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Blog - Jim's Thoughts

Brazil Tours and Travel

Iguassu (Iguacu, Iguazu)Falls Tours

The falls are unequally divided between Brazil and Argentina. To see them properly, you must visit both sides. In Brazil you get the grand overview and in Argentina you get a closer look. The 275 falls are over 3 kilometers (2 miles) wide and 80 meters (260 feet) high, which makes them wider than Victoria, higher than Niagra, and more beautiful than either.

Neither words nor photographs do the falls justice - they must be seen and heard in person. The view at the precipice is hypnotizing. You will be treated to a multi-sensory experience: roaring falls, hugh rainbow arcs, drenching mist, and, in the distance, parrots and hawks cruising over a deep green jungle.

Please note that U.S. citizens need a visa to go to Brazil, even if just going from Argentina to the Brazilian side of the falls. Residents of other countries should check to see if a visa is required to visit Brazil.

This is to let you know that health authorities from Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay RECOMMEND all travelers to rural or natural areas within the regions mentioned below to get vaccinated against yellow fever and to carry their Vaccination Certificate with them during these travels.

Argentina: Chaco, Corrientes, Formosa, Jujuy, Misiones and Salta
Brazil: North and Central West, part of the Northeast (States of Maranhão, Southeast Piauí, Western and Southern Bahia and Minas Gerais, Western São Paulo and Northern Espírito Santo), Southern Brazil (West of the states of Paraná, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul). Thus the area of Iguassu is also included.
Paraguay: the country’s Northeast

Vaccination must be taken 10 days prior to arrival to the intended area of travel.

We would like to add that Brazil has no record of urban or city yellow fever. Urban yellow fever has been eradicated since 1942.

Some Suggested 1 Night Iguassu Falls Tour Packages
(for people who just don't have time - it's really worth it to stay longer)

option 1

Day 1 - arrive at Brazilian Airport in morning or early afternoon, transfer to your selected hotel in Brazil. Later you will be transferred to Iguassu Falls, 24 kilometers from downtown Foz do Iguaçu. Arrival to the Visitors Center, at the entrance of the Iguassu National Park, about 10 kilometers from the city center. The Visitors Center has an excellent infrastructure with exhibits of Iguassu Falls photographs, a souvenir shop, toilets, medical emergency center, Park entrance ticket sale, bank and so on. After passing through the Center, the visit continue, now inside the National Park, along a paved road that will take us to the magnificent Iguassu Falls. There starts the walking tour along the catwalk measuring one kilometer of easy walking. Along this easy trek, there are several gorgeous panoramic views of the Falls and at the end of the catwalk a fantastic close-up encounter with the Devils’ Throat and main cataracts. The tour ends at the upper part of Iguassu Falls accessed through a panoramic elevator; from there, the visitors will follow a track to as far as the Espaço Porto Canoas (The Port Canoas Space), where you will find a pleasurable lookout point with a view to the upper Iguassu River. The Port Canoas Space also has the Porto Canoas Restaurant and snack bars, handicraft shop, toilets and a medical first aid outpost. The vehicle that will take us back to the hotel awaits for us here.Overnight at your hotel .

