Brazil 2010 - Iguassu Falls

[SW_FL_Palms]

Since we will be in Brazil, we don't want to miss seeing Iguassu Falls.

According to the Biennial Package download, the IPS lists it in under "Other Potential Side Trips",

but they are not sponsoring any side trips.

Anyone else interested in going ?

Anyone (maybe someone from Brazil) can give us some recommendations ?

a tour company ? etc.

[Kim]

The sponsored trips are 1) a pre-tour in Uruguay, 2) a pre-trip Riverboat tour of the Amazon River Basin, and 3) a post-trip to Jardim Botânico Inhotim, Cadeia do Espinhaço and Jardim Botânico Plantarum, all excellent choices. Iguacu Falls sounds spectacular as well, and it would be an easy 3 day/2 night add-on, but no decisions yet. It looks like many companies offer this tour, and there are choices relating to hotels and costs, with airfare extra.

Sample: http://www.opcotours.com/packages/iguacu/pckg_iguacu.html

[Al in Kona]

Iguazu Falls are spectacular! If you have the chance to take this side trip, do so, you will forever be happy you did.

[SW_FL_Palms]

Sample Tour

What is included:

- Transfers in/out (arriving at the Brazilian airport - IGU)

- 3 nights superior double room (breakfast included) Hotel , Brazil

- Tour of the Brazilian side of the Iguassu Falls

- Bird Park on the way (entrance fee is included)

- Visit of the Itaipu Dam

- Tour of the Argentinean side of the Iguassu Falls (Upper and Lower circuits + Devils Throat)

- Great Adventure Safari Boat Trip (in Argentina)

- Landmark of the three frontiers in Argentina on the way

- Plaza Foz Show (dinner is included)

- Lunch at a nice restaurant (in sight of the Falls, Brazil)

- English speaking guide will assist you during tours and transfers

- PVT (private transportation) Air-conditioning car will transport people to each of the activities

Around $1002 for two people. Less if there is a small group going.

Arriving April 14th at Iguassu - Leaving for Rio on April 17th

Is anyone interested ?

or know of a better option ?

[SW_FL_Palms]

Below is a sample of s 2 night package tour.

SAMPLE – 2 night toursThis package offers you a combination of all the basic attractions.

In it you find the most visited sites in the Iguassu Falls area.

Transfers in / out (arriving at the Brazilian airport - IGU)

Arrival Day

• Tour of the Brazilian side of the Iguassu Falls

* Bird Park and/or Visit of the Itaipu Dam

Next Day

• Tour of the Argentinean side of the Iguassu Falls (Upper and Lower circuits + Devil´s Throat)

• Great Adventure Safari Boat Trip (in Argentina)

• Landmark of the three frontiers in Argentina on the way

• Bird Park and/or Visit of the Itaipu Dam

• English speaking guide will assist you during tours and transfers

• PRIVATE Transportation Air-conditioning mini-coach or car will transport people to each of the activities

•

What is not included:

Both national park admissions ($11.50 + $17.50)

Itaipu Dam admission $11

Bird Park $10

Airfare

Lodging

• 2 nights superior double room (breakfast included) at the Mercure International Grand Hotel, Brazil

Price: USD $587.00 (total for 2 people)

• 2 nights standard double room (breakfast included) at the Continental Inn Hotel, Brazil

Price: USD $548.00 (total for 2 people)

< Prices are the current ones showing on website right now, and subject to change.

One tour company will give a discount for groups.>

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Details:

Bird Park

This world-class Bird Park is situated on 12 acres of native subtropical forest. It offers tourists, ecologists, photographers and ornithologists an opportunity to enter huge 8-meter high forest aviaries to study and photograph birds in their natural habitat without the restrictions of netting and cages. There are over 160 species, both indigenous and from other continents. Exciting new exhibits show caiman, snakes, humming birds and butterflies. Full facilities are available including a snack bar and a souvenir shop.

Iguassu Falls, Brazil

Walking the trail on the Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls is easy. There is a main trail, approximately 1,600 meters (one mile) long, which leads the visitor along the river with its many smaller falls to the base of the biggest waterfall where a catwalk extends out over the brink of the series of falls which make up Devil's Throat. This side provides a good general view of the falls. After walking the catwalk, there is a tower with an elevator/lift to get people to the top of the falls from where one can have a spectacular panoramic view. At the top the trail leads to the end of the tour in front of the Iguassu River above the falls. Here, one can find a souvenir shop, a restaurant and a fast food restaurant. Transportation is available to return the visitor to the starting point.

