UNIVERSITY BUILDING, LA PLATA
MUSEUM, LA PLATA
CHAPTER XXV
THE IGUASSU FALLS AND PARAGUAY
Important Argentine Cities
Among the nations of the ancient or the modern world, not one do we know with a history in some respects so extraordinary as that of Paraguay. Yet of the thousands annually who will soon be making the South American Tour, scarcely one would be tempted by historic interest to journey 1000 miles from the beaten track. But the greatest waterfall in the world! Ah, that is another matter! A waterfall bigger than Niagara, as high and with more water? Truly, that is the tale! So while the majority, who wish to make the trip in three months or so, or who have come in the wrong season, may go directly on from Buenos Aires to Montevideo, some will decide to visit the Iguassú Falls, and then, being near, will cross over to Asunción, the capital of Paraguay.
To a few it would be pleasant to make the entire journey upward in the fine steamers of Mihanovich. Although the banks of the wide Paraná are too distant and too flat to afford much scenic beauty, there is some interest in calling at various cities along the way, and in noting the gradual change from a temperate to a tropical clime, with the variation in verdure and animal life, especially of birds; higher up between narrowing shores or islands are fascinating stretches of forest, interspersed with pretty pastoral scenes. All the way to Asunción, a week’s journey, one may sail in the same commodious steamer; but if first visiting the Falls, a change will be made at Corrientes; for the Alto Paraná on which Posadas is situated is more shallow than the Paraguay on whose bank is Asunción.
The shorter way, appealing to the greater number, is to go by rail to Posadas, thence by steamer to the Falls and return, continuing by rail from Posadas to Asunción. The river route, obviously shorter coming down, may be taken for the return to Buenos Aires, or the rail route through Posadas.