Day 2 - breakfast, then visit to the Argentinian side. Departure from the Hotel bound for Iguassu Falls, 30 kilometers from downtown Foz do Iguassu and 24 kilometers from Puerto Iguazu. Arrival to the Visitors Center and the Iguazu National Park Entrance. This center receives the visitor with an array of basic services like several snack bars, a restaurant, souvenir shops, toilets, medical attention and an interpretive building with giant panels showing the importance and the biodiversity of the subtropical humid forest. In order to get to the catwalks from where the visitors will see the Falls, you will board a gas-propelled train, that will take you to the upper falls circuit and the Devil’s Throat. Tours to the Argentine side of the Falls take place through the lower circuit catwalks, with a duration of one hour and the upper circuit with an approximate duration of 50 minutes. The access to San Martin Island is through the catwalks of the lower circuit. This visit will last 1 ½ hour. In order to visit the Devil’s Throat, the visitor must board the train at the Main Station or at the Cataratas Station, close to the Upper Circuit. For those who love trekking there is the one-kilometer-long Sendero Verde (Green Trail) that connects the Visitors Center to the Cataratas Station and to the Upper Circuit. Once you are at the Devil’s Throat Station you will have to walk for 1100 meters on a flat catwalk built over the Upper Iguassu River. This catwalk crosses several islands where there are snack bars to cater to visitors. Once you get to the end of the catwalks, you will be surprised by a strategic lookout point resting on the side of the gorgeous Devil’s Throat. The tour to Devil’s Throat has an approximate duration of 2 hours. Each station and catwalks have snack bars and toilets to cater to the visitor. During this visit the Falls will be seen from up close allowing for the detailed appreciation of both flora and fauna as well the Falls who are literally at the reach of one’s hands.Then transfer to the airport for late afternoon departure.

"The trip was fantastic!! The falls were beautiful - the words paradise and Eden come to mind. The stay in the rainforest at Yacutinga was also a highlight. Tell people to go there! The service is outstanding and the rainforest is beautiful and exciting."
Ryan Wong

option 2

Day 1 - arrive at Brazilian Airport in morning, transfer to your selected Brazilian hotel. Then visit to the Argentinian side. Departure from the Hotel bound for Iguassu Falls, 30 kilometers from downtown Foz do Iguassu and 24 kilometers from Puerto Iguazu. Arrival to the Visitors Center and the Iguazu National Park Entrance. This center receives the visitor with an array of basic services like several snack bars, a restaurant, souvenir shops, toilets, medical attention and an interpretive building with giant panels showing the importance and the biodiversity of the subtropical humid forest. In order to get to the catwalks from where the visitors will see the Falls, you will board a gas-propelled train, that will take you to the upper falls circuit and the Devil’s Throat. Tours to the Argentine side of the Falls take place through the lower circuit catwalks, with a duration of one hour and the upper circuit with an approximate duration of 50 minutes. The access to San Martin Island is through the catwalks of the lower circuit. This visit will last 1 ½ hour. In order to visit the Devil’s Throat, the visitor must board the train at the Main Station or at the Cataratas Station, close to the Upper Circuit. For those who love trekking there is the one-kilometer-long Sendero Verde (Green Trail) that connects the Visitors Center to the Cataratas Station and to the Upper Circuit. Once you are at the Devil’s Throat Station you will have to walk for 1100 meters on a flat catwalk built over the Upper Iguassu River. This catwalk crosses several islands where there are snack bars to cater to visitors. Once you get to the end of the catwalks, you will be surprised by a strategic lookout point resting on the side of the gorgeous Devil’s Throat. The tour to Devil’s Throat has an approximate duration of 2 hours. Each station and catwalks have snack bars and toilets to cater to the visitor. During this visit the Falls will be seen from up close allowing for the detailed appreciation of both flora and fauna as well the Falls who are literally at the reach of one’s hands.Also do the boat ride to the bottom of the falls. Downstream from the Falls participants will board special boats that will take them, at high speed, to enjoy one of the most unforgettable experience in the region: the direct and wet contact with the mighty Iguassu Falls! Going up river in these boats specially prepared to get to the base of Iguassu Falls and to be able to admire and feel them from up close. Whirlpools, waves and currents provoked by the Falls add adrenaline and lots of emotions to this unforgettable tour. After this incredible emotion participants will get off the boat at the base of the Falls, on a catwalk that connects to the lower visitation circuit of the Falls.

