Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Iguazu Falls

As I approached the complex of waterfalls that constitute Iguazu Falls, the view above was my first sight, la Garganta del Diablo (The Devil's Throat), the largest of the falls. These falls are located between the countries of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay and its name is derived from the Guarani language meaning "Big Water." It will take two full days to explore and photograph this complex since there are two circuits , a visit to Isla San Martin plus boat rides.
Below are frontal view of the Devil's Throat fall that starts with a small set of stairs and then drops down a 260 feet fall.


My trip to Iguazu Falls completed my visits to the world's major falls that included Niagara Falls, Angel Falls and Victoria Falls. They are all unique with Angel Falls being the tallest but with a lesser volume of water. But the greatest one in Victoria Falls; the extend of falls almost in a straight line fed by the Zambesi River, the noise of the water is louder than the other falls and for this reason is called the "The Smoke that Thunders." And a helicopter ride thru the gorges of Victoria Falls is must do. I would say that Iguazu Falls is probably number Two.

Above is another view of Iguazu's Throat of Devil and below is a view of the waterfall complex looking East away fro the Devil's Throat. The best way to get a good perspective of the extend of these fall is to fly over them.

In addittion to the falls, there is a great abundance of tropical vegetations, birds that you probably never seen before, numerous butterflies and some mammals, the Coatimundis are conditioned to people and they will approach you without fear. The park has well maintained trails and catwalks, excellent eateries and an ecological train for those not wanting to walk.

4 comments:

SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

What a wonderful post Jose. It was a long wait for you to post these but well worthwaiting for. :)

I can imagine if you are there what the sound of all that falling water must be like. They are almost as magnificent as Victoria but not quite I must agree.

The vegetation, birds and selction of insects there should be fantastic too because of the climate. I could probably spend a month there and not see and photograph everything. :)

A lot of these falls and the Grand Canyon are best seen from a helicopter to appreciate it fully.

Thank you so much for sharing it with us.

Atanasio Fernández García said...

Hola José! Qué imagenes tan esepctaculares, ha debido ser impresionante estar allí! Pero además eres una persona muy afortunada por haber vistado algunas de las cascadas más grandes del mundo, auténticas maravillas de la naturaleza. Un abrazo!

Ken Conger Photography said...

Great series. They are all good but I like the composition of the last one the best. Blue Skies.

Tim Rucci said...

You have done well to capture a very difficult subject. It seems that photos rarely do justice to scenes like these. I think I like #3 the best because it gives a good perspective and shows the depth of the falls. Nice work...