterfalls). The falls are shaped like a horseshoe with one side of the falls in Argentina and the other in Brazil. The Iguazu river separates the two countries and at the narrowest point the land drops away, creating the main fall known as the Gargantua del Diablo or Devil’s Throat.

The guide books refer to the falls by different names, this is because the falls span both countries:

Foz do Iguaçu   Brazil
Cataratas del Iguazú  Agentina

Because of its location you can fly into Brazil or Argentina but either side can easily be reached from the other. There are hotels to suit all pockets: the choice is yours. But there is a bus that will transfer you from one side to the other. Here’s the twist: you have to pass through Paraguay to get there, so remember to take your passport. In my opinion, one day is not enough to see the falls in its entirety, as the views are very different from each side, both are as equally stunning. There are also other options: you could take a small dingy/boat, which will take you close to the base of the falls or you could take one of the flights over the top. If your budget allows, I suggest you do them all.

Due to the vast amounts of water that cascades over the falls, there are amazing rainbows and this is one memory that hasn’t faded. I remember looking down into the main falls, seeing what looked like a artists canvas, painted with fluffy white clouds and a giant rainbow splashed across it, absolutely breathtaking, and to think this exists simply because a crack appeared in the earth 000s of years ago.

In my opinion no trip to South America is complete without a trip to Iguazu. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. Why not combine Rio in Brazil or Buenos Aires in Argentina with a side trip to Iguazu? 

Iguazu really is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow

Top tips

 - If you don’t have a digital camera make sure you takes enough film as I guarantee you will use more than you think (I know)

 - It can be a bit wet near to the falls because of the spray so if you prefer not to get soggy take something waterproof. To be honest it was quite warm and the water was a welcome relief.

 - Don’t forget your passport if you are going to visiting one side from the other for the day