The majestic Iguazu Falls

The falls mark the border of three countries, Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. My adventure began on the Argentine shore by staying at Awasi Iguazu, an atmospheric retreat nestled in the tropical forest.

On landing at the small airport in Foz de Iguazu, I found myprivate ranger who was then my reference for the duration of my stay. An invaluable support that helped me to understand which, among the many experiences offered to guests of the Resort, could be the most special and the most suitable for me.

After defining with him the program of the adventures that would await me in the days to follow, I allowed myself a few moments of relaxation in my Villa. In fact, the Resort consists of only 14 independent Villas decorated with light colors and natural materials that immediately give a feeling of relaxation. Here I began to feel the contact with nature thanks to large windows and a terrace with a small pool surrounded by dense green vegetation.

Undoubtedly noteworthy isthe gastronomic offerings which I found excellent.

The Lodge is part of the Relais & Chateaux group and this is perfectly perceived in the care and refinement of its dishes, which I found tasty and really well presented.

And finally it was time to go and discover Iguazu's big attraction, its Waterfalls. Part of their beauty is the Natural Park that surrounds them. Accompanied by my Ranger, I ventured on several trails, more or less easy, along which I met butterflies of incredible colors, toucans and monkeys. I learned to recognize plants I had never seen before and saw orchids growing in the most unlikely places. I breathed in the beauty of nature. The water of the waterfalls mixed with rainbows and tumbled down from the famous Garganta del Diablo with incredible power.

I did not realize how much I needed to have such an experience until I was confronted with so much beauty and realized that it is necessary from time to time to break away from the hustle and bustle of the city and daily life to savor experiences of this kind.
 

I continued my adventure by exploring the Brazilian side of the Cascades where I stayed at the Belmond Hotel das Cataratas. The atmosphere is very different from that at Awasi. The Belmond Hotel is a colonial-style residence with a pastel pink color. Its strong point is certainly its prime location as the hotel directly overlooks the Falls. From my room I could admire the view and hear its constant roar.

After the closure, I was therefore privileged to have an intimate experience with the Falls. I walked its trails without the crowds that this magical place attracts every day, surrounded only by the sounds of nature. At the end of the trail, just below the Garganta del Diablo, there is a wonderful vantage point from which I was able to enjoy an overall view of the Falls. It was like accessing the heart of the Falls.

Returning to the Belmond Hotel, I was able to savor the exquisite cuisine with a local flavor, try the services of the excellent Spa and enjoy pleasant moments of relaxation between a dip in the pool and a walk through its large gardens adorned with orchids. I have stayed in numerous hotels of the Belmond chain and it is pleasant to always findthe same welcoming atmosphere combined with the impeccable service they share.