Iguazu Falls

As most of my avid readers are my extended family, you already know that my parents came to visit me, and together we went on a Brazilian adventure. Our whole trip is going to be broken up into a series of blog posts. To begin with – Iguazu Falls.


I know. Wow. Apparently there are many different versions of this number, but there are around 270 different falls that make up all that is Iguazu. You can view the falls from the Argentine and Brazilian side, and we lucky did both. Don’t forget to get a visa for Brazil (leaving enough time to get it). We first did the Brazilian side, which has amazing views:




Then we went around to the Argentine side to see the devil’s throat:



Then we went back to the Brazilian side to take a boat ride under the falls. This boat ride puts the Maid of the Mist to shame. We sat in a raft and were taken literally under the falls. I couldn’t even breathe. I found myself screaming and holding my mom’s hand the entire time – a position I haven’t found myself in for years. It was fantastic, though I would recommend going on the Brazilian side. The day after we went under the falls, we were told that two Americans died doing the same thing on the Argentine side. Scary.

Iguazu Falls are fantastically beautiful and well worth a trip to see them!

How to get a Brazilian Visa in Argentina

I am writing this blog post so that everyone going to Brazil from Argentina does not have to experience the frustrations that have consumed my past two weeks. So, here goes. This is how to actually get a visa (as an American/tourist) to go to Brazil from Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Step 1: Do not simply go to the embassy. Especially because you need to go to the Brazilian consulate (they are different). Do not simply go to the consulate. You must make an appointment, which can be done here: http://www.conbrasil.org.ar/CONSBRASIL/visas_otros01engl.asp. Note: appointments take TWO WEEKS to make, so do this sooner rather than later.

Step 2: Fill out forms and print to bring to the consulate during your appointment time. Forms can be found on the same page: http://www.conbrasil.org.ar/CONSBRASIL/visas_otros01engl.asp (scroll down).

Step 3: Have a passport picture, flight information, hotel information and address and bank statement printed and ready to go. Note: your passport picture will be a part of your visa that goes in your passport (I say this because I have quite possibly the worst picture in mine).

Step 4: Go during your appointed time and hand in all forms. On the same day, go to the bank that is on Sante Fe (walk out of the consulate, make a left, walk three blocks to Sante Fe, make a left and walk two blocks). Pay at the bank (about $150 US) and KEEP THE RECEIPT.

Step 5: Three days later return to the consulate with the bank receipt and claim your passport.

After I wrote this it seems easy, but I made the mistake of simply going and asking for a visa. I was oh so rudely turned away (in Spanish, and the same person started speaking in English as soon as I had an appointment).

On that note, I’m off to Brazil!

A Day in Tigre

A Day in Tigre A fantastic day trip to get out of the city is jumping on the 40 minute train to Tigre. This transport will cost you less than $1 US round trip – you heard me. You will probably have to stand the whole way, but it’s probably safer than those 15 Euro standing room flights Ryanair proposed (is that still an option?). So, off to the beautiful Tigre!


In Tigre, there is a market, boat rides, an amusement park (unsure when/if that’s open) and more to do. We arrived late in the day so opted for a stroll by the water.


And we consumed many, many licaudos, which I have recently become obsessed with in Argentina.



It was too late for a boat ride, so we just walked and sat and strolled and relaxed. The market didn’t offer much more than other Argentine markets, except puppies to adopt (which I have actually seen in other markets) and my broken heart left behind with them.

Moving on. Tigre is such a great, quick trip away from the city. I believe there is kayaking and such, but I did not partake because I forgot to wear sunscreen and wore a black dress. En serio? Yes. In sum, Tigre gets one big American thumbs up.