Iguaçu Falls (+ 1st Helicopter Flight) – Argentina & Brazil

The helicopter tilted and was propelled forward towards the trees in front of us. I could not stop myself from almost giggling because the sensation felt like riding on a roller coaster. We ascended over the trees, turned and headed toward Iguaçu Falls.

You could see the steam rising up over the landscape before actually seeing the falls. Once in view though, no one could take their eyes off them. While on the ground, you can gauge the scale, but when you are in the air, the enormity of the falls really hits home. From most views, rainbows provide extra color and character to the already spectacular images. As we circled around Iguaçu, audible gasps were heard every few seconds from the helicopter. The views were special and I chose a great place for my first helicopter ride.

The Brazilian and Argentinian sides of the falls are different and both important to fully experience the waterfalls. The Argentinian side is more of an experience; whereas, the Brazilian has a few of the elite views in the world. Both are great, but each are different.

Falls from Argentina side

Falls from Argentina side

Falls from the Argentina side

Summer storm

Summer storm in Argentina

Tango & Soccer in Buenos Aires

I flew from Ushuaia (the southern most city in the world) to Buenos Aires. Although flying and taking a bus were the same price, the flight took 3 hours versus the bus taking 36 hours—36 straight hours in 2 different buses…that’s just crazy!!

Tango originated in Buenos Aires and the Argentinian soccer fans are notoriously crazy. On my second night, I went to a tango lesson followed by a tango show with bottomless Argentinian wine—which was convenient because I was coerced into joining the production. I was “selected” to be the guy the female dancers were cheating with. Although I was completely confused, the crowd seemed to like that I was always a half step behind my partner. Tango is everywhere in Buenos Aires and a must see if you come.

A few of us decided to go to an Argentinian soccer match. As the taxi pulled up to the stadium, the driver (we had no idea he spoke English) turned around and said, “No watches, no cell phones, no cameras, no money! Be careful!” Up to that point we were not super nervous. However, after thanking him, exiting the cab, and seeing the riot police completely surrounding the stadium, our nerves began activating. Halfway through the first half, the skies opened, it started pouring and the already raucous crowd became even crazier. Luckily, “our” team won 2-1 and the crowd was quite jovial on the way out.

Ushuaia, Argentina

Snowball fight in Ushuaia

Exploring in Ushuaia

Getting lost in Ushuaia