Wednesday 8^th March 2017

Unfortunately the Pumas were still on the loose and the Argentine side of the Iguassu Falls and nature park was closed off while they tried to capture the animals. So we returned to the Brazil side and took a ‘noddy train’ through the forest and then a walk through to a waterfall and then down to the river-side. Given the choice of a dry trip or a wet trip, all voted for wet and we were duly supplied with rancid mouldy life-jackets. Then into a powerful RIB which took about 20 people and we were off down the river at a good speed, at one stage going uphill against the current and rocks.  Then slowly but surely into the waterfall, getting completely drenched and actually finding it hard to breathe, protecting the ears against the pressure of water drumming down.  Then once we thought it was over, we went back in and every crevice was now completely soaked.  Couldn’t hear the screams over the noise of the water.  Then finally, back out and a fast trip back up the river which in the heat of 35 deg pretty much dried out the hair into an interesting coiffure by the time we’d returned.

On the noddy train on the way back the driver skidded to a halt, causing a bit of a jack-knife. Which was unfortunate as he had nowhere further to manoeuvre as a large snake crossed our path. Think it was a python, about 3foot long, which ambled, if snakes can amble, slowly across without a glance in our direction!  Another short stop gave us a chance to see a large monkey leaping around in the trees.  No sight of any Pumas though..

After a change of clothes we made our way through the customs/immigration for transfer to Argentina and to a point on the river where we could see both Brazil and Paraguay, whilst standing in Argentina.  Couple of car ferries, much like the Cowes chain ferry, were plying their way across the river against some fairly serious currents.  Luckily Loretta had changed some money into Pesos, so stood us an ice-cream which was appreciated in the searing heat.

On to our hotel which unfortunately was outside of town in a row of hotels. Quite basic accommodation, but in separate ‘cabins’, so chance to do a quick clothes wash and dry on an impromptu outside line.  Then into a lovely big pool with ‘mini-supermercado’ alongside – could buy bottle of wine, large beer, water and nibbles for under a tenner.  Getting better…  Dinner was captive and buffet style, but fairly average.