Day 2 - Visit to the Brazilian side of the falls today. Arrival to the Visitors Center, at the entrance of the Iguassu National Park, about 10 kilometers from the city center. The Visitors Center has an excellent infrastructure with exhibits of Iguassu Falls photographs, a souvenir shop, toilets, medical emergency center, Park entrance ticket sale, bank and so on. After passing through the Center, the visit continue, now inside the National Park, along a paved road that will take us to the magnificent Iguassu Falls. There starts the walking tour along the catwalk measuring one kilometer of easy walking. Along this easy trek, there are several gorgeous panoramic views of the Falls and at the end of the catwalk a fantastic close-up encounter with the Devils’ Throat and main cataracts. The tour ends at the upper part of Iguassu Falls accessed through a panoramic elevator; from there, the visitors will follow a track to as far as the Espaço Porto Canoas (The Port Canoas Space), where you will find a pleasurable lookout point with a view to the upper Iguassu River. The Port Canoas Space also has the Porto Canoas Restaurant and snack bars, handicraft shop, toilets and a medical first aid outpost. The vehicle that will take us back to the hotel awaits for us here.Then transfer to the airport for afternoon departure.

option 3

Day 1 - arrive at Argentinian Airport in morning or early afternoon, transfer to your selected Argentine hotel. Visit to the Brazilian side of the falls today. Arrival to the Visitors Center, at the entrance of the Iguassu National Park, about 10 kilometers from the city center. The Visitors Center has an excellent infrastructure with exhibits of Iguassu Falls photographs, a souvenir shop, toilets, medical emergency center, Park entrance ticket sale, bank and so on. After passing through the Center, the visit continue, now inside the National Park, along a paved road that will take us to the magnificent Iguassu Falls. There starts the walking tour along the catwalk measuring one kilometer of easy walking. Along this easy trek, there are several gorgeous panoramic views of the Falls and at the end of the catwalk a fantastic close-up encounter with the Devils’ Throat and main cataracts. The tour ends at the upper part of Iguassu Falls accessed through a panoramic elevator; from there, the visitors will follow a track to as far as the Espaço Porto Canoas (The Port Canoas Space), where you will find a pleasurable lookout point with a view to the upper Iguassu River. The Port Canoas Space also has the Porto Canoas Restaurant and snack bars, handicraft shop, toilets and a medical first aid outpost. The vehicle that will take us back to the hotel awaits for us here.

Day 2 - breakfast, morning visit to the Argentinian side. Departure from the Hotel bound for Iguassu Falls, 30 kilometers from downtown Foz do Iguassu and 24 kilometers from Puerto Iguazu. Arrival to the Visitors Center and the Iguazu National Park Entrance. This center receives the visitor with an array of basic services like several snack bars, a restaurant, souvenir shops, toilets, medical attention and an interpretive building with giant panels showing the importance and the biodiversity of the subtropical humid forest. In order to get to the catwalks from where the visitors will see the Falls, you will board a gas-propelled train, that will take you to the upper falls circuit and the Devil’s Throat. Tours to the Argentine side of the Falls take place through the lower circuit catwalks, with a duration of one hour and the upper circuit with an approximate duration of 50 minutes. The access to San Martin Island is through the catwalks of the lower circuit. This visit will last 1 ½ hour. In order to visit the Devil’s Throat, the visitor must board the train at the Main Station or at the Cataratas Station, close to the Upper Circuit. For those who love trekking there is the one-kilometer-long Sendero Verde (Green Trail) that connects the Visitors Center to the Cataratas Station and to the Upper Circuit. Once you are at the Devil’s Throat Station you will have to walk for 1100 meters on a flat catwalk built over the Upper Iguassu River. This catwalk crosses several islands where there are snack bars to cater to visitors. Once you get to the end of the catwalks, you will be surprised by a strategic lookout point resting on the side of the gorgeous Devil’s Throat. The tour to Devil’s Throat has an approximate duration of 2 hours. Each station and catwalks have snack bars and toilets to cater to the visitor. During this visit the Falls will be seen from up close allowing for the detailed appreciation of both flora and fauna as well the Falls who are literally at the reach of one’s hands.Also do the zodiac boat ride to the bottom of the falls. Participants will board special boats that will take them, at high speed, to enjoy one of the most unforgettable experience in the region: the direct and wet contact with the mighty Iguassu Falls! Going up river in these boats specially prepared to get to the base of Iguassu Falls and to be able to admire and feel them from up close. Whirlpools, waves and currents provoked by the Falls add adrenaline and lots of emotions to this unforgettable tour. After this incredible emotion participants will get off the boat at the base of the Falls, on a catwalk that connects to the lower visitation circuit of the Falls. Then transfer to the airport for late afternoon departure.