Iguassu Falls (Argentinean side)

Devil's Throat

The largest quantity of water passes through this part of Iguassu Falls. Named Garganta del Diablo (Spanish for Devils Throat), this part of the Falls is very high; 80 meters (266 feet) high. The visitor can get to within a few meters of Devils Throat by taking a short walk on the catwalks a (2.200 meters or 1.3 mile round trip).

Upper Circuit

The Upper Circuit starts 200 meters from the train station. From the Upper Circuit the visitor can see the top of the Argentinean Falls, San Martin Island and part of the Brazilian side of the Falls. It is a 1,300-meter (6/8 mile) roundtrip. There are no stairs on this trail.

Lower Circuit

The Lower Circuit is a 1,300-meter (6/8 mile) long loop trail that allows the visitor to see the various smaller Argentinean waterfalls. Starting 600 meters (2/8 of a mile) from the train station, this trail is equipped with restrooms and a snack bar. On this trail it is possible to get very close to the Argentinean Falls and see also the end of the Gorge.

Great Adventure

Water Falls: The boat goes into the Devil's Throat Canyon and San Martin Fall. Rapids: Navigate 3 miles through the lower Iguassu River on inflatable speed boats crossing 1 mile of rapids. Jungle: All terrain vehicles drive through the jungle, following the Yacarati path for four miles to reach the entrance of the Park.

Landmarks

The Three Borders: ARGENTINA, BRAZIL and PARAGUAY

Approximately 23 kilometers from Iguassu Falls, the same waters that flow through the largest series of waterfalls on the Planet create another sight when flowing into the Parana River. The Iguassu and the Parana Rivers mark the borders between Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, you will see Puerto Iguazu City on the way.

Itaipu Dam

At the Visitor Center the visitor will be shown a film about the construction and operation of the Itaipu Dam and about the environmental conservation efforts in the area. Afterwards, the visitor will be transported by motor coach to the observation deck in front of the Dam. Continuing the tour, visitors will be taken to the top of the Dam, from where it is possible to understand the power of water; on one side 29 billion cubic meters of water and on the other side the valley and two cities.

[Gileno Machado]

Just saw this picture and remembered this thread...

It's the image taken today: Iguaçu falls with an increased flow rate, six times the regular output. It seems it's been raining above normal in Paraná state lately...

Iguaçu today

[Redland]

I will be in Brazil next week our prime objective is to finalize some details with our destination management company. One of the things I will accomplish, due to popular demand, is a 5 day 4 night, April 18, 19, 20, & 21st 2010, stay in this area.

Keep the thoughts coming on the places to visit in this thread. I will request a proposal from the tour company we contract with. 40 persons on one buss will be the most economical.

John DeMott

[SW_FL_Palms]

I will be in Brazil next week our prime objective is to finalize some details with our destination management company. One of the things I will accomplish, due to popular demand, is a 5 day 4 night, April 18, 19, 20, & 21st 2010, stay in this area.

Keep the thoughts coming on the places to visit in this thread. I will request a proposal from the tour company we contract with. 40 persons on one buss will be the most economical.

John DeMott

Thanks John,

I'll be looking forward to seeing what they come up with.

From discussions with travel agents and reviews on the internet, 3 days/2 nights seems to be adequate.

Recommendations have been for the San Martin Hotel (you can walk to the Brazilian side of the falls & the Bird Park from this Hotel,

and also the Continental. The reviews were good for these two hotels although they are not 5 star hotels.

It was also recommended that due to the time of year (Brazil is heading into winter) that it would be better to go to the falls before the biennial.

[Kim]

Thanks for doing all that research, SW FL Palms! I will also be interested to see what is offered. Agree that the shorter visit will be more appealing.

[Justin]

We were there last year, and it is really nice. I preferred it to Victoria Falls, because the flora was nicer, and the falls were more than a giant sheet of water. I would recommend going over to the Argentinian side as well. You can get much closer on that side, and there are lots of good paths. Here's my trip report if any of you are interested:

Iguazu Falls - Argentinian side

Iguazu Falls - Argentina and Brazil

[SW_FL_Palms]

We were there last year, and it is really nice. I preferred it to Victoria Falls, because the flora was nicer, and the falls were more than a giant sheet of water. I would recommend going over to the Argentinian side as well. You can get much closer on that side, and there are lots of good paths. Here's my trip report if any of you are interested:

Iguazu Falls - Argentinian side

Iguazu Falls - Argentina and Brazil

Thanks for sharing this with us. Very intereesting.

