Iguazu Falls, deservedly one of the 7 natural wonders of the world

Today I'm going to let the pictures do the talking. It is hard to find words to describe the falls, it is hard enough to agree on a spelling, Iguazu, Iguazzu, Iguasu and Iguassu all seem to be in regular usage. I always find a twinge of apprehension when approaching one of the great sites, the anticipation mixed with fear that this will be the one that doesn't live up to expectation. Today was not that day. I mean, just look at them.

Although clearly a picture doesn't do justice, it can't convey the impact on your other senses, the sound the smell, the feel of the spray. Iguazu falls are, quite simply worth the billing as one of the natural wonders of the world. We visited the Argentinian side on day one where there are various options of paths that take you to different views of the falls. We chose to attempt all the paths working from the furthest views and finishing at Garganta del Diablo, the devil's throat.

The lower path gives incredible distance views of the major falls, depending on water levels there are between 150 and 240 individual streams of water and this gives a sight of most of them. This path is also the entrance point to short boat rides to Isla San Martin which, after a reasonably strenuous climb gives much closer views and a takes you directly into the spray. We'd been at this spectacular viewpoint for a couple of minutes when another couple joined us, her open jawed wide beaming smile said everything, you could feel her awe. We stood there, giggling, it was all you could do. The whole of the lower path is the longest, about 1.6k and the climb up Isla San Martin is a bit tougher but if you are in relatively decent shape should be an absolute must. The views are breathtaking.

The upper path is flatter and busier with tour groups, though at the time we were there not overcrowded. The views are closer and looking down on the falls giving a very different perspective. Wildlife was closer with some incredible butterflies, birds and curious coates.

The last view point of the day, after a short train ride through the park, gets you up close and personal with Giganta del Diablo and boy do you look close. Walking towards the top of the falls the remarkable thing is how calm and slow moving the river is. Quietly meandering across the plateau you would have no idea what lies, one of the many similarities it shares with Victoria falls. Approaching the viewpoint the noise gradually takes over and you can almost feel the rumble. Feeling the spray in your face as you look down the horseshoe fall and down the valley across the park you feel all your senses become more alert. It is an experience you feel as much as you see.

We finished the day with a walk through the Macuco track where we saw more wildlife including our first monkeys of the trip. You really do need a full day. Day 2 Finally a Brasil stamp in the passport. At the third time entering the territory we final have the stamp to prove it. The Brasil side of the falls involve less walking but give access to a panoramic view of the whole area, including some streams you didn't have access to from Argentina.

Again the jaw dropping sight of approaching Garganta del Diablo leaves people grinning broadly and uncontrollably. While more compact and therefore more crowded, not as many people venture onto the walkway directly over a sheer drop where the spray soaks you to the skin. Light rain ponchos are available but again for me it is about feeling the experience as much as seeing it. If you go, the two sides give such different views you really should do both and on the Argentina side I would definitely do at least the lower loop and preferably Isla San Martin as well, you won't regret it. Having knocked off one of these great wonders that you have looked forward to seeing for so many years it can leave you feeling a bit flat, no longer having it to look forward to and the thrill of the anticipation. On this occasion I'm still buzzing off it.