Stunning images of The Iguazu Falls

This was a guest post submitted by Jessica Bown

The Iguazu Falls, situated on the border of the Brazilian state of Parana and the Argentine province of Misiones, is one of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in the world. Legend has it that an angry god created them by slicing the river to prevent local beauty Naipi fleeing his attentions in a canoe with her mortal lover Taroba, thus condemning the couple to a watery death. Visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists every year, the spectacular falls can be viewed from both the Brazilian and the Argentine sides of the Iguazu River.

The Brazilian national park is the best place to get a panoramic view of the falls in all their glory.

There are numerous photo opportunities as you wander the well-signposted viewing paths taking it all in. For $110 (£71), you can also take a 15-minute helicopter ride over the falls.

While you only need half a day to visit the Brazilian national park, it also has walkways that take you out across the foaming water below the falls, where the noise is deafening!

From the Argentine side, meanwhile, you can meander in complete security just metres away from the fury of the falls.

On a sunny day, the spray thrown up – particularly at the aptly named Devil’s Throat, which has water pouring into it from three sides – creates rainbows that hang in the air just metres from your head.

Elsewhere, the paths run right between the falls, allowing you to fully experience the breathtaking beauty and power of Iguazu!

You can get even closer to the falls by taking a boat trip. Wear swimwear or waterproofs though, as you are sure to get soaked by the water turned orangey-brown by decades of deforestation.

The national parks on both the Brazilian and Argentine sides are packed with weird and wonderful wildlife. Take the walking trails to increase your chances of a close encounter.

Look out too for the many varieties of birds and brightly coloured butterflies wheeling around in the spray.

There are numerous hotels on both the Brazilian and Argentine sides of the falls. I stayed in Argentina in the family-run Posada La Sorgente, which boasts a cute little swimming pool, comfortable rooms and a restaurant serving tasty, well-presented Italian food. A double room costs around £72 a night.

Jessica was a guest at the Posada La Sorgente Hotel. www.lasorgentehotel.com/en/home.html