Puerto Iguazu: Waterfalls, Rainbows and Butterflies on the Argentinian Side

Puerto Iguazu is the Argentinian gateway to one of the largest and most spectacular waterfall systems in the world: Iguazu. Near Iguazu the borders of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay join, although the waterfalls lie within Argentina and Brazil, with most occurring in Argentina.

Upon arriving to Puerto Iguazu Airport in May I transferred to a bus for the final journey to the town of the same name. Outside Puerto Iguazu the bus stopped for passengers to pay a town entry fee. Being squeezed on the bus, I left my wallet on my lap instead of placing it in my pocket. Once at the bus terminal I exited the bus, forgetting about my wallet until I arrived to my accommodation. The hostel staff member assisted selflessly, calling the bus company and advising them about the missing wallet. Later, a driver arrived with a wallet. Alas, it was not mine. Luckily my wallet only contained limited cash and a debit card which I blocked.

Iguazu Waterfalls, Argentina

Watching the Iguazu waterfalls from the Argentinian side

On my first morning in Puerto Iguazu the town lost power for several hours. Ironically, just across the river is the world’s largest single source of electricity, Itaipu Hydroelectric Plant. However, Itaipu’s power is only shared between Paraguay and Brazil.

Puerto Iguazu town is several kilometres from Iguazu National Park. A regular shuttle bus travels to and forth between town and park. On the bus I met Eun Kyung and we wandered around the park for the afternoon. The Argentinian falls have three main routes: The Lower Circuit, The Upper Circuit and The Devil’s Throat. From The Lower Circuit, when the river height is acceptable, one can also take a boat to San Martin Island. San Martin Island has Argentina’s broadest view of waterfalls side although the boat didn’t run all three days I visited.

Iguazu Waterfalls, Argentina

Sunny weather brings out rainbows at Iguazu National Park

Iguazu Waterfalls, Argentina

Visitors in ponchos posing for photographs while sprayed by a powerful waterfall

The sunny weather on my first day at the park also brought out several species of butterflies, some of whom were friendly and hung around.

Iguazu Waterfalls, Argentina

An ’88’ butterfly on Eun Kyung’s camera

Iguazu Waterfalls, Argentina

Three different species of butterflies on my foot and hand

The Devil’s Throat is the most popular viewpoint on the Argentinian side. Getting there requires taking a free train followed by a walkway. The Devil’s Throat looks magnificent in late afternoon light.

Iguazu Waterfalls, Argentina

An ’88’ butterfly at The Devil’s Throat, Iguazu

Iguazu Waterfalls, Argentina

My camera captured most of this spectacular 270 degree rainbow at The Devil’s Throat. Note the butterfly in the foreground

My second and third days at Iguazu National Park were overcast although the waterfalls still impressed.

Iguazu Waterfalls, Argentina

Iguazu waterfalls on an overcast day

Animals witnessed at the park included monkeys, coatis and birds of prey. The monkeys and coatis are known to steal food and signs warn people not to feed them.

Iguazu Waterfalls, Argentina

Coatis crossing a bridge at Iguazu National Park

Video of the spectacular Iguazu waterfalls along with the same coatis crossing the bridge

The waterfalls, rainbows and butterflies on the Argentinian side were amazing. My next destination would be just across the river in Brazil: Foz do Iguassu.

One thought on “Puerto Iguazu: Waterfalls, Rainbows and Butterflies on the Argentinian Side

  1. Pingback: Waterfalls, Birds and a Dam at Foz do Iguaçu, back in Brazil | Where is Joe.in?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.