Brigitte and I recently took a break from our winter sabbatical in Buenos Aires to spend a long weekend at the Sheraton Internacional Iguazú Resort on the Argentinean side of the Igauzú falls.
The hotel is the only one to actually be located within the Parque Nacional Iguazú which is quite a benefit if you wish to take full advantage of the many trails and activities available. The 30 ARS park entry fee (for non-Argentineans) need only be paid upon initial admission, subsequent re-entry for hotel guests is waived. Travelling between the park (or hotel) and Puerto Iguazú is also easily accomplished by the "El Practico" public shuttle bus (2.80 ARS) and takes about 30 minutes. It begins its run in Puerto Iguazú at 07:25 and the last bus leaves the park at 20:00, closely emulating the park's operating hours. There are 17 runs at 45 minute intervals daily. A taxi or remise can be had at any time and will be marginally faster at a cost of about 30 ARS.

The hotel is situated in such a manner as to afford a wonderful view of the Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat), some 3 kilometres away. This may seem far to some, but the surrounding foliage and sweeping enormity of the falls serve to make them appear closer than they actually are. The setting is ideal in that is doesn't intrude on the natural beauty that pervades this entire park, so unlike that at Niagara. No neon or McDonald's here. The hotel's design surrenders to function and not to style. The floor to ceiling windows form the better part of the entire structure and allow guests a glimpse of the natural wonder they have come to see and hear. You can't escape the view, from the ground floor dining room to the rooftop observatory, it's overwhelming.

Our combined award/paid stay was very cost effective as the hotel was recently downgraded to a Category 1 property due to lower ADR's. Thus 4,000 points for 2 weekend nights and an $89 USD (+21% IVA tax) for a jungle view room was more than acceptable. There are cheaper rates available, but they are strictly "Precios para residentes Argentinos". You must have proof of residency in order to validate them.

As an SPG Platinum, my online reservation request for an upgrade to a falls view suite was cheerfully honoured for the entire three night duration of our stay, surprising as there are only 4 suites in the entire property and things appeared quite busy. Complimentary buffet breakfast was also provided, even for the award portion of our stay. The front desk personnel were friendly and efficient and appeared genuinely happy to answer any queries about the property and/or the national park.

Our recently renovated two room suite was pristine, with a gleaming white tile floor and furniture native to the area as well as a bold suede upholstering on the chairs and sofa. The huge terrace was designed with a glass facade that allowed you an unobstructed view, even from bed. There were also a couple of chaise lounges and a table and chairs that proved quite useful for private alfresco dining. The view at sunset was spectacular and the hotel appeared to be on the flight path of many different bird species, including raptors and toucans.

The breakfast buffet was quite comprehensive and included tasty local specialities as well as the usual assortment of eggs, sausages, bacon, fresh fruits, pastries, yogourt and the best fresh squeezed orange juice I can recall ever having. Service began at 7:00 and ended at 10:00, and the staff were quite attentive. Café con leche was the hot beverage of choice, although tea and cappuccino were also available if requested.

There were various dining options available within the national park, including a licensed outdoor snack bar as well as a somewhat classier parrilla restaurant, but by and large the best dining was at the Sheraton itself where $26 ARS would buy you a very nice lunch buffet and $28 ARS an even more comprehensive dinner. Those with a sweet tooth wouldn't be disappointed with the wonderful assortment of delectable cakes and pastries. In room dining prices were also quite reasonable, beginning at about $14 ARS for a burger with fries.

For those of you wondering how much time to allow to see the park and/or falls, I would say that a quick overview can be had in a single day by rushing through the Circuito Superior (Upper Circuit) and the Circuito Inferior (Lower Circuit) trail, both within walking distance of the hotel, and taking the free train service to view the Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat). The Circuito Superior allows a grander overview, the Circuito Inferior gets you up close, personal and wet (optional), and the Circuito Garganta del Diablo allows you to stand over the most powerful and magnificent waterfall of all. If you want to fully explore each and every trail and nature walk on the Argentine side with a little time to spare to revisit a favourite or two, allow three days. Bear in mind that some of the trails require a certain amount of exertion and a few lengths of rope and/or steps, but for the most part the train and catwalks are relatively easy to manoeuvre and some are wheelchair accessible. The best time to take photos from the Argentine side is in the late afternoon when dusk begins to cast a golden glow over the water and surrounding countryside.

Our stay here was magical, and made all the better by being able to view this untamed phenomenon in as unadulterated a natural setting as is physically and practically possible. If your travels ever take you anywhere near this part of the world, be it Rio, Montevideo or Buenos Aires, it would be a pity to bypass the opportunity to witness this awesome wonder .