RTW: p66 – Wonders of Brazil, Pantanal

That night we checked out an all South American Rafain show with buffet. It was the first real vegetarian food I’d seen in a while so i ate shitloads! The show was pretty good, dancing, singing, comedy etc.
In the morning we bused into Paraguay for some Tax-free shopping. The bridge was crammed with cars and bikes returning with goods that really didn’t seem any cheaper to us foreigners.
Another night bus onto Bonito, swimming in a natural pool, one Pancho and an the English guy went Cave Diving! Some went snorkeling and the last day rained out.

PANTANAL is a massive wetland area, which in season goes under 5 feet of water or so! Filled with cayman (small alligators), water pigs (like giant gophers), anacondas, lots of bugs, BIG bugs, monkeys etc. It was all about exploring.

We slept in a big room of hammocks and the guys who run the area were our tour guides, they walked around bare foot (even when wet), shirtless, and never seem to have any bug issues. Yet all the Gringos were soaked in DEET and still getting attacked. Must be something in the blood.

At one point we were walking and Continue Reading…

RTW: p67b – Santiago, Chile, Elmorado »« RTW: p67a – Santiago, Chile

RTW: p65b – Wonders of Brazil, Foz Do Iguacu, Argentina Side

Next the Argentinian side. The morning was in full sun, we later got drenched heading down to jet boats – where we proceeded to get wet by going INTO the water falls!! (video coming) The water was actually warmer from the falls and the sun popped out as soon as we finished! Bloody awesome.

RTW: p67a – Santiago, Chile »« RTW: p65a – Wonders of Brazil, November 1st, Foz Do Iguacu

RTW: p65a – Wonders of Brazil, November 1st, Foz Do Iguacu

November 1st! SO EXCITING!
Spending my 24th Birthday in Brazil!

But no.. the full day AND night was spent on a bus! Heading to Foz Do Iguacu. Hence the previous night used to celebrate instead. Night buses in South America though are something of a luxury. They are basically the shell of a standard Coach, but decked with only 12-16 seats that are like Recliner Sofas! Very comfortable compared to your average night bus. You even get blankets and a cushion like on the plane. Actually its more comfortable than a plane apart from the constant winding of the roads which gets to you after a while. Doesnt

However the trip was worth it. Iguassu Falls is the worlds largest waterfalls, with a flow rate 3 TIMES that of Niagra falls! Totaling 275 falls, It also marks the boarder between Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay.

We spent a full day exploring the Brazil side starting with a CHOPPER ride!

RTW: p65b – Wonders of Brazil, Foz Do Iguacu, Argentina Side »« RTW: p64a – Wonders of Brazil, G.A.P Tour

RTW: p64a – Wonders of Brazil, G.A.P Tour

I joined a tour group in Rio for 2weeks. With 3 other Aussies, 4 english, 1 Austrian and 2 Americans, we were lead by our Perivian Guide Francesco (aka Pancho). We all went out to dinner and drinks that night to kick start things.
Next day we joined a Favela Party in Rio, (seriously like City of God), we were surrounded by massive Brazilians who were all to willing to force kisses onto the girls of the group (And a couple of scary looking “Tall Girls” too). Apparently the guys are so pushy because Brazilian Girls are so tough to crack. The deep Brazilian beats were paused for an impromptu dance off on stage! Fireworks shot on cables towards us then showered onto the crowd. All fun until again fights began outside and we left about 4.30am before things get real bad.

Next day we headed to Paraty to a beautiful hotel with a swimming pool & sauna. A full day cruise followed on the BANZAY boat! And at night we had a bit of a party, played poker, and I even had a birthday cake!

RTW: p65a – Wonders of Brazil, November 1st, Foz Do Iguacu »« RTW: p63 – Stone of a Beach, Rio