The second half of our program was in Foz do Iguaçu, which is in the state of Paraná. The city is home to the Iguaçu Falls and also borders Argentina and Paraguay. The three days we spent there were easily the most eventful three days we’ve had on this trip.
Our first full day in Foz, we went to the Iguaçu National Park, where the falls and bird park (Parque das Aves) are located. The waterfalls are viewed throughout a 1.9km walk. This walk was quite possibly the greatest natural view I’ve had the privilege to see. Every overlook stop throughout the hike had a new angle that put the previous view’s angle to shame. The views in this national park didn’t stop there, though. Parque das Aves was so lovely. Growing up, my mom would take me to the National Aviary in Pittsburgh to see the birds, so I have always enjoyed the birds’ company. This was a whole new level. Here is where I learned that toucans really do look nearly cartoonish in real life!
The second and third days of our time in Foz were spent touring hydroelectric dams. Day 2 was spent at the Itaipu Dam, one of the biggest dams in the world. Not only were we at some points hundreds of feet below water, we also stepped foot between Brazil and Paraguay. The control room especially stood out to me because of the sheer amount of screen coverage on the wall. Day 3’s dam was nearly five hours away from Foz buried deep in countryside, which was quite the journey. It was definitely worth it, though, as the dam and views were quite the sight. The turbine was my favorite part of Day 3’s dam. Our time in Foz do Iguaçu may have been short, but it was definitely sweet.
Swanson School of Engineering 