Hotel das Cataratas, Iguaçu National Park, Brazil

Hotel das Cataratas, Iguaçu Falls, Brazil

The penultimate stay on our whirlwind tour of South America was at Hotel das Cataratas, an Orient Express hotel within Iguaçu National Park on the Brazilian side of Iguaçu Falls. Once again, we arrived late after a really long day of travel. It was too dark to see the falls upon arrival, but the elegant lobby and comfy leather sofas were immediately calming. Click here for my photos.

Our Deluxe rooms were special. The décor was warm and bright with dark woods and tropical accents.  I especially admired the exquisite Orient Express closet. The bathroom featured traditional Azulejos painted tiles that were ever so pretty. After a quick change, we met our hosts on the veranda for Caipirinhas. (pronounced 'KIE-PUR-REEN-YAH'). These Brazilian cocktails are made with Cachaca (sugar-cane rum), limes and sugar and taste refreshingly delicious. Click here for the recipe (but beware of the second caipirinha).

Feeling much better after a couple drinks, we headed into dinner at the Ipe grill for a "gaucho-style barbecue" buffet. An epic variety of meats and sausages were slowly grilled on a spit, a real carnivores delight. The smells were so enticing that I had to discard my vegetarian tendencies and eat like a local, but there were lots of fish and salads for my less flexible companions. 

This restaurant was near the pool, and each trip back to the buffet revealed an incredible night sky floating above a gorgeous pool. As stuffed as we were (and as tired), we couldn’t resist a swim. The Hotel das Cataratas is surrounded by forest and the river, and our stay coincided with a New Moon, so the sky was pitch black with more constellations gleaming than I’ve ever seen before.  Floating in the tranquil water while gazing at all those stars was a magical experience.  They say it’s just as wonderful during a Full Moon when the hotel offers guided walking tours to the falls where you can see a Lunar Rainbow!

The next morning, we hit the trails at 8am and had the glorious falls all to ourselves. The trails were empty except for other privileged guests of the hotel enjoying exclusive access to the park before it officially opens. Iguaçu National Park opens daily at 9:00 am, and it takes the first bus twenty minutes to arrive from the Visitor’s Center to our hotel where it drops visitors off at the trail’s head.

Here’s how UNESCO describes this World Heritage site:

“The Iguaçu Falls span the border between Argentina and Brazil. Some 80 m high and 3 km wide, the falls are made up of many cascades and rapids that generate vast sprays of water and produce one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world.”

The trails through lush foliage are very smooth with frequent viewing platforms. Each view is more amazing than the last and there are rainbows in almost every photo.  As you get closer to the waters edge, the trail becomes an elevated walkway extended over the river between two levels of cascading falls. Feel the spray against your face, hear the roar of water gushing over the cataract and breathe in those negative ions (some say they’re the reason we love waterfalls). 

After breakfast (buffet breakfast is complimentary), we headed further into the park for our private Macuco Safari experience.  They bill this as a three-part adventure (trolley, hike and boat) and the rainforest is nice (we saw lots of monkeys) but the boat to the falls was the MOST FUN EVER and not to be missed. I confess, I’ve experienced the Maid of the Mist at Niagara Falls at least a dozen times, but this was so much more exhilarating because the boat actually goes under the Falls.  Here is a before photo from our zodiac (I’m afraid the after photo is not for public viewing but take my professional advice and wear waterproof mascara, and don’t bother with the rain gear because you’ll get soaked anyway).

Back to the hotel for a traditional Brazilian lunch of feijoada, a stew of beans, rice and pork parts and garnished with farofa- delicious. We had a little time to digest in loungers by the pool and take a few final photos to help remember our wonderful stay before we headed to the airport. Unfortunately, there was no time to visit the Cataratas Spa or tennis courts. I urge you to stay here three nights so you can also explore the Bird Park and the Argentinian side of the Falls and still have some time to enjoy the resort. It’s a perfect combination with a city stay in Rio or Buenos Aires.

FROSCH clients will receive these exclusive Amenities:

• One Way Private Sedan Transfer for up to two Guests, from Hotel to Airport (Brazilian side)
• Complimentary welcome amenity
• Upgrade based on availability at check-in