12th September - flight to Iguaçu {Brazil} and Iguaçu falls Brazilian side
After a comfortable but albeit short sleep we were up again for breakfast at 6:15 then left at 7:20 for the airport and the short flight {1hr 40 mins} from São Paulo to Iguaçu airport {Aeroporto International de Foz do Iguaçu} which is near the town of Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil. On arrival we were met by our local guide Martin who lives in the area, and were taken to our accommodation, the Canzi Cataratas Hotel, which was only a short drive from the falls. We had lunch then drove to the start of a series of paths that led down to the falls, and elevated walkways right below the falls themselves. Before we left we saw a Southern House Wren in the grounds of the hotel. Once at the start of the walks, there were a number of Coatis scrounging food from tourists who were not obeying the notices asking not to feed them [surprise surprise], and on the way down the main access path we had reasonable views of a tiny Golden-crowned Warbler. Also, whilst looking across the area of cascades from an elevated position we managed to pick out some Great Dusky Swifts flying around - these actually nest in cervices behind the cascades. Other wildlife encountered was a Violet-capped Woodnymph hummingbird, and a very attractive small lizard, a couple of butterflies, some bright orange fungus and some very small non-stinging bees at their intricately structured 'nest'. We then had the time to ourselves to explore the elevated walkways and try and avoid getting our optical equipment wet in the spray coming off the amazing cascades. They were very photogenic, particularly as the spray gave rise to well defined rainbows. The falls themselves are the largest waterfall system in the world measuring 2.7km from one side to the other, and there are 275 individual falls. The biggest drop is 80 metres, at the 'U'-shaped Devil's Throat {Garganta del Diablo} which is on the Argentinian side, so they are not the tallest, being beaten only by the Victoria Falls at 108 metres. Nevertheless it dwarfs Niagara which is only half the height. We spent a lot of time here taking lots of photos and enjoying the breathtaking spectacle. Having had our fill we walked back up to the road and took the minibus back to the hotel, where we had a short walk around the grounds. This was quite productive, with Pale-breasted Thrush, Squirrel Cuckoo, Streaked Flycatcher and Plush-crested Jay amongst the birds seen.