MARCH 31, 2018 --- SHOPPING, ZOO AND THE THREE FRONTIERS

Our third and last day in Foz do Iguaçu was much calmer than the last few days. We didn't need to rush out the house and Avi and I took a couple of hours in the morning to do some shopping downtown - which is a few blocks away from where we are staying. The main shopping street is Avenida Brazil (Brazil Ave), with many souvenirs and affordable clothes shops. 

Our favourite store on the strip: a cheap jewellery story. Avi and I have a soft spot for different jewellery and even though we left with not too much, we were like kids in the candy story just looking at unique pieces.

Travelling with style.

I just love all the shapes and shades of green.

If you come to Brazil and don't go to a Churrascaria (barbecue house) at least once, you haven't really experienced the country and its culture - unless you are vegetarian. On our last day we tried a Rodízio de Carne, which is basically an all-you-can-eat huge buffet PLUS different meats being brought to your table every few minutes. You accept it or not. This churrascaria costs R$40 (CAN$17) per person, plus drinks.

Happy faces before starting a (much needed) strict diet back home... right away, please!

Right across from the churrascaria we visited the Bosque Guarani, a city run zoo, right across from the bus terminal. The place is beautiful, with big trees, nice shade, calming ponds and relaxing attraction. I am not sure, though, about the animals' well-being. I love seeing the different species, but zoos always make me sad too. The cages looked pretty small and old to me. The zoo is free.

Most of the animals are from this region: crocodiles, turtles, parrots, macaws, monkeys, quatis and one jaguar.  

The area is beautiful, right in the heart of the city.

The biggest expectation for the girls was to see the jaguar. It was pretty impressive and majestic, indeed. 

The day ended with a brief and wet tour to the Three Borders Landmark (Marco das Três Fronteiras).

SOURCE: WIKIPEDIA https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triple_Frontier

 The Triple Frontier is a tri-border area along the junction of Paraguay, Argentina, and Brazil, where the Iguazú and Paraná rivers converge. Near the confluence are the cities of Ciudad del Este (Paraguay); Puerto Iguazú (Argentina) and Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil). This area is near Iguazú Falls and the Itaipú hydroelectric plant.

We are standing in Brazil, right in front of Argentina and beside Paraguay.

SOURCE: https://www.visitefoz.com.br/en/attractions/three-borders-landmark/

The Three Borders Landmark was already one of the main historical points of the city of Foz do Iguaçu, where the Iguaçu and Paraná rivers meet, but more than that, three great South American nations are together: Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. The landmark symbolizes a bit of the reality of the region, where the borders are so close and present that sometimes do not seem to exist.

The new tour, now with entrance ticket payment, is a different experience for tourists. The new constructions honor the Jesuit Missions, and all the visual and sound ambience of the tour directs the visitor’s focus to the history of the foaming of the region of Foz do Iguaçu, including a beautiful 12-minute projection on Cabeza de Vaca, the first white man to see the Iguaçu Falls in 1542 (which is often forgotten by the city itself) and on the political and social formation of the city.

Cabeza de Vaca was the first European to "find" the Iguazu Falls. This memorial tells a bit of his story, with a 12 minute documentary about his life and the missions in the region (in Portuguese).

SOURCE: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Álvar_Núñez_Cabeza_de_Vaca

Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca was a Spanish explorer of the New World, and one of four survivors of the 1527 Narváez expedition. During eight years of traveling across the US Southwest, he became a trader and faith healer to various Native American tribes before reconnecting with Spanish civilization in Mexico in 1536. After returning to Spain in 1537, he wrote an account, first published in 1542 as La relación y comentarios ("The Account and Commentaries"), which in later editions was retitled Naufragios ("Shipwrecks"). Cabeza de Vaca is sometimes considered a proto-anthropologist for his detailed accounts of the many tribes of American Indians that he encountered.