option 4

Day 1 - arrive at Argentinian Airport in morning, transfer to your selected Argentinian hotel. Departure from the Hotel bound for Iguassu Falls, 30 kilometers from downtown Foz do Iguassu and 24 kilometers from Puerto Iguazu. Arrival to the Visitors Center and the Iguazu National Park Entrance. This center receives the visitor with an array of basic services like several snack bars, a restaurant, souvenir shops, toilets, medical attention and an interpretive building with giant panels showing the importance and the biodiversity of the subtropical humid forest. In order to get to the catwalks from where the visitors will see the Falls, you will board a gas-propelled train, that will take you to the upper falls circuit and the Devil’s Throat. Tours to the Argentine side of the Falls take place through the lower circuit catwalks, with a duration of one hour and the upper circuit with an approximate duration of 50 minutes. The access to San Martin Island is through the catwalks of the lower circuit. This visit will last 1 ½ hour. In order to visit the Devil’s Throat, the visitor must board the train at the Main Station or at the Cataratas Station, close to the Upper Circuit. For those who love trekking there is the one-kilometer-long Sendero Verde (Green Trail) that connects the Visitors Center to the Cataratas Station and to the Upper Circuit. Once you are at the Devil’s Throat Station you will have to walk for 1100 meters on a flat catwalk built over the Upper Iguassu River. This catwalk crosses several islands where there are snack bars to cater to visitors. Once you get to the end of the catwalks, you will be surprised by a strategic lookout point resting on the side of the gorgeous Devil’s Throat. The tour to Devil’s Throat has an approximate duration of 2 hours. Each station and catwalks have snack bars and toilets to cater to the visitor. During this visit the Falls will be seen from up close allowing for the detailed appreciation of both flora and fauna as well the Falls who are literally at the reach of one’s hands.Also do the zodiac boat ride to the bottom of the falls. Participants will board special boats that will take them, at high speed, to enjoy one of the most unforgettable experience in the region: the direct and wet contact with the mighty Iguassu Falls! Going up river in these boats specially prepared to get to the base of Iguassu Falls and to be able to admire and feel them from up close. Whirlpools, waves and currents provoked by the Falls add adrenaline and lots of emotions to this unforgettable tour. After this incredible emotion participants will get off the boat at the base of the Falls, on a catwalk that connects to the lower visitation circuit of the Falls.

Day 2 - Visit to the Brazilian side of the falls today on group tour. You will be transferred to Iguassu Falls, 24 kilometers from downtown Foz do Iguaçu. Arrival to the Visitors Center, at the entrance of the Iguassu National Park, about 10 kilometers from the city center. The Visitors Center has an excellent infrastructure with exhibits of Iguassu Falls photographs, a souvenir shop, toilets, medical emergency center, Park entrance ticket sale, bank and so on. After passing through the Center, the visit continue, now inside the National Park, along a paved road that will take us to the magnificent Iguassu Falls. There starts the walking tour along the catwalk measuring one kilometer of easy walking. Along this easy trek, there are several gorgeous panoramic views of the Falls and at the end of the catwalk a fantastic close-up encounter with the Devils’ Throat and main cataracts. The tour ends at the upper part of Iguassu Falls accessed through a panoramic elevator; from there, the visitors will follow a track to as far as the Espaço Porto Canoas (The Port Canoas Space), where you will find a pleasurable lookout point with a view to the upper Iguassu River. The Port Canoas Space also has the Porto Canoas Restaurant and snack bars, handicraft shop, toilets and a medical first aid outpost. The vehicle that will take us back to the hotel awaits for us here.. Then transfer to the Brazilian airport for afternoon departure.

