The "Big Water" and the Pretty Birds
Trip Start
Jan 04, 2013
1
3
20
Trip End
Ongoing
Where I stayed
Foz do iguacu, State of Parana, Brazil
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
With the flooding of the Guaíra Falls in 1982, Iguazu currently has the second-greatest average annual flow of any waterfall in the world, after Niagara.
Numerous islands along the 2.7-kilometre-long (1.7 mi) edge divide the falls into numerous separate waterfalls and cataracts, varying between 60 to 82 metres (197 to 269 ft) high. The number of these smaller waterfalls fluctuates from 150 to 300, depending on the water level.
The name "Iguazu" comes from the Guarani or Tupi words "y" [ɨ], meaning "water", and "ûasú "[waˈsu], meaning "big". Legend has it that a god planned to marry a beautiful woman named Naipí, who fled with her mortal lover Tarobá in a canoe. In rage, the god sliced the river, creating the waterfalls and condemning the lovers to an eternal fall.
What to say about the Iguacu Falls. Breath-taking. Stupendous. Inspiring. And yet these are all words. To relay the power and beauty of nature is perhaps better through pictures...
After the falls we also visited the bird-park next to the national park. Another fantastic experience-walking through the jungle-like setting where one could at some parts get really up close and personal with our winged friends, all unique, some quiet, some loud, some small, some big.. Most with stunning bright colours and all beautiful.