In 1540, Cabeza de Vaca was appointed adelantado of what is now Argentina, where he was governor and captain general of New Andalusia.^] He worked to build up the population of Buenos Aires, where settlement had declined due to the poor administration. Cabeza de Vaca was transported to Spain for trial in 1545. Although his sentence was eventually commuted, he never returned to the Americas. He died in Seville.

Here are three counties: Argentina (top left), Brazil (bottom) and Paraguay (top right).

The Brazil landmark. From here it is possible to see the same obelisk in Argentina and in Paraguay in the colours of each country. I have a picture of myself standing right in front of this monument, at age 11, at home. Good memories, but back then there was no park, just the landmark.

From this important landmark for Latin America, I end this trip. Three days in Foz do Iguaçu was enough to get to know a bit of this beautiful town and its amazing natural attractions. Thanks for the hospitality and great memories. 

BIRD PARK AND FALLS ----- MARCH 30, 2018

BIRD PARK /

PARQUE DAS AVES

Obviously the main attraction here in Iguazu are the falls, but the Bird Park (Parque das Aves) is also a must visit place, if you have time. All you need is a couple of hours. 

Most of the species of fauna and flora here are from the region or from tropical areas in Brazil. 

First animal we saw in the Bird Park was actually not a bird, but a monkey. The saguis are typical monkeys from Brazil and can be found even in urban centres like in Rio. They are super small, in fact smaller than a rabbit.

I didn't get this guy's name, but I like his hair do.

Flamingos

My favourite. 

SOURCE: http://www.parquedasaves.com.br/en/

Parque das Aves is an internationally recognised rescue and conservation centre for birds, located in the middle of the rich and exuberant Rainforest, neighbour of the Iguaçu National Park. It's an essential tour for those who visit Foz do Iguassu, where you'll experience a direct contact with more than 1320 birds from about 143 different species. There are 16.5 hectares of lush Atlantic Rainforest maintained to provide the best habitat for our animals.

Best travelling companions.

The fauna here is spectacular and makes you feel like you are wandering right in the forest. I love the colours and shapes of the flowers, although green plants and tress are predominant. 

Banana tree.

                                                SOURCE: http://www.parquedasaves.com.br/en/

50% of our birds have been rescued by the Environmental Police, Federal Police and by IBAMA (the Brazilian environment agency).

About 50% of our birds come from seizures made by the Environmental Police, Federal Police and by IBAMA. These animals are rescued from environments of mistreatment, trafficking and illegal possession; others come from Rehabilitation Centers and Sorting of Wild Animals. We have also received feeble birds who have suffered accidents and birds chicks that were delivered to the environmental organizations after falling from their nests.

Avi made a friend.

Bromelias

SOURCE: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bromeliaceae

Bromeliads are plants that are adapted to various climates. Foliage takes different shapes, from needle-thin to broad and flat, symmetrical to irregular, spiky to soft. The foliage, which usually grows in a rosette, is widely patterned and colored. Leaf colors range from maroon, through shades of green, to gold. Varieties may have leaves with red, yellow, white and cream variations. Others may be spotted with purple, red, or cream, while others have different colors on the tops and bottoms of the leaves.

                               SOURCE: http://www.parquedasaves.com.br/en/

Reptile Refuge

Did you know that birds are closely related to reptiles in evolutionary terms? So that you can learn a little more about this group, the Parque das Aves has put together a stimulating habitat where you can observe some of the amazing reptiles of Brazilian’s fauna, such as boas, iguanas, alligators and the fearsome Anaconda.

                         SOURCE: http://www.parquedasaves.com.br/en/

Aviary of River and Mangrove Birds

The Aviary of River and Mangrove Birds houses birds adapted to an aquatic environment, such as scarlet ibis and egrets, in addition to toucans, red-legged seriemas and many other species.

                              SOURCE: http://www.parquedasaves.com.br/en/

Macaw Aviary

In Brazil live many species of macaws and you can meet many of them here in the Parque das Aves. Immerse yourself in a dawn of colours created by several species of macaws and parrots in this walk-through aviary, in which you can feel very closely the presence of birds flying around you.