Some Suggested 2 Night Iguassu Falls Tour Packages

Option 5

Day 1 - arrive at Brazilian airport in evening, transfer to Brazilian hotel.

Day 2 - breakfast, Then visit to the Argentinian side. Departure from the Hotel bound for Iguassu Falls, 30 kilometers from downtown Foz do Iguassu and 24 kilometers from Puerto Iguazu. Arrival to the Visitors Center and the Iguazu National Park Entrance. This center receives the visitor with an array of basic services like several snack bars, a restaurant, souvenir shops, toilets, medical attention and an interpretive building with giant panels showing the importance and the biodiversity of the subtropical humid forest. In order to get to the catwalks from where the visitors will see the Falls, you will board a gas-propelled train, that will take you to the upper falls circuit and the Devil’s Throat. Tours to the Argentine side of the Falls take place through the lower circuit catwalks, with a duration of one hour and the upper circuit with an approximate duration of 50 minutes. The access to San Martin Island is through the catwalks of the lower circuit. This visit will last 1 ½ hour. In order to visit the Devil’s Throat, the visitor must board the train at the Main Station or at the Cataratas Station, close to the Upper Circuit. For those who love trekking there is the one-kilometer-long Sendero Verde (Green Trail) that connects the Visitors Center to the Cataratas Station and to the Upper Circuit. Once you are at the Devil’s Throat Station you will have to walk for 1100 meters on a flat catwalk built over the Upper Iguassu River. This catwalk crosses several islands where there are snack bars to cater to visitors. Once you get to the end of the catwalks, you will be surprised by a strategic lookout point resting on the side of the gorgeous Devil’s Throat. The tour to Devil’s Throat has an approximate duration of 2 hours. Each station and catwalks have snack bars and toilets to cater to the visitor. During this visit the Falls will be seen from up close allowing for the detailed appreciation of both flora and fauna as well the Falls who are literally at the reach of one’s hands. Also do zodiac boat ride to bottom of the falls. Then visit the Brazilian side. Arrival to the Visitors Center, at the entrance of the Iguassu National Park, about 10 kilometers from the city center. The Visitors Center has an excellent infrastructure with exhibits of Iguassu Falls photographs, a souvenir shop, toilets, medical emergency center, Park entrance ticket sale, bank and so on. After passing through the Center, the visit continue, now inside the National Park, along a paved road that will take us to the magnificent Iguassu Falls. There starts the walking tour along the catwalk measuring one kilometer of easy walking. Along this easy trek, there are several gorgeous panoramic views of the Falls and at the end of the catwalk a fantastic close-up encounter with the Devils’ Throat and main cataracts. The tour ends at the upper part of Iguassu Falls accessed through a panoramic elevator; from there, the visitors will follow a track to as far as the Espaço Porto Canoas (The Port Canoas Space), where you will find a pleasurable lookout point with a view to the upper Iguassu River. The Port Canoas Space also has the Porto Canoas Restaurant and snack bars, handicraft shop, toilets and a medical first aid outpost. The vehicle that will take us back to the hotel awaits for us here. Overnight at your hotel .

Day 3 - after breakfast, transfer to the airport for departure. .

Option 6

Day 1 - arrive at Brazilian airport, transfer to Brazilian hotel. Time for optional tours

Day 2 - breakfast, Then visit to the Argentinian side on a group tour, as described above (Mon., Wed., Fri. and Sun.). Then do the zodiac boat trip to the bottom of the falls.

Day 3 - after breakfast, visit to the Brazilian side of the falls on a group, as described above (Mon., Tues., Thurs., Sat.). Transfer to the airport for departure. Time for optional tours if flight allows

Suggested Package with Yacutinga Lodge

Day 1 - arrive either airport by 1pm and transfer to Yacutinga Lodge

Day 3 - return to Iguassu and tour one side of the falls

Day 4 - tour other side of falls and then transfer to airport for afternoon departure

