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Last week, I published a video of the awesome power of the Iguassu Falls in Brazil. A few days later, I visited the Argentina side of this phenomenal natural wonder. It had been raining for several days so the volume of water crashing down was unbelievable. Whilst we were treated to magnificent panoramas of the falls on the Brazil side, the boardwalks on the Argentina side allowed us to see the falls up close from both below and above, at the edge of the falls. It was a mind-blowing experience that seemed almost surreal. I stood on the edge of the falls at various spots and my mind had a busy task processing those incredulous images.

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The Iguazu Falls after rainfall in the winter.

Coati at Iguazu Falls

As we walked along the boardwalks above the falls, we bumped into a coati which led us to the falls. A coati is a racoon-like animal that can be found in various parts of Central and South America.

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A coati on the trail.

Of all the tours I’ve been on around the world, this furry creature certainly ranks high as the cutest ‘tour guide’ I’ve ever had! Check out the video below:

When you visit the Iguazu Falls, chances are, you’ll bump into a coati. They will approach you looking for food. Please do not feed them and watch out for your belongings. Ensure your bag is closed and that things in your pockets are safe.

Read my guide on things to do at Iguazu Falls.

 

A big thank you goes to Loumar Turismo, the premier tour operator to the Iguassu Falls, and Hotel Bella Italia for hosting me in Foz do Iguaçu.

11 Responses

  • EIBTUR–Encontro Internacional de Blogs de Turismo | Com os Pés no Mundo

    […] My furry ‘tour guide’ at the Iguazu Falls – Velvet Escape – Keith Jenkins […]

  • Haha, if it was me walking on the rail, I would’ve fallen in for sure! He was very steady and had these claws for a good grip so I wasn’t too concerned. 😉

    Cheers,
    Keith

  • What a spectacular place this must be be!! Loved your photos and video too…especially of the little guy….i was very nervous for him as we walked along the rails above that river…so happy he’s okay.

  • […] My furry ‘tour guide’ at the Iguazu Falls – Velvet Escape – Keith Jenkins […]

  • […] My furry ‘tour guide’ at the Iguazu Falls – Velvet Escape – Keith Jenkins […]

  • Haha, yup, good thing he didn’t bite! The coatis are pretty friendly though and VERY inquisitive!

  • This post and the coati is cutest I have read and the iguazo falls is awesome 🙂 Good he didn’t bite?

  • I’m with you Samuel – it’s essential to see both sides of the falls. The experience on either side is so distinct. I know what you mean about the coatis – they somehow love tripods & the cases. When we were there, another blogger was setting up her tripod and they were all over the tripod and the cases. Hahaha!

  • Hey Keith,

    That’s great you got to experience it on both sides. There is plenty of debate as to which side is better but I feel going to both is essential. When I was there in 2010 a pack of coatis tried to steal my tripod case…haha

  • Hi Celina,

    Miss you too. Really loved the many laughs we had in Foz! 🙂

    Lots of big hugs,
    Keith

  • So you were really guided by a “coati”. That´s because you´re such a nice guy! Miss you!. We really had a good time at Foz do iaguassu falls!

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