                           SOURCE: http://www.parquedasaves.com.br/en/

Kingdom of the Butterflies

Some cultures believe that when a butterfly lands on you, it’s a sign of good news. Come and be dazzled by this constant metamorphosis in a delicate and charming aviary, shared by numerous species of butterflies and hummingbirds that will change your life.

Papaya and bananas for breakfast.

SOURCE: http://www.parquedasaves.com.br/en/

Most  of the birds that arrive are physically very frail: with clipped wings, beaks and limbs partially amputated, blind and unable to fly. These animals are usually not accepted by other zoos, since they need special care and hardly reproduce. They are often rejected by institutions, since their appearance is not considered appropriate for display. At Parque das Aves, they have access to treatment, shelter and care, even when they are not on display.

With humidex over 35 degrees, the girls had fun getting wet in the fake pond. 

It was fun, until Fifi sliped and fell. She was fine and the moment was almost caught on this click.

IGUAZU NATIONAL PARK /

PARQUE NATIONAL DO IGUAÇU

Right beside the Parque das Aves is the Brazilian side of the falls. We basically choose the worst day to visit it: Good Friday! Since it's a holiday here in Brazil, the place was packed with tourists. Apparently the hotels are over 90% capacity and the line ups were gigantic. 

We waited 2 hours and 20 minutes in line to get the park. Yes... TWO HOURS AND TWENTY MINUTES!  But again, we picket the worst day to come. 

The ticket costs R$36 for Brazilians (CAN$16) and R$62 (CAN$ 25) for foreigners, like Canadians. At the entrance, a bus picks you up and takes you into the park and you choose your stop. There are different trails, viewpoints, cafeterias and washrooms.  

SOURCE: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iguaçu_National_Park

The area of the park open for visitation and where the concession areas of Cataratas do Iguaçú S/A are located, accounts for approximately 0.3% of the total area of the park.

The most spectacular sightseeing of the park is the Iguaçú Falls, which form a 2,700m wide semicircle, while the water falls from a height of 72m. The number of waterfalls ranges from 150 and 300 depending on the Iguaçú river flow. Besides the exuberant waterfalls, there are other attractions such as rich fauna, the Poço Preto (the Black Well), the Macuco Waterfall, the Visitors Center, the Santos Dumont Statue, a homage paid by VASP (a defunct airline company) to the "Father of Aviation", who lent all his prestige and efforts in turning the falls area into a National Park. The park received 1,550,700 visitors (2014)

Since we were starving from waiting in line for so long, we went straight to eat. The Porto Canoas Restaurant is located at the far end of the visitation area. We had a much needed all you can eat buffet dinner - naturally, more expensive that average places - over looking the falls. Great experience.

This alligator lives right underneath the restaurant. It's still a baby but knows it can easily get dinner here, from the restaurants clients - although it's prohibited to feed wild animals at the park.

A capybara encounter.

SOURCE: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capybara

The capybara is a mammal native to South America. It is the largest living rodent in the world. Its close relatives include guinea pigs and rock cavies, and it is more distantly related to the agouti, the chinchilla, and the coypu. The capybara inhabits savannasand dense forests and lives near bodies of water. It is a highly social species and can be found in groups as large as 100 individuals, but usually lives in groups of 10–20 individuals. The capybara is not a threatened species but is hunted for its meat and hide and also for grease from its thick fatty skin, which is used in the pharmaceutical trade

Watch out for these cute guys. The Quatis can get pretty aggressive when there is food involved. This one is even doing his tricks... trying to get a piece of chocolate someone was eating. No chance.

Socializing at the falls. We met an older couple from California. This is their second time here at the falls, and they love it.

We survived the extremely touristy day and it was all worth it. I am glad we saw the falls from the Brazil side, as well as from the Argentina side, because they are completely different experiences. In Brazil you get a more "clean" adventure. In Argentina the fun is to be right there, close to it. Both are great. We've covered all of it. Definitely a tour we recommend.