[SW_FL_Palms]

This is the package tour that we selected – more details above in this thread (see Package 5). I researched several options including touring on our own. Taxi fees were quite expensive, so the package seemed like the best way to go. Also the most efficient, (see more in a shorter amount of time, not waiting on buses, etc). If anyone would like to join us, send private PM.

Below is a cut & paste from the tour company:

$548 per couple or $274 per person (double occupancy).

4 people USD $243.00 per person

6 people USD $237.50 per person

8 people USD $227.00 per person

(10% Deposit via Pay Pal)

Tour planning

April 15 You will be arriving (Brazilian airport IGU) in the morning

Check into the Continental Inn

Visit of the Brazilian Side of the Iguassu Falls and the Bird Park (entrance fees for the Bird Park included).

April 16 Morning, you will head to the Argentinean border to visit the Argentinean side of the Falls.

If you take the Superior, Inferior and Devil's Throat Circuits you will walk 5.8 km or 3.5 miles.

Take the Safari Boat Trip - Great Adventure.

On the way back you see Puerto Iguazu in Argentina and visit of the Land Mark at the three borders (full day)

April 17 Morning, transfer to the airport for (TAM JJ3316) flight to Rio

Continental Hotel (2 nights): Breakfast included - Check in time is after midday. If the hotel is not full and if they have room available they will provide the room before without extra charge. Queen size beds & Non-smoking rooms available.

Includes English speaking guide.

Our transportation will drop you at the falls - guide will escort you. The transportation stays at the falls all the time, so you keep your backpack, etc. in the car.

[palm student]

Hi SWFlorida Palms,

My husband and I are interested in going, but we would need to go a day earlier and be back in Rio on the 16th. Any chance you would change the day? This means leaving the U.S. on the 13th and getting to Rio and fly to Iguassu on the 14th.

We need to communicate.

Palm Student

[palm student]

Has Anyone booked the post tour in Brazil? I have e-mailed Vipitur but not had a reply. We are waiting to make our flight arrangements and need to know.

Any information from any of you would be appreciated.

Palm Student

[SW_FL_Palms]

Hi SWFlorida Palms,

My husband and I are interested in going, but we would need to go a day earlier and be back in Rio on the 16th. Any chance you would change the day? This means leaving the U.S. on the 13th and getting to Rio and fly to Iguassu on the 14th.

We need to communicate.

Palm Student

We (there are 4 of us at this time) have already booked our flights as well as this tour.

The tour company is very flexible and will work with you.

Mention that you are with the IPS.

If you need their direct email, PM me. I don't have it handy at this moment.

PS. I do not know anything about the Post Tours.

[elHoagie]

Has Anyone booked the post tour in Brazil? I have e-mailed Vipitur but not had a reply. We are waiting to make our flight arrangements and need to know.

Any information from any of you would be appreciated.

Palm Student

Hmm, we're having the same problem. I just sent another email...

[SW_FL_Palms]

Vipitur Turismo is the group the IPS is working with.

The tour itinerary information listed above in this thread is with a local company based in Iguassu Falls.

website has a lot of useful information on it.

IguassuFallsTour.com

iguassufallstour@gmail.com

They usually reply back in a day or so.

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Re: Flights in – you might want to check flying into Sao Paulo

Although there are other flights available, here’s s sample:

Sao Paulo (GRU)

Depart 7:20 am

Terminal 1 to Iguassu Falls (IGU)

Arrive 8:50 am

Flight 3169 516 mi

(830 km) Duration: 1hr 30mn

Traveling to Rio de Janeiro

Sat 17-Apr-10

Iguassu Falls (IGU)

Depart 9:30 am to Rio de Janeiro (GIG)

Arrive 11:25 am

Terminal 2 741 mi (1,193 km)

Duration: 1hr 55mn

Flight: 3186 Airbus A320

(Excuse the formatting as this is a cut and paste)

[palm student]

For those of you waiting to hear about the post trip in Brazil, I had an e-mail from BETE saying that we should wait a little longer. She will e-mail us with details about paying for hotel, flight, etc.

I hope all of you who have contacted Vipiturs have received this notification.

Palm Student