Foz do Iguaçu Vacation - Part V

Today was an absolute blast! Hands down it was one of the funnest days I have ever had!

Macuco Safari (Day 7):

This afternoon we set out to check out the waterfalls from a whole new angle. A couple of days ago we bought tickets to go on a 4X4 "safari" tour through the jungle that would eventually lead us to a boat that would then take us up the river against the rapid current for a close encounter with the waterfalls of Foz do Iguaçu. We have been waiting for this day in great anticipation since the purchase of our tickets.

We started out entering the National Park on the Brazilian side like we did on day 4 of our vacation. We took the bus to the 2nd stop - the Macuco Safari! We eventually got on this heavy duty trailer that is pulled by a jeep. The trailer was situated with several rows of seats so that approximately 20 people could enjoy the trek through the jungle at one time. As we went along our guide told us interesting facts about some of the plant life.

Here is a picture of the trailer that we rode on. The jeep pulling it is heading into the trees on the left.

"Welcome to the jungle, baby!"

Finally, we made it to a trail head. Once at the trail head everyone exited the trailer and started to walk along a nicely laid path (wood planks and stone set in concrete). I was expecting to really hike - not stroll! The "hike" was about a half a mile long through some trees and brush. Elisa had a good time walking when we permitted.

Jennifer and Elisa are leading the way down the trail.

Soon the trees started to thin out and we began to see glimpses of the river below us. As we descended we could see some of the boats that are used to go up and down the river for the meet and greet with the waterfalls.


We made it to the boat house on the river where we began to get ourselves ready for the ride. First, we put on our completely useless plastic ponchos. They were free with our tickets, so we thought that we should give them a try. Second, we strapped on our life jackets. No one is permitted on a boat without a life jacket!


Next, we got settled into our seats on the boat. We sat on the very back row next to the 2 big engines. I thought they looked like speedboat engines.


Finally, we braced ourselves for an incredible ride! They may have actually been speedboat engines...




Once things calmed down a little bit this is what we experienced up close...


The pilot of the boat made sure to actually put the front end of the boat under one of the smaller falls (that wasn't so small) to completely drench the people sitting there! When he got us going back down the river we put our side of the boat under a huge wave from the rapids - completely soaking us! It was better than any amusement park ride!

Our family really had a great time on this adventure - especially Elisa! She was actually yelling "PLEASE" with her arms extended wanting more water from the waterfalls! There were a few people that were concerned that the crazy Americans were taking their toddler on this boat ride, but she loved it!

"Hooray for the waterfalls!"

The pilot of the boat took this family picture for us. Don't we look great in unless plastic!?

These are most of the friends that Elisa made on the "safari". She was a hit - really stealing the show!

We might need a helicopter ride to beat the Macuco Safari. It was quite the rush!