Epic Adventure to Iguazu Falls with Friends

Sustainable Dreams and Waterfall Streams

Today was a day of contrasts, blending human ingenuity with the raw power of nature. From exploring a home built of recycled materials to walking alongside one of the world's most magnificent waterfalls, it was an inspiring experience that has only deepened my appreciation for this incredible planet.

The day began with a hearty breakfast at Benjamin Gastronomia. Fuelled up, we set off to explore a truly unique place: La Casa de Botellas.

La Casa de Botellas: A Testament to Recycling

La Casa de Botellas, or the House of Bottles, is a remarkable creation by Alfredo Santa Cruz, a man who has dedicated himself to environmental sustainability. The house is constructed almost entirely from recycled materials – plastic bottles, glass bottles, tetra packs, and even old CDs. It's located in the Las Orquídeas neighborhood. The walls are made of 1200 plastic bottles, the roof has 1300 tetra packs, and the doors and windows incorporate over 140 CD cases. Even the furniture inside is crafted from recycled bottles.

It’s more than just a quirky building; it’s a powerful statement about reducing waste and finding creative solutions to environmental problems. As someone who's always been keen on recycling back in Halifax, I found this place incredibly inspiring. Alfredo’s story is one of perseverance. He faced skepticism and hardship, but his passion for sustainability kept him going. He even gives free courses to teach others how to build with recycled materials, empowering communities to improve their living conditions.

The Casa de Botellas isn't just a visual spectacle; it's an educational experience. Walking through the house, you see how everyday waste can be transformed into something beautiful and functional. It made me think about all the plastic I use and how I could be more mindful of my consumption. I even picked up some ideas for small projects I could try back home. Who knows, maybe I’ll build a bottle greenhouse in my backyard!

The idea of building a house with plastic bottles serves to raise awareness and give an ecological use to this packaging that pollutes the environment every day.

Discover a unique house in Puerto Iguazú made entirely from recycled bottles and materials, showcasing sustainable living and environmental awareness.

Lunch at Bambu Restobar

After a morning of sustainable inspiration, it was time for lunch. We headed to Bambu Restobar in Puerto Iguazú. This place had a lively atmosphere and a menu that seemed to cater to everyone.

Bambu Restobar prides itself on using fresh, local ingredients. I decided to try one of their local specialties, and it was bursting with flavor. The restobar combines traditional and modern elements in its decor, creating a unique and inviting environment. It’s a great spot for both casual dining and special occasions. The outdoor seating area offers a charming view of Puerto Iguazú, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Caminho das Cataratas: Embracing the Falls

With our bellies full, it was time to experience the main event: the Iguazu Falls themselves. We made our way to the Caminho das Cataratas, a trail on the Brazilian side of the Iguazu Falls National Park.

The Caminho das Cataratas is a well-maintained, 1.5-kilometer trail that offers panoramic views of the falls. The path winds through the lush Atlantic Forest, providing numerous viewpoints to observe the cascading water. Even though it's October, the weather was very manageable and the rainforest was lush.

As we walked, the sound of the falls grew louder, building anticipation with every step. The trail is mostly paved, making it accessible for people of all fitness levels. Along the way, strategically placed observation decks allowed for closer views of the various falls. My friends and I took countless photos, trying to capture the sheer scale and beauty of the landscape. It's almost impossible to convey the feeling of standing before such immense natural power.

The highlight of the trail is the final section: a walkway that extends out towards the Devil’s Throat. Here, the mist from the falls envelops you, and the roar of the water is deafening. It’s an immersive experience that engages all your senses. You can feel the power of nature in its purest form.

I couldn't help but think of Emily, who would have loved to experience this raw, natural power. I made a mental note to bring her back someday. Perhaps Oliver would enjoy it too, although I might need to hold onto him tightly near the Devil's Throat!

The Iguazu National Park, where the Caminho das Cataratas is located, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its biodiversity and conservation efforts. The park is home to diverse flora and fauna, and we kept an eye out for wildlife as we walked. Although we didn't spot any jaguars, we did see several colorful birds and playful monkeys.

The Caminho das Cataratas is more than just a visual experience; it’s an immersive one. The sounds, the feel of the mist, and the sheer magnitude of the falls create a memory that will last a lifetime.


Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the magnificent Iguaçu Falls from this scenic trail in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil.

Iguadrink Forest Bar: Cocktails in the Canopy

After a day of exploration, we decided to unwind at the Iguadrink Forest Bar [I could not find enough information to generate details about this bar, so I will leave it out of the blog post].


Discover the vibrant Iguadrink Forest Bar in Puerto Iguazú, where refreshing drinks meet the beauty of nature in Misiones Province, Argentina.

Dinner at Restaurante La Rueda

For dinner, we chose Restaurante La Rueda in Puerto Iguazú. Established in 1975, La Rueda has a rich history, its name originating from a wagon wheel gifted to the Bauza family, the restaurant's founders.

The restaurant's architecture preserves its original essence, featuring tacuara ceilings, glazed brick floors, and bas-relief murals by artist Hans Hachen, a friend of the family. These murals highlight Guarani art and mythology, blending the culture of the early missionary settlers with the native culture of the region.

La Rueda’s menu offers a wide selection of dishes that combine exotic regional products with international culinary inspiration. The house specialties include river fish like surubí, dourado, and pacu, as well as premium cuts of meat cooked over high heat (a typical Argentinean style) and handmade pastas with traditional Italian recipes.

They also have their own wine cellar, Bodega La Rueda, where they keep a variety of Argentine wines. The cellar houses over 700 wine labels from different wine regions of the country.

As I savored a glass of Malbec, I reflected on the day’s adventures. From the sustainable ingenuity of La Casa de Botellas to the awe-inspiring power of Iguazu Falls, it was a day that showcased the best of human creativity and natural beauty. I feel incredibly grateful to have experienced it all.

Tomorrow, we’re heading back to the Brazilian side to explore more of the falls, including the Cataratas do Iguaçu, and Salto Santa Maria. I’m also hoping to pick up a souvenir at Iguazú Timbó Arte. Until then, I’ll leave you with this:

Travel is about more than just seeing new places; it's about opening your mind to new possibilities and appreciating the wonders of the world around you.