Epic Adventure to Iguazu Falls with Friends

A Day of Discovery in Iguazu

Today was all about diving deeper into what Iguazu has to offer beyond the magnificent falls. It's easy to get caught up in the natural beauty, but I was keen to explore the cultural and urban sides of this fascinating region. With my friends in tow, we set out for a day filled with indigenous experiences, city sights, and of course, some delicious Argentine cuisine. It was a day to remember, blending the modern with the ancestral, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Cantina da Bea. This vegetarian restaurant in Foz do Iguaçu is highly recommended. While not strictly a vegetarian myself, I always appreciate a good healthy meal, and Cantina da Bea certainly delivered. The buffet was varied and delicious, with plenty of vegan options. I went for a mix of salads, hot dishes, and some of their amazing sauces. It was the perfect way to fuel up for a day of exploring. The owner, Bea, was incredibly sweet and helpful, making our experience even better.


Discover a vibrant vegetarian buffet in Foz do Iguaçu at Cantina da Bea – where fresh ingredients meet wholesome flavors.

Traveling—it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.

After breakfast, we headed to Yryapu turismo guaraní. This indigenous community offers a unique glimpse into the lives, customs, and traditions of the Guarani people. The community is an ecological and cultural reserve located a few kilometers from the center of Puerto Iguazu. We opted for a guided tour, which took us through the community, showcasing their homes, school, and way of life. I found it particularly interesting to learn about their traditional hunting methods and the medicinal plants they use. It’s inspiring to see how they preserve their culture while also embracing sustainable tourism.


Discover the vibrant Guaraní culture in Puerto Iguazú: traditional crafts, music, cuisine, and immersive experiences await!

Next on our itinerary was the Bus Turístico Iguazú. This hop-on-hop-off bus tour is a great way to see the city's main attractions. The tour covers over 40 points of interest and lasts approximately two hours. We hopped on at Plaza San Martin and enjoyed the ride, listening to the audio guide, which provided information in several languages. It gave us a good overview of the city and helped us decide where we wanted to spend more time. While some reviews mention the bus being a bit old, we found it to be a convenient and affordable way to get around.


Explore Puerto Iguazú and the Argentinian side of the falls with ease on this convenient hop-on, hop-off bus tour.

For lunch, we stopped at Bendito - Bar e Restaurante. This Brazilian restaurant offers a complete buffet of hot and cold dishes on weekends and holidays. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, perfect for a family lunch. I indulged in some traditional Brazilian fare, including rice, beans, and grilled meats. It was a hearty and satisfying meal that gave us a taste of local flavors.


Discover Bendito - Bar e Restaurante in Foz do Iguaçu for an unforgettable taste of authentic Brazilian cuisine in a vibrant atmosphere.

After lunch, we did some shopping at Paseo Comercial Puerto Iguazú. Although some reviews mention that this location is permanently closed, we found a bustling shopping center with a variety of stores. I picked up a few souvenirs for Emily and Oliver, as well as some local crafts. It’s always nice to bring back a little piece of the places I visit.


Experience the vibrant culture and shopping delights at Paseo Comercial Puerto Iguazú, where local flavors and unique souvenirs await you.

As the day wound down, we treated ourselves to dinner at La Strega. This Italian restaurant has a mystical atmosphere with decor inspired by the history of witches. The ambiance was unique and intriguing, and the food was excellent. I opted for one of their specialty risottos, while my friends tried the pasta dishes. They also have vegan options available, which is a plus for those with dietary restrictions.


Discover La Strega: Foz do Iguaçu's premier destination for authentic Italian cuisine with vegan delights.

I must admit that I felt a little pang of homesickness today, thinking about Emily and Oliver back in Halifax. I imagined Oliver in his little Arsenal jersey, kicking a ball around the backyard, and it made me smile. I know they would have loved exploring the Guarani community and trying the delicious food with me.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, we’re planning a visit to Devil's Throat and Iguaçu National Park [T]. I've heard so much about the Devil's Throat, the largest of the falls, and I can't wait to witness its power and beauty firsthand [T]. We’ll also explore more of the Iguaçu National Park, taking in the diverse flora and fauna [T]. And, if we are up for it, we might check out Holy Iguazú nightclub [T].

Today was a reminder that travel is about more than just seeing famous landmarks. It’s about connecting with different cultures, experiencing new flavors, and creating memories with friends. And while I miss my family, I’m grateful for the opportunity to explore this incredible part of the world and share my experiences with all of you.

Cheers,
Andrew