20 Jul 2023
My mum and I opted for the helicopter tour with pick up from our hotel in Iguazú (Argentina side). Our guide, Arlete, was on time and so welcoming! Her car was clean and tidy and she was clearly very experienced crossing the border. We felt like we were in safe hands!
When we got to Helisul, we couldn't fly immediately because the weather wasn't great. Arlete contacted her agency and so we rearranged our plans for an extra (reasonable!!) fee. Instead, she accompanied us into the Brazilian falls and was a great photo taker and guide. As we went in with a guide, it meant we could skip the bus queues! She gave us so much knowledge about the geographical formation of the area and was just absolutely brilliant and kind! She never rushed us and accepted we would be taking hundreds of pictures. ????
Then, we made it back to the helicopter pad and they were flying. We had NO QUEUE at all!!!! We were rushed into the next available helicopter! It was incredible so I highly suggest you do it! It's pricey, yes it's only 10 minutes, but everyone has a good view as everyone is by a window. I was extremely lucky to be sat next to the pilot at the front, but my mum was at the back and by a window. The pilot makes multiple circles around the falls to ensure everyone gets a view. They also arrange a video + photos of you getting on the helicopter so you can buy them at the end as souvenirs. Pricey but if this is your once in a lifetime chance to be in a helicopter, I suggest it.
Arlete then took us to the bird park which is right outside!! I was skeptical.. I don't like zoos but their message is very unique. It's a sanctuary that focuses on repopulating endangered species. I think it's quite good as bird parks go and I felt the animals were well cared for. The menu in the restaurant and some of the messages around the park on billboards advocate reducing meat intakes to help combat deforestation and the destruction of the birds' natural habitats.
All in all, a very very memorable day!