Brazil South |
Iguazu Falls (Foz do Iguacu) – Tucked into a corner shared by Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, Iguazu Falls National Park is one of the great natural wonders of the world. Iguazu Falls are in both Brazil and Argentina, and there are activities on each side. The park also has hundreds of bird species, colorful parrots and toucans, gigantic trees and brilliant orchids. Plan on taking two days to visit – there are some great things for kids. |
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On the Brazil side, take a boat ride into the falls! It's a short ride on a large hard-bottomed raft that literally goes into the water, and you will get soaked. This is perfect for kids over the age of 8, or really adventurous younger ones. Purchase tickets from the kiosks located inside the park. |
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Within the park are many different walks and overlooks to view the falls from above. On the Brazilian side, go to Devil's Throat overlook (Garganta del Diablo) for the best views. On the Argentina side, there are more walking paths and bridges, the Circuito Superior and Circuito Inferior, so do both. |
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For younger kids who may want to walk less, take the train, Tren de la Selva. |
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Tip: Arrive at the park before 9am, or after 11am. (In between those hours, all the tour buses show up and it can get really crowded.) |
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Parque das Aves – This bird park is a great way to see exotic tropical birds, many of which are hard to see up close or in the wild. In the large aviaries are colorful toucans, parrots, and macaws, 160 different kinds of birds, hummingbirds and butterflies. Other open air enclosures have caimans, iguanas, and boa constrictors. |
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Itaipu Hydroelectric Power Plant – The dam and power plant, one of the largest in the world, is an amazing sight for any budding engineers in the family. Watch the 30 minute movie, then take a guided bus tour that stops at an incredible lookout with views of the spillway. |