Today, I’ll tell you about the day I took my trusty Weekender Bag for a weekend trip to one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature: Iguazú Falls. Located where Brazil meets Paraguay and Argentina, they form the largest waterfall system in the world! It is impressive, to say the least.
In awe with Brazilian Architecture. I mean, look at this pink building sitting just across the waterfalls!
I arrived in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, by plane. So having my Weekender Bag with me during the flight was a huge convenience. From there, I went straight to my home for the next couple of nights: the Belmond Hotel, located in the heart of Iguaçu National Park. It’s a beautiful hacienda-style pink building that blends perfectly with the lush greenery around it. Rainforest thrills meet timeless luxury in this unique spot. I couldn't have started my trip in a better fashion!
Speaking of fashion: I quickly unpacked my Weekender Bag to lay out all of my chosen outfits for the long weekend. I grabbed my athleisure and set off to see the wonders of the massive, breathtaking falls located just outside the hotel. The first view of the waterfalls could not have been more impressive: a colossal two-step cascade, surrounded by unmatched flora. After a moment of taking in nature's beauty (and capturing a million photos), we started a hike to get even closer to the falls. Along the way, we saw stunning sub-tropical vegetation, the cutest local animals, and rainbows everywhere! Then came the highlight of the experience: boarding a small boat called Macuco Safari, which—believe it or not—takes you under the waterfalls. Needless to say, I left this tour soaking wet, but it was worth every drop!
On the second day, I wanted to see what the city of Foz do Iguaçu had to offer beyond the waterfalls. Luckily, I had emptied my Weekender Bag as soon as I arrived at the hotel, so I grabbed it, packed my essentials, and headed downtown for an indulgent Brazilian barbecue. It was delicious! After devouring copious amounts of meat, I was in the mood for something less adventurous—so why not go shopping? Since the city sits at a triple border, there are plenty of duty-free shops to explore. Good thing I had my Weekender Bag with me—it fit all my new finds, from Argentinian dulce de leche to Brazilian beauty products.
Macuco Safari, a glimpse of my second-day outfit, and the colorful birds at Parque das Aves.
On the third and final day of my trip, I was craving one last glimpse of sub-tropical nature, so I visited Parque das Aves, the only institution in the world dedicated to the conservation of Atlantic Rainforest birds. There, we walked through the birds' natural habitat and had the privilege of entering aviaries with toucans, parrots, guans, and macaws. I couldn’t believe my eyes: the colors of their feathers were simply mesmerizing. The park’s team rescues birds that have suffered from trafficking and ill-treatment, offering them the best possible quality of life since they can no longer return to the wild.
Back at the pink hotel, it was time to pack. Even with all my new purchases, my Weekender Bag was spacious enough to fit everything I needed for my next destination.
I left Foz do Iguaçu in awe, having witnessed one of the 7 Wonders of Nature, and feeling more than ready to discover what else this vast world has to offer!