Steve and I are back home in Indiana, and we wanted to let you know that we had a FANTASTIC time on our Iguassu Falls extension that you put together for us!! We are so glad that you sent us an updated record locator because when we arrived at the airport in Rio on December 4th, we learned that the TAM computers were down, and everything was done by hand. Long story made short, the plane landed at IGU two hours late, but our guide was waiting for us. Your operator provided us with a guide and a driver who were great. Veronica did her best to catch up with what we had scheduled, and Steve and I got up early on the 5th and completed all of the trails. We had no issues with TAM on the 5th - in fact, Veronica did a great job checking the status of the flight back to Rio. Thank you very much for you all that you did to make our trip to the Iguassu Falls such a memorable one. It was A+ !! We would not hesitate to recommend you to anyone traveling! Helen Million

2010 Prices per person in US$: (S = single, D = double, T = triple in chart below)

Hotel	Option1			Option 2			Option 3			Option 4			Option 5			Option 6
	S	D	T	S	D	T	S	D	T	S	D	T	S	D	T	S	D	T
Das Cataratas - standard	600	339	318	636	375	354							942	540	509	804	476	444
Sheraton - Jungle View							658	377	328	610	349	313
Sheraton - Falls view							755	425	360	707	397	345
Bourbon Cataratas 5*	499	291	237	535	327	273							686	417	352	532	361	330
Internacional Foz 5*	444	255	201	480	291	237							576	345	280	422	289	258
Falls Galli 4*	433	244	205	469	280	241							554	323	288	400	267	266
San Rafael 3*	398	230	186	434	266	222							484	295	250	330	239	228
Panoramic (Arg.) 5*							598	388	359	553	328	322
Amerian (Arg.) 4*							573	375	316	528	315	279
La Aldea (Arg)4*							549	363	291	504	303	254
St. George (Arg.) 3*							484	340	277	439	280	240

BOOKING
REQUEST

Prices include: roundtrip airport transfers, hotel with breakfast, guided tours to both sides of the falls (guided tour to Brazilian side is not included if staying at the Cataratas and guided tour to the Argentine side is not included if staying at the Sheraton because those hotels are inside the parks and right by the falls), boat safari tour to the bottom of the falls, entrance fees to both national parks.

Notes:
***** Prices do not include airfare
* group tours are used when possible. Ask for price for all private tours where possible. (option #1 is with all private tours, option 6 is will all group tours).
* group tours start at 830am. They go to the Brazilian side on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and to the Argentine side on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
* Prices for option 7 are for period of Jan. 1-April 30. Add $40 per person for single and $26 per person for double for period of May 1-Dec. 31.
*tour of Brazilian side is not included in price when staying at Das Cataratas and tour of Argentine side is not included in price when staying at the Sheraton. These tours can be added if desired, at extra cost
*rates may change for holidays
* When arriving from Brazil, you fly into the Brazilian airport(IGU). When arriving from Buenos Aires, you fly into the Argentinian Airport (IGR).
* Brazilian park is closed till 1pm on Mondays, so this may affect packages.

THANK YOU, for the tours that you set up. WE LOVED THEM. The guides that were with us were great. We expecially enjoyed the private tour guide in Iguassu Falls. The second day we went to the Dam and the Brazil side of the falls. Our Guide, Saula, 31 years old, and was especially thoughtful. John Wolgemuth has trouble walking (Perhaps a hip replacement) and Saula was very considerate - about resting - seeing a golf cart took us places, which way would be the best to walk - etc. - Mable

Other Options

Yacutinga Lodge - Visit the jungle at a nearby beautiful lodge that people rave about.

Puerto Bemberg - Puerto Bemberg is added to the Iguazu destination sharing the natural history of the Atlantic Jungle, surrounded by comfort in a very exclusive environment.

Ibera Marshlands - This area, which until only a few years ago was practically unexplored because of its waters, became a natural refuge for abundant and varied wildlife. The biodiversity of the marshes and lagoons of Ibera make it one of the most remarkable ecosystems in Argentina. Can be reached in a day from Iguassu.

