Big Water - Cataratas del Iguazu

One of the newly-selected seven natural wonders of the world, Cataratas del Iguazú is stunning. Amazing. Impressive. Inspiring. Spectacular.

 

Imagine all of the water in an Olympic size swimming pool being dumped over a cliff. That’s a lot of water. Now, imagine 32 Olympic swimming pools being dumped over the edge every minute. That’s “big water.”

 

Iguazu, from the Guarani words meaning water and big, is a natural wonder of the world and the result of big jealousy. Legend has it that a god was enraged when a beautiful young woman, and the object of his affections, made her way down the river with her mortal lover. Pissed off, the god caused the river bed to collapse... and the lovers fell... for eternity... or to the bottom of the riverbed where she turned into a rock. (Yeah, it depends on who you listen to.) A rather less compelling urban myth declares the falls formed where the lava flow from a volcanic eruption ended. I guess it’s possible.

 

Iguazu Falls is 2.7 kilometers (1.7 miles) wide. Devils Throat, the tallest of the 275 cataratas (cascades) is 82 meters (269 feet) high. The average fall is about 60 meters 200 feet.)  Niagara Falls – eat your heart out.

 

Cataratas del Iguazú is a top tourist destination.

  And some tourists actually turn their fate (and their lives) over to the Big Water gods, and attempt to get up close and personal with the cataratas. Fools. All fools.

But, it’s a hell of a lot of fun, and not to be missed. Unfortunately cameras had to be secured in water-proof bags before heading under the falls. (Note to self: bring water proof camera next time.) Sure, I got a little wet, but it was a beautiful sunny day and I dried out quickly.

If you go to Argentina, make a trip to Iguazu.  You will be impressed by the roar of crushing water, rainbow-filled mist, and the panoramic views of a god’s jealous wrath.