Visiting the Brazilian side of the falls was never part of the itinerary as I did not want to travel too far north (thus jeopardizing my visit to the "end-of-the-world"). Of course, it did not helped when Sillyporeans requires a visa to get into the country. But speaking to the friendly owner in my hostel, I realised I may be able to "sneak" past the Brazilian customs for a one-day visit to the falls. Thus, the plan was to take the bus (AR$2/S$0.95 per trip) that was on its way to Foz de Iguaçu (a town on the opposite side of Rio Iguazú), get across the customs and head towards the falls.
Everything was smooth until I reached the customs in Brazil. While no one got down since most of the passengers were citizens of countries in Mercosur (a regional trade agreement that allows free movement of individuals within these countries), the bus driver must had thought that I wanted clear the customs officially and got me to alight. Tried to speak to the customs officer that I was on a day trip but he was insistent and even stamped my passport denoting that I was refused entry. I got back to
Puerto Iguazú on the next bus and drank the whole day off. Tough luck. :(
I tried again the next day and managed to slip in (wow, I am now an illegal immigrant!). Went to Parque Nacional Do Iguaçu (BR$20.50 or S$18.45 per admission) and did the usual touristy thing. While the Argentine side offers more close-up views, the Brazilian side actually enables visitors to have a panoramic view of the falls.
After spending the whole day taking photographs (probably got fatigued by staring at waterfalls for consecutive 2 days), I went to Foz de Iguaçu for a quick visit. Did not see any significant here (perhaps this was due to a Sunday), the Asian influence (strangely) was certainly visible here (there were a couple of Chinese restaurants and shops selling Lebanese and Turkish food). I realised that the standard of living here was higher than Argentina; a combo meal in McDonalds cost BR$17 or S$15.30. That was like almost 3 times the price of having my Big-Mac in Sillypore! |
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Views of a waterfall in Iguazú National Park opposite of Isle of San Martin.
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While I was walking back to the main entrance (I gave up waiting for the tram), the evening sun was so great that I had to take a photograph of it.
- impressions of Iguazú National Park, Argentina
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Nothing much here; just the registration number of the bus that was taking me back to Puerto Iguazú. *Don't cry for me Argentina, the truth is I never left you*
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This was dinner (Arroz or rice - people here somehow just don't take that much of rice, Spaghetti, Carne or beef and meat sauce) taken at a food kiosk in a Supermacado (i.e. a supermarket). The weight of the food taken will determine the price (1kg cost AR$25 or S$11.90). This meal set me back by AR$12.13 or S$5.78.
p.s.:
This happened to be the first main meal of the day.
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The gloomy-looking Brazilian customs; this was where I got to turn back after I was denied entry into Brazil. |
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Yes, I was finally in Brazil! After clearing the customs, I alighted on Av das Cataratas (a.k.a. main road) and took another bus (BR$2.10 or S$1.89) to Parque Nacional Do Iguaçu.
p.s.: Note that there is no need to go to Foz de Iguaçu if one were to visit the Brazilian side of the falls from Argentina.
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Was the man (with the backpack) trying to curl up into the shape of Rio Iguazú? |
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Another photograph of an unknown waterfall in Iguazú. |
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It just looks like a big cup with water overflowing.
- impressions of the falls as viewed from Brazil |
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I thought I was in a dream when I took this photograph. It was simply lovely!
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