Don't go chasing waterfalls

"Don't go chasing waterfalls. Please stick to the rivers and the lakes that you're used to. I know that you're gonna have it your way or nothing at all, but I think you're moving too fast."

This song's been in my head the whole day. Probably because I just saw one of the most amazing waterfalls in the world - Iguazu Falls - from the Brazilian side. The Iguazu river, which is the source of the waterfalls, borders between Brazil and Argentina. Both side of the waterfalls have been designated as Unesco World Heritage Site in the 1980s.

The two can be visited in one day through organised tours. We decided to visit the waterfalls on our own, hence we allocated 4 days for the trip. It can definitely be done in shorter days, but we're flying in from Rio and didn't wanna rush but take our time to rest a little while enjoying the visit. We stayed at Best Western in the Brazilian town of Foz do Iguazu. The hotel is conveniently located right next to bus terminal, and has all the facilities (pool, sauna, gym) needed to pass time in the evening. The only grumble we have is the Internet, which doesn't always work.

To get to the Brazilian side of the waterfall, the bus stop is less than 5 minutes walk from the hotel. The bus (titled Aeroporto/Nacionale Parque, or #120) runs every 20-25 minutes and it takes about 45 minutes to reach the park (it stops right in front). Bus fare is R$2.65/person. Entrance fee to the park is R$41/person - cheaper rate if you're Brazilian, Paraguay or Argentinian.

I must say the accessibility to the park and the convenience of the visit is beyond my expectation. In contrast to Machu Picchu/Lake Titicaca, which are well known sites, Brazilian's Iguazu Falls boast the ease of commute. It's like a stroll in the park. In Peru, we had to figure out transportation and connectivity, and held on tight, sitting in buses with crazy drivers. Here, it's so seamless that we almost didn't have to think. As soon as we got dropped off by the public bus, we walked towards the counter to buy tickets and then we're ushered to the departure area to take the hop on-hop off bus bus, which brings us to the various stops for different activities in the park. The bus ride was calm and easy (no crazy ride!) and guided explanations are in Portuguese and English. We got down at the 3rd stop, which is the start of the 1.2km trail to see the waterfalls. There's signage to lead you to the trail. There are pitstops along the trail for drinks or snacks or toilets. There's signage to warn you against climbing over the bannister. There's a signage that apologises for the inconvenience caused by some maintenance works. I was telling blue eyes that this felt like an American national park! ;)

The viewpoints for the waterfalls are well constructed and despite the heavy rush and strong wind, one can still be standing firmly, unless he/she does something stupid. At the end of the trail are cafes and restaurants, as well as souvenir shops. The same hop on-hop off buses are waiting to bring those who are ready back to the park entrance. We didn't even have to wait. And we took the same way back to the hotel as we went in the first place. No complications. No issue. Easy as the bee. The park is suited for all ages, handicapped or not, elderly or young ones. I must say, it's one of the most well developed tourist sights I've been so far.

Well tomorrow we will head towards the Argentinian side of the waterfalls. Let's see how the neighbour fares in providing the facilities :)