Iguazu Falls and the Brazilian Pantanal

Iguazu falls straddles the border between Argentina and Brazil, and everyone told us that it was worthwhile to see both sides. So two days after we went to the Brazilian side, we decided to cross into Argentina to visit the falls from that side of the border. We booked transport in a minibus to avoid the hassle of completing import paperwork for the van.

As luck would have it, Adventure Trio showed up at the hostel we were staying at the day before we were to go and decided to come along.

For Quinn, the highlight of the day was the train between the park entrance and the falls.

For Quinn, the highlight of the day was the train between the park entrance and the falls.

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A walkway allowed us to walk across a kilometer of river to view the Devil's Throat, the heart of the falls.

A walkway allowed us to walk across a kilometer of river to view the Devil’s Throat, the heart of the falls.

The roar and power of the falls is difficult to capture in photos.

The roar and power the falls is difficult to capture in photos.

The park featured spectacular bird life.

The park featured spectacular bird life.

A rare photo of all three members of the Sparks clan.

A rare photo of all three members of the Sparks clan.

Another view of the falls

Another view of the falls

After leaving the falls we planned to visit the Pantanal region of Brazil. This remote area is unique in that it floods to a depth of up to 3 meters during the rainy season, leaving it mostly inaccessible except for the few all-season roads that run through the area. July is the dry season, making it more easily accessible. We stayed at Fazenda (ranch) Santa Clara and went on African-style wildlife drives and treks.

Quinn looking at macaws on the way to the Pantanal.

Quinn looking at macaws on the way to the Pantanal.

Even the all-season roads are somewhat primitive.

Even the all-season roads are somewhat primitive.

Parrots were everywhere.

Parrots were everywhere.

An anaconda had eaten a chicken and taken up residence in a local barn to digest its meal.

An anaconda had eaten a chicken and taken up residence in a local barn to digest its meal.

The bird life was spectacular.

The bird life was spectacular.

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Witt and Quinn relax during a boat trip along the Miranda River.

Witt and Quinn relax during a boat trip along the Miranda River.

A cormorant takes flight as the boat approaches.

A cormorant takes flight as the boat approaches.

Caymens were in abundance.

Caymens were in abundance.

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After leaving the Pantanal, we made a side trip to the touristy town of Bonita which is famous for its rivers of crystal clear water. We didn’t spend much time there, but we did find a couple of swimming holes to enjoy.

Witt tries out the zipline at one of the swimming holes.

Witt tries out the zipline at one of the swimming holes.

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On a slow morning Witt and Quinn use the Kelly Kettle to boil water for coffee.

On a slow morning Witt and Quinn use the Kelly Kettle to boil water for coffee.

We visited a sinkhole very similar to one we saw in Mexico. This one was home to beautiful macaws

We visited a sinkhole very similar to one we saw in Mexico. This one was home to beautiful macaws

Here’s a quick video of Itiapu Dam, Iguazu Falls, and Witt doing some ziplining. Enjoy!

3 Responses to 'Iguazu Falls and the Brazilian Pantanal'

  1. Debbie Slobe says:

    Awesome photos, beautiful scenery and great to see recent pics of you all. You look so happy! What an amazing adventure you are having! Can’t believe it’s been 2 years now. 🙂

  2. Bobbie staggs says:

    Beautiful! What a great time you are having.

  3. Ricardo Klempp says:

    Very nice web site. Nice trip.