Foz Do Iguacu

Travelling to Foz do Iguacu

We flew to Foz do iguacu in the month of June. When we arrived at the Airport our private transfer was waiting for us.

Accommodation

We stayed at Need name of hotel and more information which was a small hotel with a small outdoor swimming pool. The weather in June can be a bit chilly as this is one of the coldest months therefore did not go in to the pool. You also need a jacket on the evening if going in the colder months.

The hotel was situated with in walking distance to bars, shops and restaurants. The place seems to have kept a lot of its local feel and does not seem as tourist as some places. Although it is where most people stay whilst visiting the falls.

Bars and Restaurants

Foz do Iguacu is not a very big place. It does have many bars, shops and restaurants though. The bars and shops seemed to be mainly Brazilian people in them. We did found a bar that  was not like any bar we had never seen in any country before. On one occasion we were walking past a petrol station and noticed a lot of people drinking and smoking (yes smoking ) on the petrol station forecourt.

There wasn’t any bar as such just a lot of people with alcohol. We asked where we got a drink from and we were told to go in the petrol station buy what ever tokens we want then bring them to a hatch and he would exchange for a bottle of beer. We had to do it just to experience this. It was bizarre and most likely to be very dangerous with people drinking and smoking whilst people are filling up their cars with petrol/diesel.

Foz do Iguacu Falls

We went to Foz Do Iguacu mainly to see the falls and we were not disappointed. Words can not describe how beautiful and impressive they are. After spending hours looking at the falls from different viewing points we still felt in awe of them. Although it is very touristy the natural beauty of the falls is evident no matter where you view them form. There is a bus that you can catch which stops at various places in Foz do Iguacu which takes you to the falls. When you get to the falls you queue to pay. Once you have paid you go through, catch a bus up to the falls where you can wonder around at your leisure. I would recommend buying waterproofs before going to the falls as there a lot more expensive at the falls.

Coati’s

Before you walk down to the falls there is a viewing and picnic area where Coati run freely. Be aware these animals will bite if you go too close. Do not take any food in your bag as the Coati’s will sniff the food out and do what ever is in their power to get it. We witnessed a woman who had taken sandwiches in her bag and several Coati’s pounced on her bag trying to rip it open. She let go of the bag and the Coati’s managed to get the sandwiches. Someone had to push the Coati’s away to retrieve the bag. There are several signs telling you not to take food in and how the Coati’s can bite so I don’t know why she did this. There was also a sign that stated if you see a leopard coming towards you don’t run what!!!!.

Viewing points

Once you walk down to the falls there are several viewing points. It is one of the most amazing things we have seen . On speaking to an American who had been to Victoria Falls and Niagra falls he felt that these were more spectacular. We took so many photo’s as words can not explain how spectacular it was. (Need to elaborate on this section)

Speedboat

You can also take a speedboat that takes you as close as you can go to the main water fall. It also takes you under some of the smaller falls. You are taking by jeep to where you catch the boat. Ensure you take plenty of mosquito repellent. You have to wait in the Jeep until it is your turn to queue for the boat. You then have to sit in a small tramway to take you to the bottom where the boat was. The boat journey was so much fun bouncing high on the water with the water gushing over your face. If we weren’t we t enough we sure was when we went under the waterfall. If you like a bit of speed and adventure it is the thing to do whilst at the falls. Although it is very tame for adrenalin Junkies

Sightseeing tour

In the centre of Foz do Iguacu there is a sightseeing tour bus that takes you to several different destinations. We cant remember the cost of this but remember it was good value for money.

Patisserie and Mosque

The first destination was a patisserie serving a variety of home made treats. We had the baklava which was so nice. The Patisserie was opposite a mosque which was our next destination. Females need to take clothing to cover up although they will provide clothing when you are there. We were able to enter the mosque and look round. It was a large mosque which was very ornate inside and creatively painted.

Chen Tien Buddhist Temple

Our next destination was the Chen Tien Buddhist Temple. We got off the bus we were given a timescale to return to the bus so we could walk round as we chose. It was an amazing place with lots of interesting statues including elephants and dragons. The main attraction is the 23ft tall Buddha. In one of the rooms there are statues of several Buddha’s one of which is in a glass cabinet need name of this . This looked a bit scary to be honest. The Temple is set in large lovely green grounds. There are plenty of photo opportunities here.

3 Frontiers

Our final destination was the 3 frontiers where Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil all meet. As we were on the Brazil side it was strange looking over at both Argentina and Paraguay as they both had viewing points where people were looking over at us. You have to pay in to the 3 frontiers but it was not a large amount and well worth the visit. There is a lot of information regarding the history of the 3 frontiers which makes an interesting read. There are also various places to take some wonderful photo’s

Summary

Foz Do Iguazu is a place where you must visit if going to Brazil to see the water falls as they are spectacular but it is not a place we feel we need to visit again as we had seen and done everything we wanted to do. 

Images

Top tips

• Buy waterproof mac and waterproof phone case before going to the falls as it is much cheaper.
• Do not take any food in to the falls as the Coati’s will rip the bags apart to get to the food and they can give you a nasty bite.
• Ensure your camera and phone are fully charged as there are so many photo opportunities.
• It is easy to get your own way to the falls from the centre of Foz do Iguacu as a bus runs very frequently.
• The tour bus which picks you up in the centre is a good way to see the temples, 3 frontiers etc at a very reasonable price.
• Check out best time to visit Foz do Iguacu on temperature table below
• Check out other destinations we have visited in Brazil Rio de Janeiro , Praia do Forte
• Check out government safety advise before travelling to Brazil https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/brazil/safety-and-security

Weather

Temp – Celsius Rain – mm	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High Temp	33	32	32	29	25	24	24	27	28	30	31	33
Low Temp	21	21	20	17	14	12	12	13	14	18	19	20
Rainfall	110	100	80	90	70	110	50	60	100	110	110	100
Number of days	11	10	9	9	9	9	7	7	9	12	9	9