I always try not to make the same mistake twice. It was going to rain on Sunday, so let’s not go to the Argentinian side of the fall and get soaked again.

What do people do in Foz do Iguaçu on Sunday?

Yeah, they go to church, one of the many churches, and they dress up for it.

I’ll skip this one too.

What else can you do in Foz do Iguaçu that doesn’t involve God or hundreds of waterfalls?

I had two options in mind—either the Itaipu Dam we visited with Mark a few years ago or the Parque das Aves, a bird sanctuary.

Since I couldn’t remember how to get to the dam by bus (I remember it was complicated), I went for the birds. I knew where it was, just before the Iguaçu National Park.

The weather was gorgeous, the bus showed up right away, and the park entrance ticket was only 90 reais (about CA$20). So far, so good, but I didn’t know what to expect. I was just hoping it was a “try to spot the birds” forest because I’m hopeless at spotting exotic animals.

I spotted the first bird right help. It helped that it was big, bright red and a meter in front of me.

The Parque das Aves is one of the largest bird parks in Latin America, actively contributing to the preservation and breeding of endangered bird species. The 16.5-hectare sanctuary is home to more than 500 birds of 165 species. They are in their natural habitat; you’re just a guest.

There’s a bit of a Jurassic Park feeling when you push the double doors that create somewhat of an airlock system—the second door only opens when the first one is closed—and step into the many eight-meter-high aviaries. Suddenly, you’re in a giant cage, surrounded by colourful birds who stare at you as much as you stare at them (none of them took a picture of me, though, I’m mildly disappointed).

No zoom, this is how close I was to the birds. It’s a bit freaky because so many birds can be scary. But they are amazing creatures.

This is my best surprise in Foz do Iguaçu so far this year!