Iguazu Falls - Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay

On February 6th, we flew from Rio de Janeiro to Foz do Iguacu, Brazil to see one of the "New Wonders of the Natural World"; Iguazu Falls.  Iguazu Falls sits on the borders of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay (although the falls cannot be viewed from Paraguay.  We stayed in a wonderful resort only 5 miles from the falls on the Brazil side.  In our research of the area, we found the Argentina side of the falls takes about 6 hours to explore all the trails and the Brazil side takes about 2 hours.  We had 3 full days to explore the area so we decided to start with the Argentina side.

 Indescribable!

 All through the park are either paved trails or these suspended walkways over the river.

 Heading out to Devil's Throat

 These little guys were everywhere within the park and were not shy about steeling people's food.  We saw one climb up a young girl's leg and rip a bag of food from her hands.

 We then boarded a type of inflatible speed boat to take us up close to the falls.

 Ready for our ride

 The boats go into 2 different sections of the falls and are able to put the nose of the boat right under the falls getting everyone in the boat soaked.

 We had our shower for the day.  It felt great in 95 degree temps with high humidity!

 Back up to the top of the falls with great views of rainbows!

We spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing at our resort's pool.

The rooms at the resort were in these houses throughout the grounds.  Each house consisted of 6 rooms and each had their own pool and jacuzzi.  

The following day we headed to the Brazil side of the falls.

 More rainbows over the falls

 In the afternoon we drove to the border of Paraguay.

 We parked our rental car at the border and walked across the "Friendship Bridge" into Paraguay.

 The city of Ciudad del Este, Paraguay known for imported shopping.

This is where the Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina borders come together.

 We had a great lunch on the border of Paraguay.  Steak, fries, beans, rice and salad all for $5!

Back at our resort where we spent the rest of the day and all day the next before our 7 p.m. flight back to the US.  Such a wonderful trip.

We head out again at the end of March where we are returning to Iceland for a project we were asked to help with.  Until then!

Rio de Janeiro

We flew from Santiago, Chile to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on February 2nd and stayed on the 17th floor of our Porto Bay Hotel in Copacabana Beach.  We booked an all day tour for the following day to help us get more familar with the city and to see some of Rio's highlights.  It was a semi-walking tour and included entrance to Christ the Redeemer statue and walking through the Favela of Santa Marta where Michael Jackson recorded his video of "They Don't Care About Us", released in 1995.

 Rio's Theater in the Financial District

 The Arches of Lapa - Carioca Aqueduct built in 1723.

 Street Art in St. Teresa

 The Selaron Steps in St. Teresa.  These steps were tiled and painted by an artist who lived in the area and considered the project "His tribute to the people of Brazil."

 Our guide took us to a view point where we could overlook the city.

 Our tour guide Daniel on the left with some friends of his from the Santa Marta Favela.  

 We got to walk through the favela where Michael Jackson made his music video, "They Don't Care About Us."  A favela is basically a community of squatters who build houses on land that doesn't belong to them but the city doesn't make them move.  Most favelas are restricted and dangerous to walk through because of drug lords unless you live there, but since Michael Jackson visited this favela, the police monitor it and they have opened it up to tourist.

 One of the boys living in the favela.  Several boys followed us around.

 This mural was painted after Michael Jackson's death to honor him.

 View of the walkways through the community.

 City area from the bottom of the favela.

 We took a bus to the top of the Corcovado Mountain where Christ the Redeemer Statue is.  Great views of the city and the bay.

 The following day, we were on our own and decided to check out an area that was built up for the Olympics.  This spaceship looking building is called the "Museum of Tomorrow."

 Fascinating Street Art!

 Relaxing at the roof-top pool - 20th floor.

 Boardwalk at Copacabana Beach

 Getting in some beach time

Copacabana beach in front of our hotel

Next up - Iguazu Falls