Bird Park, Iguazu Falls, Brazil

Literally across the street from the entrance to Iguazu Falls on the Brazilian side was a wild bird park.  We ended up having a few hours extra time after spending most of the day at the falls, so we decided to pay a visit, and we were SO glad we did!  It was an amazing time, hundreds of different species of birds all over the park, as well as a butterfly and hummingbird sanctuary.  In most areas of the park, the birds would roam more or less “free”, within huge areas of jungle that were netted off.  All of us visitors would be inside with the birds as well, which was quite a bit more enjoyable and interactive than seeing them in cages.

A bunch of random pictures from the day… we have no idea what kind of birds most of these are!

Our very first encounter with a Toucan… a variety of different species live in the sanctuary

I’m pretty sure the green birds are called “Wild Kellys”……  ;-)

This absolutely SWEET toucan just wanted to be pet!  I was a bit cautious as birds can take your finger off if they want, but he just wanted to be loved!  :-)

We had seen some Rheas in the wild throughout our bus travel in southern Argentina:

Iquazu Falls - Argentina Side

One final border crossing into Argentina and we arrived on the other side of the falls.  From this side, you could take a boat on the Iquazu River, up close (and in!) to one of the big waterfalls!!

Approaching the waterfall…..

The boat driving under the falls!!!

A view of the falls we went under (and another group in a boat)

View up river to the ‘Devil’s Throat’

After sufficiently drying off (luckily it was another hot, clear day), we walked around the park to all the different vantage points on this side of the falls. 

Up above the ‘Devil’s Throat’:

Other pictures from around the park:

Tomorrow we visit the wild bird park in Foz do Iguazu…….and Jen has a close encounter with a toucan! :P

Foz do Iguaçu (Iquazu Falls) - Brazil Side

It was a momentous event for us to go on our last long bus ride of the trip (yay!!!), from Florianapolis to Foz Do Iquacu on Brazil’s interior.  The waterfall here has three times the water flow of Niagara Falls and is quite a draw for tourists from around South America and other parts of the world.  Just like Niagara, the falls are split between two countries (in this case Brazil and Argentina)… the the two sides provide much different views and experiences. 

Our first day there, we visited the Brazilian side… the side known for its sweeping views of the many smaller waterfalls that surround the ‘Garganta do Diabo’ (Devil’s Throat), the biggest set of falls in the center of the canyon:

Some of the falls that surround the main falls:

View from above the falls:

Tomorrow, we visit the Argentina side!

Florianopolis, Brazil

After yet another overnight bus, we arrived in much-anticipated Brazil… the last country we will visit while in South America.  Brazil is such a large country it was difficult to make the decision on where to go.  We started with Florianopolis, a place known for its beaches and relaxed atmosphere… just our speed!  Plus, it would be a nice jumping off place to our next destination of Iguazu Falls.

Florianopolis is actually a large peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic… and the entire eastern edge is basically one large beach.  We stayed on ‘Barra da Lagoa’, close to Lake Conceição and about a 20 minute walk to the ocean.

The first night there we wandered around town…  we saw a couple different groups practicing for Carnival, which was in three weeks.  A nice surprise that definitely made us feel like we had arrived in Brazil!

 

While in town, we couldn’t resist the ‘Havaianas’ store.  We figured they would be a nice souvenir that we could actually use (and cheaper than if we bought them at home).  Now we would blend in with the locals for sure.  :-)

Lake Conceição… lots of locals picnicking, playing soccer, paddle boarding, jet skiing, etc…

The next day we took a walk to the ocean side of the peninsula to ‘Praia Mole’ (Mole Beach)

The Brazilians definitely love their sun and beaches.  A little UV warning system to help keep the sun-lover safe!

Scott’s mullet is coming along nicely… I told him he should keep it!