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BRAZIL: IGUAZU FALLS
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TOUR CODE EAI-BR04
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Length: 4 DAYS
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HIGHLIGHTS: Iguaçu Falls Brazilian side (in front of the hotel),
Macuco Safari by boat, Poço Preto - 9 km biking or trekking + motor boat + kayak,
boat trip to Parrot Island, Bird Park.
The torrential Iguassu River crosses the State of Paraná, Southern Brazil, from east
to west and few kilometers before its junction with the Paraná River it forms one
of the most splendorous natural beauties of the world: the Iguassu Waterfalls.
Over 2.7 kilometers long with an average flow of 1.750 m3/s, this wonder is
located in a very special scenery.
The contrast between the green of the vegetation, the dark color of the basalt
rocks with whirring waters plunging from a 72-meter-high cliff makes the visitors
feel a profound communion with nature. Great-dusky-swift (Cypseloides senex) and
black-vultures (Coragips atratus) performs acrobatic flights through the clouds of
mist giving a final touch to this magnificent nature’s work of art. The Iguassu
Falls are protected by two National Parks – Brazil and Argentina both listed as
Heritage Sites by Unesco in 1986.
After a wide curve and some rapids, the whole rive jumps laterally over the deep
cleft carved by erosion forming the Devil’s Throat. Geologically the linear
retro-erosion follows the diaclases of the diverse cascades of the falls. As a
consequence a platform between the upper part of the Falls and an older lower layer
of lava flow limited by diaclase has been formed.
The visits are made through trails and cat-walks adapted to the landscape of the
area and are an easy walk for all ages.
Legend of the Falls
The legend says that the Caigangue Indians inhabiting the banks of the Iguassu River
believed the world was governed by M’boy, a god that had the shape of a gigantic
serpent and was the son of Tupã. The cacique (chief) had a daughter called Naipi.
She was so beautiful that the waters of the river would stop when the young lady
looked at them. Because of her beauty, Naipi was consecrated to the god M’boy,
living only to his cult. However among the Caigangue, there was a young warrior
called Tarobá, who fell in love with Naipi after he met her.
On the day of the consecration of the beautiful Indian, while the cacique and
the witchdoctor were drinking cauim and the warriors were dancing, Tarobá took
his chance and ran away with Naipi in a canoe, down river, taken by the current.
When M’boy discovered the escape he became furious and forced his way deep
into the river, twisting his body thus causing a big chasm, forming the Falls.
Engulfed by the waters, the canoe and the fugitives fell from a great height
disappearing forever. The legend says that Naipi became a beautiful rainbow
and Tarobá became a palm tree leaning on the edge of the river’s gorge. If we
pay attention we will see that the rainbow ends on the canopy of the palm tree,
so both lovers remain together forever, but under the eternal surveillance of
the revenging god hidden in a cave under Devil’s Throat.
Map of Brazil
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COSTS
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| 1 pax |
$395 US pp/double occupancy |
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| 1 pax |
$644 US pp/single occupancy |
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Cost per person: Valid to June 30, 2005
Includes:
Transfers in/out
All trips mentioned in the itinerary
Lodging mentioned in the itinerary
Specialized local guides
Not Included:
Beverage
Meals
Phone calls
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
International Airfare
WE SUGGEST TO TAKE WITH YOU:
A small rucksack, walking boots or antiskiding tennnis,
bathing suit, canteen, rain-coat (anorak), a small
towel, insect repelent, shorts, headgear, sunfilter,
sunglasses and a camera.
YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE:
*All kinds of ecotourism activities depend on adequate
weather conditions and accessibility. So, the above
mentioned program is subject to modification, if the
conditions could endanger the security or the comfort
of the travellers.
Prices and programs are subject to change without notice. All prices quoted
in US dollars. For booking information, liability waiver, and terms and
conditions contact Eco-Adventure International, LLC.
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Day 1
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Arrive Iguazu
Meet at Igu airport and transfer to Hotel das Cataratas, check in (standard rooms).
Lodging with buffet breakfast
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Day 2
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Iguazu
Free to make the walking tour on Iguaçu Falls
Brazilian side (in front of the hotel). PM Macuco Safari by boat. This is
a boat ride you will never forget!!! You will done life jackets and head
right into the raging river below the famous Iguaçu Falls! There is no better
way to experience the power of this natural wonder than to be caught up in it.
Lodging with buffet breakfast
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Day 3
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Poço Preto
AM Poço Preto (9 km biking or trekking + motor boat + kayak, finishing
at Porto Bananeiras + 1,5km of jeep to the way out). Experience a beautiful
walk in the forest ending with a boat trip to Parrot Island to explore flora and
fauna. Then we set off in kayaks to explore the area.
PM free (optional canopy tour).
Lodging with buffet breakfast
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Day 4
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Bird Park - Transfer Out
Visit to Bird Park and transfer to Igu airport. The bird park has many
species of birds in natural settings just in case there were a few that
you did not see on your adventure.
This is a world-class standard Bird Park situated in 4 hectares of second-growth
subtropical forest. There are over 500 birds, both indigenous and from other
continents and visitors can be in contact with them without restriction of
netting and cages. An important breeding program is in progress for some of
the endangered species. The place is kept by professionals in biology,
veterinary, agronomy.
The Park keeps over 900 birds from 150 species, the majority being Brazilian
birds. One third of these species is considered threatened. All the birds in
the Park have come from zoos or IBAMA-authorized breeders. The Bird Park
will not, under any terms, take in animals from unknown sources or originated
in animal trafficking. All animals are registered with a report being sent
yearly to the Brazilian Zoo Society and the official Ibama. Some of these
birds have been rehabilitated and cannot return to nature.
It is a wonderful way to end the trip.
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