We're going to be in BA for two weeks and I'd originally thought we'd go to IF for a couple of days (but no plans have been made). Now I'm feeling sort of ambivilent about it. Should we go? Everybody seems to want to make this excursion but I don't know if it calls to me. We live fairly near Niagara Falls which I've seen a million times. I know Iguazu is bigger but is that a reason to go?

I've been thinking that we can make the decision when we're in BA so I guess that's what we'll do, but what do you think? Is it a must?

https://picasaweb.google.com/stuartt...ESIguacuFalls#

Goddess, your highness, we had the same tepid feeling having been to Niagara twice and having seen many falls all over in addition. Believe me when I tell you...Igaucu is in a class by itself...Victoria and Angel are much higher, but seeing 270+ cataracts of varying sizes spilling into the river from all directions, is a sight to behold. (We did the Brazilian side because we were on our way to Rio and the Amazon).

Also, the thick surrounding rain forest adds to the ultra dramatic ambience, IMO...here are some pics for you...loved BA and Chile(drove a good part of mid and southern Chile)...also visited the Amazon on a four-day small boat trip into the interior. I'll include all the BA (above)and Rio/Amazon pics for you (next post)anyway. Enjoy your trip whatever you decide.

Rio and the Amazon:

https://picasaweb.google.com/stuartt...oBrazilAmazon#

Stu (tossing in Chile and Bariloche in next post)

https://picasaweb.google.com/stuartt...ocheArgentina#

Have a meaningful, fun, educational, safe trip, Goddess!
stu

We went to BA a couple of years ago and really wanted to go to Iguazu Falls. We actually made the arrangements, then we were delayed 6 days in Santiago because of the Chilean earthquake. By the time we finally got to BA, I really couldn't face going anywhere else. We ended up spending 10 days in BA and passing on Iguazu and Punta del Este. I loved our time in BA and I'm definitely glad we spent our time there, but I do wish we had been able to see Iguazu. If you have the chance, go for it!

Iguacu...in Portuguese.

Thanks so much. I'm giving it further thought now. I loved your pictures, Stu, especially the 'boys of Buenos Aires' -- we took almost exactly that same picture in Lisbon! And although we're not going to Brazil this time, we have travelled there in the past and your Rio pictures brought back some nice memories.

Thanks again to both of you!

If you are wishy-washy about it, I would skip it. I was just there in March and don't get me wrong, I have no regrets of having seen the falls, but I question the amount of time and money it took away from the rest of my trip. It is absolutely amazing, but after a while it all runs together, I mean in the end its just a bunch of waterfalls. If you do go, I would only spend 2 days tops there - I would have been bored to tears if we had spent 3 days there. Sorry to be Debbie Downer, I know a lot of people just LOVE the falls, but I much would have preferred more time in BA. Oh and if you take the bus, make sure to do Via Bariloche Tutto Letto class.

Interesting to have a differing point of view, posty. Two days would be the max I'd spend there. I assumed we would fly -- I didn't realize there was a bus. Is it a long drive? and what is Via Bariloche Tutto Letto class?

Never mind, posty, I'll looked it up. Very mixed reviews.

Another very strong vote FOR Iguassu. I have seen Niagara, and Iguassu blew me away. To my mind the question you should be asking is not "should we go to Iguassu", but "should we pay the Brazilian visa fee to see both sides".

Photos from the Brazilian side:
http://kwilhelm.smugmug.com/Travel/S...-Iguazu-Brazil

Photos from the Argentinian side:
http://kwilhelm.smugmug.com/Travel/S...ca-2012/Iguazu

But note that I may have stumbled on a way around the visa:
http://www.fodors.com/community/sout...omment-7901722

GTG why not compromise and just one of you go?

Good thinking! One of us and a camera. Cheaper that way too. That's using the old coconut, cold!

I hate to admit this but many years ago we spent a week around Pebble Beach in California. After a day or so I mentioned that looking at the ocean got a little boring after awhile. It was blue and unlikely to change much.

Personaly GTG I would go to Patagonia. The peaks change as you keep moving.

Big, big difference between the beach and Iguassu! I'm very much not a beach person and I loved the falls.

This is NOT the right time of the year for Patagonia.

Have a great time in our country.

Darn. I was looking forward to GTG's trip report.

I just want to stay in BA for the full two weeks. Call me wacky.

YES! Definitely go to Iguazu, even if just to the Argentinian side it is amazing. You can stay overnight on the Argentinian side at one of the guesthouses in Iguazu town & also see the tri-border, maybe visit an orchid garden or bird rescue facility.

Let's talk money. I admit that I haven't looked into it but can anyone tell me generally how much return air fare would be from BA to IF?