The frontier area of these countries make for a very interesting mix of culture and identity. You can easily be transported into three very different nations, making you understand the sheer variety of nations in the Latin American continent. Understandably the Iguazu Falls are what bring many people to the area, but while here there is no harm in exploring the areas away from the falls.
The town of Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil is the biggest of nearby towns with a population of over 300,000 people. Located 17km from the Brazilian Park entrance to the falls, the town has a number of restaurants, cafes and bars. Be sure to find a Brazilian buffet restaurant, either pay for as much as you want or per kilo. Apart from the nearby Iguazu National Park, home to the Falls, there are a number of other attractions.
Sat on the Parana River between Brazil and Paraguay there is a huge hydroelectric power station that provides a large amount of Paraguay's electricity. Itaipu was the biggest hydroelectric dam in the world, but it is going to be beaten by a new dam in China opening soon. This feat of human engineering, built at a time before the growing debate about the use of fossil fuels offers tours of its facility from both Paraguay and Brazil. An interesting contrast to the natural wonder that is the falls. There are also a number of artificial beaches around the Itaipu Lake that are great to relax by in the hot summer.
Crossing into a Paraguay for the day to the electronics haven that is the Ciudad del Este is also easy to do. Ensure you visit the immigration points on each side to get your passport stamped on entry and exit from both countries as no one asks for documents. In the city it is possible to buy every kind of electronic item you could think of. Many of the products ‘not genuine' but offer interesting alternatives to products you may own. Don't be surprised by Brazilians or Argentines returning from expensive shopping sprees. As you cross the bridge over the river you are able to see all three frontiers in one, making an interesting photograph. What strikes you when you enter the city is the difference between the Brazil.
Puerto Iguazu is a much smaller town to its Brazilian neighbor with only about 30,000 inhabitants. From here it is easy to access another view point high above the meeting of the Iguazu and Parana rivers, where you can see the frontier markers for all of the three countries. The town is home to good choice of restaurants and cafes, so if you are crossing for the day from Brazil you can sample some excellent Argentine cuisine. There are also a number of wildlife reserves nearby by that house a number of rare birds.
Many of the hotels and hostels are located outside the cities. Utilizing all the land in the area to create fantastic resort styled hotels, even the most basic have pools including the local Hostelling International Youth Hostel. Getting around is easy as all three towns have regular bus services to and from each other. You might have to go to the local central bus station for direct services.
Sat on the Parana River between Brazil and Paraguay there is a huge hydroelectric power station that provides a large amount of Paraguay's electricity. Itaipu was the biggest hydroelectric dam in the world, but it is going to be beaten by a new dam in China opening soon. This feat of human engineering, built at a time before the growing debate about the use of fossil fuels offers tours of its facility from both Paraguay and Brazil. An interesting contrast to the natural wonder that is the falls. There are also a number of artificial beaches around the Itaipu Lake that are great to relax by in the hot summer.
Crossing into a Paraguay for the day to the electronics haven that is the Ciudad del Este is also easy to do. Ensure you visit the immigration points on each side to get your passport stamped on entry and exit from both countries as no one asks for documents. In the city it is possible to buy every kind of electronic item you could think of. Many of the products ‘not genuine' but offer interesting alternatives to products you may own. Don't be surprised by Brazilians or Argentines returning from expensive shopping sprees. As you cross the bridge over the river you are able to see all three frontiers in one, making an interesting photograph. What strikes you when you enter the city is the difference between the Brazil.
Puerto Iguazu is a much smaller town to its Brazilian neighbor with only about 30,000 inhabitants. From here it is easy to access another view point high above the meeting of the Iguazu and Parana rivers, where you can see the frontier markers for all of the three countries. The town is home to good choice of restaurants and cafes, so if you are crossing for the day from Brazil you can sample some excellent Argentine cuisine. There are also a number of wildlife reserves nearby by that house a number of rare birds.
Many of the hotels and hostels are located outside the cities. Utilizing all the land in the area to create fantastic resort styled hotels, even the most basic have pools including the local Hostelling International Youth Hostel. Getting around is easy as all three towns have regular bus services to and from each other. You might have to go to the local central bus station for direct services.
I love Buenos Aires, each time I go there I stay in a different hotel. I found a site with Buenos Aires Hotels and Accommodations reviews. Check Buenos Aires hotels and vacation rentals reviews and compare prices in order to decide Where to stay in Buenos Aires. now I can book directly with the hotels.Also with great options for Iguazy Falls!
ReplyDeleteI'm planinig to travel right know... ( :
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I saw this site first!
Sharon
Iguazu Hostels