Hello Argentina and their Iguazu Falls!

We crossed the border to Argentina with a friendly cab driver who got us through both customs in a breeze.

Our cab driver stopped long enough to snap this picture - the actual "boundary" painted on the cement divider between Argentina and Brazil - there is a friendly rivalry between the two sides here (which apparently also is fed from rival futbol teams)

Here is the close up of the Devil's Throat - massive and just not properly experienced via photo - but it will have to do :)

The falls are literally networked all over the Argentine side - above you, below you, next to you - it makes for great trails and fun ways to get wet.

Butterflies were everywhere in both parks - this one was friendly and decided to hitch a ride on Joe's shorts.

This is the San Martin waterfall - beautiful up close on the San Martin Island we were able to get to by a little (free) ferry.

Another view of San Martin and it's siblings spread out

These are their equivalents of raccoons - though definitely not nocturnal here - they were coming right up to people and "begging" for food.

A nice photo of the pool area at the little B&B we stayed in, the Riotropic - off the beaten path it was so peaceful and quiet - only 10 rooms and one night we were 2 of the 3 guests!

Next stop...Buenos Aires and we are excited since we get to see some familiar faces as some friends are coming to meet up with us there!

Foz de Iguacu, Brazil

Our last stop in Brazil - the breathtaking Foz de Iguacu, which straddles the boundary between Brazil and Argentina. The Brazilian side is said to have the better panorama and it is hard to truly show the extensive curtain of falls that seems to go on and on.

This is one of our first views of a "lower" section of the falls, which was just the beginning - there are over 360 waterfalls in the park.

The biggest falls - "Garganta del diablo" or "Devil's Throat" is seen in the center - the roaring was deafening as you got closer and the mist cooled us off as it was probably near 90.

Rainbows spread over a rushing part of the falls - Joe caught this one

At the top of the falls closest to the Brazilian side the Iguazu river spills over.

After the falls we went to the nearby Parque de Aves (Bird Park) and these toucans were showing off. The park helps to protect endangered birds and also had a great butterfly "aviary"

After the Bird Park it was time to pack up and head over to the other side of the falls - and our next country on our stop - Argentina!

Good-Bye Rio!

Our last days in Rio we spent enjoying our favorite things- the beach and our favorites drinks. We'll miss the carioca lifestyle and our beach bumming days!

This is the Matte Latte with Limonada - our favorite non-alcoholic thing to sip on :) Matte tastes kind of like iced tea and mixed with lemonade it was pretty close to an Arnold Palmer.

Here is the Matte Latte guys that would walk on the 100 degree sand in bare feet all day selling the Matte Latte - one cooler had the Matte, the other the Limonada - you mixed as you pleased.

Our new friend - this guy makes the best caipirinha in all of Brazil and cheap too! It is right near posto 9 (in the background) in Ipanema the most popular part of the beach.