Jesuit Missions - day trips to missions from the 1600's in either Argentina or Paraguay or an overnight trip to both

Discovering the Land of Parana - Iguassu, Curitiba and Atlantic Rainforest

For the following options, prices will be slightly higher from Argentine side

Bird Park
This is a world-class standard Bird Park situated in 4 hectares of second-growth subtropical forest. There are over 500 birds on display, both indigenous and from other continents and visitors can be in contact with them without restriction of netting and cages. An important breeding program is in progress for some of the endangered species. The place is kept by professionals in biology, veterinary, agronomy.

The Park keeps over 900 birds from 150 species, the majority being Brazilian birds. One third of these species is considered threatened. All the birds in the Park have come from zoos or IBAMA-authorized breeders. The Bird Park will not, under any term, take in animals from unknown sources or originated in animal trafficking. All animals are registered with a report being sent yearly to the Brazilian Zoo Society and the official Ibama. Some of these birds have been rehabilitated and cannot returned to nature.

The visit is carried out through well identified catwalks through native vegetation. They lead visitors to several enormous life-size aviaries each with 630m² with a height of 8 meters, enriched with cascades, bridges, vegetation, where the visitor enters and appreciates the behavior of different species without the interference of netting or screens. In smaller aviaries specimens from Southwestern Asia, Oceania and Africa are exhibited. A delicate and colorful aviary shelters regional butterflies and hummingbirds. In another natural environment visitors will find caymans and boas in the space reserved for reptiles.
Duration of tour: 1 hour.
Price per person from most Braziialn hotels is US$66 for 2, $58 for 3, $52 for 4-

Bananeiras Trail
This excursion begins with a 1.6 km trail that can be covered on foot or by bicycle.Nature lovers can walk by small ponds where aquatic habitat birds and exuberant vegetation can be seen. Nature lovers can see species of flora and fauna native to the Iguassu National Park. The excursion combines navigation of the upper Iguassu River in bi-motor boats to the Poço Preto (Black Well) docks with a visit to a 10-meter-high observation tower from which Lagoa do Jacare do Poço Preto (Black Well Alligator Pond), rich in aquatic and land fauna, can be observed. In succession is the Arquipelago Ilha das Taquaras (Bamboo Island Archipelago), with the option of ducks (inflatable kayaks) to appreciate the scenery. Return is made to Porto Bananeiras (Banana Tree Port) or Porto Canoas (Canoe Port), always accompanied by skilled guides. (3 hours)
Price per person = US$72

Poco Prieto Trail
The excursion begins on a 320-meter suspended footbridge in the heart of the National Park followed by a 9 km one-way trail that can be covered on foot or by bicycle. On this stretch, perfectly beautiful specimens of flora and fauna native to the Iguassu National Park can be seen. At the end of the trail there will be a short break to rest. At this point, a suspension bridge leads to a rustic 500-meter trail, at the end of which exists a 10-meter high observation tower. From the tower a panoramic view of the forest can be had, especially of Lagoa do Jacare (Alligator Pond), in which a great diversity of aquatic animals are concentrated. In succession, navigation of the upper Iguassu River is made, passing by the Arquipelago das Taquaras (Bamboo Archipelago), with the option of an excursion in inflatable kayak) and snorkeling to observe aquatic vegetation. The entire excursion is made with the accompaniment of skilled guides. The return is made via the rapids passing Ilha dos Papagaios (Parrot Island), where at sunrise and sunset the flight of thousands of parrots can be seen. Disembarkation can be made at Porto Bananeiras (Banana Tree Port) or Porto Canoas (Canoe Port). (5 hours)
Price per person: US$91

Canopy Tour + Climbing Wall
At 8 meters from the ground, in the middle of the subtropical humid forest. The challenge is to keep your balance on steel cables and trunks, walk on a suspended net, cross a suspended wall with climbing holds and, and in the end a zip line spanning 25 meters.
Pre-requisite: participant must be, at least, 1,40 meter tall, to reach the safety system and to be able to switch between cables
Low elements - There are also 11 low elements made up of tree trunks, steel cables and ropes, all at a height of 50 centimeters from the ground.
Minimal age: 7 years..approx. 30-45 minutes

