The Río Uruguay divides Argentina and Uruguay.  We followed it from Buenos Aires to visit Argentina´s north east.  Fist stop Colon.  From Mercedes we caught a local bus to Colonia Carlos Pellegrini to visit the wetlands of the Reserva Provincial del Esteros Iberá.

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Further north in the province of Missiones are the Jesuit ruins of San Ignacio Miní, Loreto and Santa Ana.  Between 1603 and 1767, the Jesuits founded 30 missions in this part of South America (15 in Argentina, 7 in Brazil and 8 in Paraguay – 7 of them are World Heritage sites).  The missions were laid out around a huge central plaza, the church on one side and rows of long houses for the indigenous on the other sides.

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This stunning wetland reserve in Northeast Argentina, unspoiled by tourism, is the second largest wetlands in South America and home to countless birds and animals.  The name Iberá means shiny water in the Guarani language.
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Walking through the forrest, monkeys can be seen high up in the trees.  Capybaras munch on grass, oblivious to humans.  Timid deer don´t hang around too long.  An armadillo showed itself and a little bird carried on building it´s oven like nest of clay.
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From a boat, gliding quietly among the floating islands of aquatic plants, caimens and anacondas can be seen basking in the sun.  A vast array of birds have also made this protected area their home.
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The sleepy little village of Colonia Carlos Pellegrini, 8 blocks by 8 blocks, is the perfect place to watch the sun setting over the lake.

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Carmelo lies 2:30 hours by boat across the Rio de la Plata from Tigre (to the north of Buenos Aires).  It was our fist stop in Uruguay.  World Heritage Colonia del Sacramento, founded by the Portuguese in 1680 and fought over with the Spanish for 100 years, retains its originality.

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In Montevideo´s old centre, the buildings date from the 19th and 20th centuries.  People also come to Uruguay for the surf beaches, but only a few are brave enough in the winter when it is blowing a gale and temperatures close to zero.

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Uruguay produces excellent cheeses thanks to the Swiss immigrants.  The wine is not bad either.  We enjoyed the homemade pasta, perfect in the cold weather.

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The impressive Iguazú Falls between Argentina and Brazil, consists of some 275 separate falls.  The most spectacular is the Devil´s Throat, a powerful torrent of water plunging down a narrow gorge, wetting viewers with rising mist.  On the Argentine side there are many walking trails to view the falls from all aspects.

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We took the thrilling boat ride under the falls getting completely soaked.  We encountered monkeys, coatis, caimen, birds and many colourful butterflies in the park.  Our day finished with a tranquil float down a calmer part of the river sunnounded by jungle.

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Along the Inca Trail is a surprising number of wild flowers and orchids.

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Stopping to look and photograph them was a good excuse for a rest on the steep track.

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