The name “Iguazu” in translation from the language of the Guarani Indians means “big water”. The Iguazu Falls are located on the border of Brazil (Parana state) and Argentina (Misiones region). Both National Parks are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Two thirds of the cascades are located in Argentina, one third belongs to the possessions of Brazil. In order to fully experience the grandeur and power of the waterfalls, you need to view it from the side of both states, however, the beauty of the surrounding nature, the abundance of exotic birds and butterflies is also breathtaking while walking along the numerous bridges built over its Argentinean part.
The structure of the Iguazu Falls is amazing – it is a whole system of 272 two-stage cascades of a gigantic amphitheater, as if superimposed by a ledge one on top of the other. The border between Brazil and Argentina runs along the gorge of the main cascade – this is “Gargante del Diablo”, which means “the throat of the devil.” Several tourist routes have been created in the vicinity of the waterfall. One of the most unforgettable experiences is a trip on an ecological train, and then a walk to the observation deck “Devil’s Throat”. From here, a bewitching panorama of the most powerful and abundant cascade of the waterfall opens. The so-called “lower route” is characterized by closer contact with the cascades, over which countless rainbows hang, reflected in millions of sprays. The port is located in this area. from where small motor boats sail on an exciting journey to the water walls of the waterfalls. The “upper route” covers the highest sector of the waterfall – the beginning of the formation of the Iguazu cascades.
With its nature and climate, Iguazu Park resembles the tropics of the Amazonian forests. The forests here are multi-level, the highest level of tree crowns is called “canopy”, below – a few more “steps” of lower trees. At the lowest level of bushes and grasses, different types of yerba mate grow, from which the popular tea in Argentina is brewed. Orchids grow directly on tree trunks
The city of Puerto Iguazu is located just 18 km from the Iguazu National Park and 1300 km from Buenos Aires (flight duration 1 hour 45 minutes).
Climate
The climate is continental, cooler in the evenings than during the day.
From January to March, the cascades of the waterfall are at their fullest due to heavy rains; it should be borne in mind that this period is characterized by hot weather and high humidity; in winter (June-September) the air temperature can drop to +10°С; the weather in Iguazu is changeable and often unpredictable.
IGUACU | JAN | FEB | IDA | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AVG | SEN | OCT | BUT I | DEC |
Pace. air, C | 26 | 26 | 25 | 22 | 20 | 16 | 17 | 17 | 19 | 22 | 23 | 25 |
Precipitation, mm | 172 | 174 | 175 | 199 | 184 | 154 | 131 | 124 | 137 | 182 | 209 | 135 |
Mendoza
The city of Mendoza is the most important capital of the eastern province of Argentina. The province of Mendoza is known for its wineries, producing top quality fine wines exported all over the world. Being the main wine-growing center of the country, this province has 6,000 vineyards with 1,221 wine cellars, which produce 10,000,000 liters of wine per year, that is, 70% of all wine in the country. Tourists can visit many of these wineries and taste their products. On the first Saturday of March, the Grape Harvest Festival is celebrated with cultural and artistic events, culminating in the election of the Queen of the Grape Harvest.
The city of Mendoza is the capital of the province and attracts the attention of tourists due to the unique mixture of modernity and traditions of the Mapuche Indians. Amazing nature, the water surface of the lake, small cozy bars and restaurants, local residents, including many Indians, souvenir shops. You will not want to leave these places, and you will remember the air and nature all your life.
Proximity to the Andes makes the city an ideal tourist destination for outdoor enthusiasts: hiking, rafting, climbing, as well as skiing in winter and visiting thermal spas at any time of the year.
A 4-hour drive from Mendoza is the famous Argentine ski resort of Las Leñas, one of the main ski centers in Argentina with heavy snow cover and ski slopes for all skill levels. One of the features of Las Leñas is its high-speed downhills for extreme skiing, which are considered the best in Latin America, and one of the longest slopes in the world, consisting of tracks with a total length of 7050 meters.
Tourists also enjoy a trip to the Chilean border to look at the highest peak in South America – Mount Aconcagua. Aconcagua is the highest extinct volcano in the world. There are many interesting routes of climbing the mountain of varying degrees of difficulty. Currently, climbers must purchase a pass from the local authorities of Aconcagua Provincial Park in Mendoza before climbing the mountain. Prices change depending on the season.
Mendoza is located 1050 km from Buenos Aires (flight time – 1 hour 50 minutes).
The climate is
mountainous, dry and sunny. In winter, the nights are very cold. Average temperature in summer 30С/18С, in winter 15С/3С