Once the tickets had been purchased we re-boarded our coach and drove to a point where we were able to walk along well constructed routes which afforded us magnificent views of the falls. There were Coatis (a raccoon type mammal) diving in and out of the waste bins and toucans feeding high in the trees.
The walk way is around one and a half kilometers with quite a
few viewing points along the way and ultimately it leads to the
catwalk out into the spray.
it is here that the true spectacle can be scene, there were
lots of others getting soaked in the spray and
like me having a great time "soaking" it up.
At the end of the walkway there is an elevator which takes you up to the level of the Iguassu River, and from here the very wide river which feeds the falls is not very deep, but still allows vast amounts of water to cascade over the 2.7km length of this grand display.
This is where our coach picked us up again and there are also eating places and tourist shops. On the way back to the hotel we passed the start point for the inflatable boat rides which get right up to the falls and the access point for helicopter rides over the whole area.
This had truly been a spectacular day and in my opinion the Brazilian side does give the better views.
Rio is considered one of the most exciting cities in the world,
there is music, beauty and excitement of the tropics, as well
as all the features of a modern metropolis.
From here we went to the cable car point which
took us up to the summit of "Sugar Loaf Mountain". It is a two
stage system using large cars over a 1400 metre cable run.
After a Churrasco-style lunch we saw more of the city sights
including the Maracana Stadium which will host the 2014 World
Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Reluctantly I returned to the hotel for the drive to the
airport along a very congested motorway. But the queuing traffic
allowed some very brave vendors the opportunity to sell biscuits
etc to the waiting drivers, they don't miss an opportunity.
The flight home was very pleasant thanks to TAM Airlines.
Day 15.
Iguassu to Rio de Janeiro.
We left the hotel and travelled to the small airport of Iguassu
for the flight to Rio de Janeiro.
It was just getting dark when we arrived but the sights of the
city still shone through, especially the illuminated views of
"Christ the Redeemer" on top of Corcovado Mountain. and our
room on the 22nd floor only added to this.
Day 16.
Rio de Janeiro.
Today we had a full-day tour of Rio's main
points of interest, including the city’s famous beaches:
Copacabana, with its golden sands, and Ipanema, lined with
restaurants and boutiques.
Next we visited Corcovado Mountain, and the enormous statue of
"Christ the Redeemer". The journey normally takes 20 minutes
via a cog wheel train that runs up the side of the mountain
through lush rain forest.
From the upper train station there is an elevator, then two
escalators to the foot of the statue. The views over the city
are truly wonderful and we were lucky with a clear day to enjoy
them.
Again we had fantastic views over the beaches, bay and city.
Day 17.
Ipanema and home.
As this was our last day in Rio, but not leaving until around
4pm, I walked from the hotel down to the beach at Ipanema. The
weather was perfect, the warm sunshine and the soft sand lead
me to paddle in the sea and enjoy the atmosphere of the
area.
Beach volley ball courts all along the sands, plenty of eating
places made this the perfect end to a wonderful trip.