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TRAVEL
From Issue #32
 The Wonder of Argentina's Iguazu Falls
 A Historical and Cultural Extravanganza
by Lorraine Zander with contibrutions by Zoe Prejoianu, 18
Located in the northern province of Misiones, Argentina on the Iguazu River (iguazu being the Guaraní word for “great
water”), Iguazu Falls is known as one of the world’s largest and
most spectacular waterfalls. Upon the US former First Lady Eleanor
Roosevelt’s visit to the Falls, she was reportedly quoted as saying,
“Poor Niagara!” The Falls divide the river in half, making the upper
and lower Iguazu. The largest of the 275 falls that engulf the river is
“Devil’s Throat,” and with a height of an astonishing 80 metres, it’s a
spectacular sight to behold!
Must See And Do At The Falls
The Park
In order to see the Falls in all its glory, you’ll need to visit the Park,
which was created in 1934 to preserve the biological diversity of
the subtropical rainforest and the breathtaking scenery surrounding
the Falls. It was declared a Natural Heritage of Humanity in 1984
and spans an area of approximately 660 square kilometres (66,148
hectares). Approximately 400 species of birds, 2,000 species of
plants and a world of insects call the Park their home. You’ll especially
love the butterflies that constantly surround and play with you!
The Devil’s Throat
The “Garganta del Diablo” is the reason for this trip! Once in the
Park, you can enjoy walking along the scenic 1100-metre-long
trail that starts from Garganta station and takes you to the viewing
balcony, where you’ll be able to get a panoramic view of one of the
most beautiful sights you’ll ever see! However, be prepared to be
drenched by the powerful spray coming off the Falls.
Don’t miss
Take a boat ride that places you right under the falls—but be
prepared to get totally soaked!—and walk along more stunning trails;
enjoy a photo safari through the forest in open 4x4’s, or view the
Falls at night under the light of the full moon!
For more info, visit www.IguazuArgentina.com
QUICK STATS ABOUT MISIONES, ARGENTINA
Location: North-eastern corner
of Argentina
State Capital: Posadas
Population: 965,544
Trivia: Drives on the right-hand side
Language Spoken: Spanish
Currency: Argentinian Peso
Notable: Inspired the film The
Mission starring Robert De Niro
and Jeremy Irons
Flag of Misiones State
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 TRULY A NATURAL WONDER
Iguazu Falls is famous today for being
a contender for the New7Wonders of
Nature campaign. At the time of printing,
this sensation was ranked third
behind Lake Titicaca and Niagara Falls
in Group F (lakes, rivers, waterfalls). The
winner will be declared in 2011.
Show your support and vote now at
www.new7wonders.com and help get
Iguazu Falls ranked #1 where it belongs!
Wonderful Iguazu Falls |
Not Far From The Falls: Discovering Misiones, Argentina
There is a ton of stuff to do in and around Iguacu Falls, a nice variety of hotels and dining (some absolutely fabulouso!) and even some great shopping at the border duty free mega mall. Here is a look at some of the adventures we enjoyed during our stay:
Get outfitted,
climb platforms
and then soar via
zipline over the
forest canopy.
Motoring around on a 4x4 is a great way to see the forest,
but be prepared to eat a little dirt!
Visit the region's bird and animal rescue and nature centres and see the amazing work being done to save and protect
the wildlife. You’ll most likely get to see South American raccoons (called
coatis) rummaging through garbage bins.
If you’ve got some energy to spare you can rappel
down a waterfall
or do some rockwall climbing;
but if you’re looking to slow down
the pace you can always visit a historic Jesuit mission.
Check out a mine where you can see workers actually extracting stunning gemstones, such as pink quartz and amethyst, from the earth.
 A FAMOUS ARGENTINIAN
EVA PERON
Eva Peron is one of Argentina’s
most adored celebrities.
She was married to President Juan
Domingo Peron, and served as the First Lady of
Argentina from 1946 to 1952, when she died of
cancer at the age of 33. In the years before her
death, she was given the title “Spiritual Leader of
the Nation” by the Argentine Congress and was a
presidential candidate for Argentina, winning over
the lower-income voters. She was truly beloved by
the working class of Argentina, building clinics and
a hospital for the working class, creating her own
charitable institution and becoming as iconic as a
Mother Teresa figure to her nation. Through all the
love and devotion she received from the people
of her country, she then went on to be the subject
of a famed musical, Evita. Even today, this
beautiful figure is still echoed in the streets of
Argentina and the world, through her musical
and the legacy she left for her country. |
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