MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY

The torrential Iguassu River crosses the State of Paraná, Southern Brazil, from east to west and, a few kilometres before its junction with the Paraná River, it forms one of the most impressive natural wonders in the world: the Iguassu Falls.

The torrential Iguassu River crosses the State of Paraná, Southern Brazil, from east to west and, a few kilometres before its junction with the Paraná River, it forms one of the most impressive natural wonders in the world: the Iguassu Falls. Plunging from a crescent-shaped cliff over 2.7 kilometres (1.7 miles) wide, they are located in the middle of some very special scenery. The contrast between the green of the vegetation and the dark colour of the basalt rocks with thundering waters falling from a height of 72 metres (235 feet) makes visitors feel a profound communion with nature. Great dusky swifts and black vultures may be seen performing acrobatic flights through the clouds of mist, giving dramatic touch to this already magnificent spectacle. The Iguassu Falls are protected by two national parks – one in Brazil and the other in Argentina – both of them listed as UNESCO Heritage Sites. After a wide curve and some rapids, the whole river falls laterally over a deep cleft carved by erosion, forming the Devil’s Throat. There are walking trails and catwalks, adapted to the landscape of the area, which are easy for all ages. Disembarking our ship after an early breakfast, we transfer to the airport to board a specially chartered 18 seat aircraft for the flight to Iguassu (which takes approximately two-and-three-quarter hours). On arrival we will pass through immigration formalities and then be taken on the approximate 15 minute transfer to the Brazilian National Park side of the falls. Our tour commences at the National Park Visitors’ Centre. This centre offers us an array of basic services such as snack bars, a restaurant, souvenir shops, toilets, a medical centre and an interpretive building, with giant panels showing the biodiversity of the humid, subtropical forest. Passing through the centre, our visit continues with a 10 kilometre (6 mile) drive to the Hotel Das Cataratas, from where we will gain a view of the magnificent Iguassu Falls. From the hotel we will take a walking tour of approximately 2 hours, along the catwalk for about 1.5 kilometres (just under 1 mile). During this walk we will have many opportunities to capture the dramatic panorama of the falls on camera. At the end of the catwalk we can appreciate a fantastic view of the Devil’s Throat, where 14 falls plunge with such force that there is always a cloud of spray overhead. We should keep an eye out for the rainbow. Our tour ends at the upper part of Iguassu Falls, reached by a panoramic elevator. From here we will walk along a track that take us to the Espaço Porto Canoas, where we will find a lookout point with a view of the upper Iguassu River. Also here is a restaurant, snack bars, a handicraft shop, toilets and a first-aid post. Following this magnificent walking tour we will be taken back to the airport. Passing through immigration controls, we board the aircraft ready to take off on our return flight to Montevideo. Please note that this tour involves a significant amount of walking and is therefore unsuitable for those passengers with limited mobility. The itinerary is subject to alteration and/or cancellation due to flight changes and adverse weather conditions. Aircraft baggage is restricted to one small carry-on bag per person on our charter aircraft flights to and from Iguassu. Comfortable shoes are essential, as is sun protection. A packed lunch and drink will be provided on the tour as well as light snacks on both flights.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2008 SOUTH AMERICA CRUISE