Hotel das Cataratas

Although we were staying on the Argentinian side of the falls, we did have the opportunity to drop in on the most famous hotel on the Brazilian side of the falls, the Tropical das Cataratas. This opulent hotel is located onsite within the Parque Nacional do Iguacu, which makes it an ideal location for that early morning hike to a viewing point of the Falls. The hotel had a beautiful garden in the back, including a famous heart stone known for spreading love. Rooms are fairly reasonable at a rate of 150USD per night as of 2008. Even if you choose a less expensive route, it is still a nice place to take a break from the falls for a minute or two while you wait for the bus back to the front gate of the Park.

Staying at the Tropical das Cataratas is magical. It is the only hotel in the Brazilian park and occupies a fabulous location, looking metres away from the falls. On arrival, I immediately went for a walk along the paths that flank the Brazilian falls. Although it was still light, the visitors had gone for the day and I had that amazing sight to myself. I think I saw five other people at most on the trails. The falls get extremely busy - although that doesn't dim their impressiveness - and to enjoy them like this is very, very special.

The hotel itself is of a high standard and decorated in a colonial style which goes well with the environment. Service was very good too; I was moved instantly after finding that my first room was by noisy a/c unit. The hotel has great gardens, a couple of shops and organises activities like torchlit evening walks along the paths for visitors. The latter depend on weather conditions and availability, however - they weren't on offer on my visit.

We ate at the hotel and enjoyed both an Italian evening meal and a typically varied Brazilian hotel buffet breakfast.

A great hotel and if you splash out on your Brazil trip, this is a great place to do it!

Unique Quality: Location - the privileged access to the falls made for the single best walk I've had in my life.

Directions: Take a taxi from the town centre - they will be able to access the park quickly.

This is truly a first class hotel, outstanding service and rooms. As you should expect this is not a budget hotel, but it is in my personal top 10 in the world, for that special romantic or memorable place to stay this has it all.

Unique Quality: Located within the national park and directly opposite the falls, so when all the other tourists leave for the day you can watch the sunset or sunrise and beat the crowds onto the panaramic walkways and decks.

The pool is a great place to chill out in the high humidity of the rainforest.

Directions: In the National Park, opposite the falls

Once again... I did not stay there! (And probably never will...)

Una vez más... no me hospedé allí! (Y probablemente nunca lo haga...)

Unique Quality: Low budget travellers of the world... This place is not for us!!!!
Situated in the middle of the National Park, surrounded by the forest, with a spectacular view to the waterfalls... Wow!
Never mind... probably the noise of the waterfalls does not let you sleep!!!!

This time, the picture was taken by me... from a helicopter!!!!

Viajeros de bajo presupuesto del mundo... Este lugar no es para nosotros!!!
Situado en medio del Parque Nacional, rodeado por la jungla, con una vista espectacular de las cataratas... Guau!
No se preocupen... probablemente el ruido de las cataratas no deje dormir!!!

Esta vez, la foto la saqué yo misma... desde un helicóptero!!!