Perhaps you remember a scene in the film "The Mission" in which actor Robert De Niro is climbing alongside roaring waterfalls. That's Iguazu Falls -- one of the most beautiful natural wonders of the world.

I've traveled to 29 countries, and no place has ever taken my breath away like Iguazu. Higher than Victoria Falls and twice as wide as Niagara, Iguazu Falls is two hours from Buenos Aires by plane. Strung out along the rim of a crescent-shaped cliff about 2.5 miles long, some 275 individual cascades and waterfalls plummet up to 269 feet into the gorge below. To see the falls properly, you should try to visit both sides of the Iguazu River. But nearly two-thirds of the lip of the falls belong to Argentina (the rest is in Brazil).

Visiting Iguazu Falls is a two-day trip. But well worth the splurge! You can stay at one of three hotels: Sheraton International, Hotel Cataratas or the Hotel Esturion.

When you arrive, you can take a taxi to your hotel. If you stay at the Sheraton International, which is what we did, you'll stop dead in your tracks as you enter the lobby. Look beyond the reception desk and you'll see Diablo de Gargantua (Devil's Throat), the most spectacular waterfall in the area. Before it gets dark (try to arrive by noon), you can take an afternoon tour to the Argentine Falls, hiking the Superior and Inferior paths for close-up views of a truly natural wonder.

The next day, be sure to board a boat at Puerto Canous. It will take you to the observation platform overlooking Devil's Throat. Believe me, you've never seen so much water in your life! These impressive falls dispel 5,000 cubic meters of water per second. Ask about the boat rides that will take you along the river and up to the face of the falls. You might also want to buy a very inexpensive plastic rain poncho -- otherwise, expect to get drenched.

While you're there, you can enjoy the other natural wonders of the National Park: 2,000 plant species (gigantic trees, ferns, orchids), 400 bird species (parrots, colibres, toucans), jaguars and yacaris (caimans).

For more information, visit the Iguazu Falls Web site.

(Article originally published by www.expatspouse.com)