Iguazu

The thunderous clamor of the water hitting up against the moss-covered rocks, was contradictory in nature to the whimsical flutter of the butterflies that encompassed the park. It was captivating how something so serene and something so tumultuous could coexist and intertwine to create one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Iguazu Falls is nothing less then amazing, from its various small water outlets, to its incredible wildlife to “La Garganta del Diablo”, this natural wonder is something that should never be taken for granted.

I embarked on a 20-hour journey from Retiro all the way to Puerto Iguazu in the providence of Misiones. In most instances any sane person probably would have gone mad, however I was fortunate to have good company and cheap wine to adroit my woes. Upon arrival I noticed that Puerto Iguazu is a relatively calm and quaint town. The inhabitants are friendly with the tourists and the “center” is nothing more then about 8 blocks. I was actually quite relieved of this fact actually, I felt as though I needed a tranquil sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires.The youth hostel was also a highlight of the trip. The various friendly faces (some where more welcomed then others) that joined our small trope of adventurers lightened the mood and added to the unique atmosphere.

The actual day of our hike to Igauzu started off early in the morning. The sun was still a bit tepid, however that changed throughout the day. We wandered into the national park and engaged in 3 activities: a safari, a “cruise” underneath the waterfalls, and a ride on a “train” to La Garganta del Diablo”. The safari was a bust and a complete waste of funds and time. All we were able to see on this grand adventure was a couple of trees and some vultures. However, the escapade underneath a waterfall was actually quite riveting. The captain of the boat took us against the choppy waters of the current and pushed us into one of the smaller waterfalls of the park. Though it was small it was still quite exciting and worthwhile. The train ride occurred during the end of the day. I believed that I had seen the whole park and that this last leg of the trip was nothing more then another tourist trap, much like the Safari. Thank God I was wrong. La Garganta del Diablo was a magnificent scene, and I do not think anything could have prepared me for what I was about to witness. As I passed along the thin metal bridge that led the way, I couldn’t help to be hypnotized by the placid river that fed the falls.

The wildlife that fluttered about and swam through the current was simple yet pleasant. Then all of a sudden the calm of the passage was interrupted by an increasing sound in the distance. As I approached the sound ever more anxious, I was astounded at what I saw. The shear power of nature’s wrath was beautifully captured in Iguazu. Many go there not knowing what to expect, but all leave knowing that they have seen a masterpiece created by the wonders of nature, which where slowly and meticulously carved by the hands of time.

More pictures of Iguazu Falls
http://gallery.me.com/lopezjo/100032

Mendoza

Mendoza is most noted for it’s exceptional vineyards that are found just a few minutes outside the city. With it’s arid climate and antiquated irrigation system, the city of Mendoza is ideal for the creation of some of the best wine in the Americas and around the world. The vineyards come in all shapes and sizes. From the small family run establishment that only produces about 10,000 bottles a year to the more commercial institutions that produce about 300,000 bottles.

On my trip to Mendoza I was fortunate enough to visit a couple of vineyards by bicycle. As my friends and I passed by the beaten dirt path of Maipui, we could not help but smile as the sun’s rays stretched out through the Alamos and onto the flat terrain. The scenery was absolutely spectacular, and it was quite easy to get lost in the beauty of it all. The next day I boarded a bus with my friends and we took a small excursion to Puente de Inca and Cristo Retendor.

I was impressed by the vineyards but nothing could prepare me for the natural splendor of the mountains that surround the city. The mixture of different colors, geological surfaces and fauna was magnificent. As the sun began to rise the hues of the boulders began to change and soon I was staring at nature’s true beauty. As our group made it to the top of Cristo el Retendor, the temperature dropped. It turns out we were a couple thousand meters above sea level. Regardless, of the cold mountain chill that penetrated my flimsy sweater I was in a constant state of awe. Perhaps it was the thin atmosphere and lack of oxygen, but I felt a certain sense of spiritual calm as I was on top of the mountain. As the tourists scattered like ants to pose with the backdrop of Christ the Redeemer, I found myself alone wandering aimlessly where I shouldn’t have been. As I stared off into the distance, I glared directly at the peak of Aconcagua. It was at that moment that there was silence. No tourists, no tour guide, no motor running, no shuttering of the camera. Just the wind sternly brushing against my body and the quiet calm of the mountain. I could have died right then and there and I would have been happy. My brief experience with Nirvana quickly came to the screeching halt when my friends found me and told me we had to leave.

We soon found ourselves on a bus to Puente de Inca, or better said a tourist trap in the middle of no where. At one point in time it was an upscale hotel and thermal bath, but due to seismic activity everything collapsed and nothing but a church, rubble and large calcium deposits dominate the panorama. The Argentineans are able to capitalize on this “natural wonder” by having placed several artisan stands and a museum by the Puente. I was not taken aback. I took a couple of shots and went back to the bus that would take me back to the hostel.

Check out the pictures I took while I was at Mendoza:
http://gallery.me.com/lopezjo/100018