Six 7-meter high artificial climbing walls, simulating a rock wall. Climbing holds of several sizes strategically located will let the participant choose the easiest climbing route. Each wall has a different climbing difficulty, depending on the inclination of wall, including roofs that form areas of negative inclinations.
Minimal age: 5 years. approx. 20 minutes
Price per person: US$48

Port Bertoni
The paradisiacal scientific refuge was built by the wise Moises Bertoni in the early 20th century, when his interest for the native flora and fauna, immersed him in the jungle. Moises Bertoni installed one of the first printing presses in Paraguay, with the only aim of publishing his own research about local nature. During his studies an interesting collection of reptiles, insects, and animal fossils was gathered, as well as a library, which indicates that he kept in touch with the main cultural centers of the time. Both are still kept at the museum. The access to the Port is by navigation on the Paraná River for about one hour. Once there, there is a pleasant uphill trail through the forest with native species and some exotic specimens brought in and adapted by Bertoni. On the visit to the Museum Bertoni's former home, one can appreciate the library, antiques, the office, and Bertoni's private collections.
Price per person: $52 for group tour

Itaipu Dam
Itaipu Hydroelectric Dam, the largest in operation in the world, is a bi-national enterprise developed by Brazil and Paraguay on the Paraná River. The installed power output capacity of the dam is 12 million and 600 thousand kilowatts, with 18 generating turbines of 700 thousand kilowatts each. Beginning in 2001, two more units will be added, thus raising the total to 20 generating unities. The capacity of the Dam will be increased to 14 million kilowatts.In 1997, Itaipu produced 89,2 billion kw-hour, a generating record ever to be attained by any other hydroelectric dam in the world. The dam is responsible for supplying 89% of the energy consumed in Paraguay and 25% of all the demand in the Brazilian market. As a work of engineering the dam was elected by the American Society of Civil Engineering (ASCE) as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

The spillway, the world's largest, has the capacity to control the flow of 62.000 cubic meters of water per second.- The volume of concrete used in the construction was 2,3 million cubic meters, enough to build an entire city for 4 million inhabitants.
The tour includes a film about the construction and a bus ride around the dam where some view points were organized to allow the visitor a better view (not available Sundays and holidays)
Price per person is $24 from Cataratas Hotel, $18 from other Brazilian hotels, $36 from Sheraton

Ciudad del Este - Paraguay
It has more than 5,000 stores, hundred of street vendors, importation companies, cargo companies, exchange houses, the most important banks and the colorfulness of its handcrafts, Ciudad del Este is a shopping paradise. The great volume of business attracted Arabs, Koreans, Chinese, Hindus, Pakistanis, Brazilians and Argentineans established their businesses there, turning Ciudad del Este into a cosmopolitan center with dozens of different languages. Blended in this mixture of inhabitants, Maká Indians can be easily seen in the streets where they sell their colorful handicrafts their only means of subsistence. It is not difficult to see them on some sidewalk, with their products displayed while they work on new pieces that will soon be sold. Crossing the famous friendship bridge, free time allowed for shopping or simply discovering the atmosphere of such a different city. Open daily with some stores also open at night.
Price per person from most Brazilian hotels is
Price per personfrom Cataratas or Argentine hotels is

Precious stones mine of Wanda
Located in the province of Misiones, Argentina, 40 km from the border, open sky mines of quartz, amethyst and agate. In a short walk these minerals are observed in "geodes" encrusted in the basalt volcanic origin rock that forms the soil of the region. Visit to a workshop and stones shop.
Price per person for 2 is US$67, for 3 is $47, for 4 is $38 (if doing in conjunction with Argentine Falls tour)

Iguassu was the highlight of the trip, hands down. I have been a lot of places and seen a lot of wondrous sites but I can count on one hand the number that have impressed me as much as or more than Iguassu Falls. Spectacular! - Bob Norwood

Phone: 800-232-5658 or 1-512-443-5393 email