why we work -- pictures --argentina -- iguazu falls

The flight from to Iguazu Falls departed from the domestic airport (Jorge Newberry AEP) in Buenos Aires. All cash machines around the hotel were empty, so we arranged a taxi through the concierge and charged it to the room. So in addition to being a little nervous about having no cash, I was nervous about winding up at the wrong airport so I was relieved when we pulled up at the departure area and I saw signs that said AEP (which might stand for AEro Puerto?).

After checking in with LAN Argentina, we tried two cash machines but both were empty. ARGH. The airport seems brand new or newly renovated, is bright and airy, and because of its waterfront location and wall of windows has a great view of the ocean.

We proceeded through security where the 21" carbon fiber tripod was a huge issue (even though we carried it on the plane from Chicago to Buenos Aires) so we had to return to the check in counter and check it as baggage. (good thing it has a bag).

Grumpy, we returned through security and FINALLY found a cash machine with money (and to this day we are still stuck with $100 Argentinean pesos because currency exchanges outside of Argentina won't take it).

The flight to Iguazu was an uneventful hour and a half and we were welcomed with an absolutely gorgeous sunset as we waited for our luggage in the one room airport. We hired a taxi for the 15 minute drive to the Sheraton which is the only hotel located inside the national park. As such, they pretty much can charge whatever they want but the location is well worth it. Our room had a view of the falls and we could see toucans from the balcony.

We also took advantage of the pool area, and relaxed in the afternoon after hiking all morning and before going out for the early evening light. We were not able to get a late checkout, but we stored our luggage and then used the showers to freshen up before departing in the afternoon.

The hotel's trailside location meant we were about a 10 minute walk to our first photo opportunity in the mornings. The Upper Circuit (Circuito Superior) is a half hour series of steel catwalks at the top of the falls whereas the Lower Circuit (Circuito Inferior) provides views from the bottom of the falls and is a bit more strenuous because it involves several sets of staircases.

View of the falls from the Circuito Inferior

The Green Trail (Sendero Verde) leads from the Upper Circuit to the Cataratas Station. Here, you catch a 10 minute train (that runs every half hour) to out to Devil's Throat.

Devils Throat Panorama

From Cataratas Station, a trail leads to the main visitors center (which, by the way, has a cash machine) which also has a train station. The trains only run from one stop to the next, so if you board at Central Station, you must get off at Cataratas Station and then get in the line to go to Devil's Throat. San Martin island was closed when we visited so on our last day we hiked the Macuco trail to the Arrechea waterfall. Though it was less than 4 miles (not sure if this is one way or round trip) the last part was steep, slippery, and over moss-covered boulders.

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Over river walkways	Upper & lower viewing platforms	Viewing platform

Though we saw several signs that warned about the dangers of monkeys, we saw no such simians. The evenings did seem to be the busiest time for wildlife. While walking around the grounds we wound up in the middle of a coati parade - out of nowhere hundreds of them descended from the trees, marched across the parking lot and had a happy hour in the fruit trees. The smarter ones stayed on the ground while eager (and skinnier) ones foraged in the trees, knocking down fruit for the fattys below. Note to self, don't park your car under fruit trees.