Macuco Safari Boat Ride

The big adventure begins at the Macuco Safari entrance gates, located on the Cataratas Highway inside the Iguassu National Park, with embarkation in open jeep-towed wagons that permit an unobstructed view of the scenery along the trail. During the three kilometer stretch through the jungle, multi-lingual guides point out examples of the flora and fauna of the Park. Orchids, palm trees, bromeliads, centenaries trees, as well as wild animals that occasionally cross the trail are pointed out by the guides.

The hike - The second stage, a stretch of 600 meters (optional), is a hike on a trail that leads to a waterfall named "Macuco Falls". The waterfall, perfect for a refreshing dip on days of intense heat, spills down from a height of approximately 20 meters. Access is via a stairway carved into the ancient rock. The last stop is the Macuco Safari docks on the Brazilian side of the Iguassu River.

In the water, inflatable bi-motor boats, constructed to withstand the rigors of the excursion, are secure and efficient vessels. Before embarkation, passengers receive life-vests and plastic containers in which to protect photographic and filming equipment. The boat travels up-river passing the canyon facing the rapids at a speed that permits the appreciation of the scenery.

Rocks, animals and a lot of greenery complete the scenery before reaching the base of the falls. Next, on to the "great horseshoe" know as the "Devil's Throat". Rainbows, blue sky, mist and water in profusion, punctuate the spectacle that has as its high-point, the area of the falls named "The Three Musketeers". There the captain maneuvers the boat in order to get close enough to provide the passengers with a quick and refreshing shower.

Since at the end of the fun everyone normally ends-up wet, the passengers more sensitive to cold should have extra clothes to use after the boat excursion.