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Introduction
The Iguazu Falls are one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world. Located on the border of Argentina and Brazil, where the Iguazu River tumbles over a 1.7-mile-wide cliff in a massive cascade of over 275 individual waterfalls. The name “Iguazu” comes from the indigenous Guarani language, meaning “big water”. When you stand before these thundering waterfalls you can easily see how they got their name.
Description of the Iguazu Falls
The Iguazu Falls stretch nearly 2 miles across, plunging up to 269 feet down into the river below. The falls have a unique horseshoe shape, with the impossibly loud Devil’s Throat at the center. The falls are divided by the border of Argentina and Brazil into two main sections.
The Argentine side accounts for about 80% of the falls, and has the more powerful, wider water flows. The major falls here are the Devil’s Throat, San Martin Falls, and Bossetti Falls. The Argentine side has walkways that allow visitors to view the falls up close, as well as boat rides that take you underneath the falls for a thundering shower!
The Brazilian side covers the remaining 20% of the falls, and has narrower but equally breathtaking falls. Here the major falls are Floriano Falls and Deodoro Falls. The Brazilian side also has walkways through lush jungle vegetation, as well as boat rides right at the base of the rumbling falls.
The Argentine Side
The Argentine side of Iguazu Falls offers visitors a close-up look at their power and glory. There are walkways that extend over the churning waters at the top of the falls, with panoramic views of the cascading sheets of water. The main attraction is Devil’s Throat, where the river plunges down a 269 ft sheer drop. Visitors can walk out on a platform that extends right over the top, and feel the unrelenting spray from the falls dousing them.
Other major falls on the Argentine side include the San Martin Falls, which stretch over 4,000 feet across, and the Bossetti Falls which plunge into rainbow-filled mists. For an up-close thrill, boats take visitors directly under the falls, where the thundering water crashes down around them.
The Brazilian Side
While narrower than the Argentine side, the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls offers visitors incredible panoramic views from below. The walkways here take you through lush rainforest, with smaller falls flowing all around you. This gives you a unique perspective looking up at the towering curtain of tumbling water ahead.
The major falls on the Brazilian side are Floriano Falls and Deodoro Falls. Floriano Falls is located closest to the viewing platform and visitors can see and hear the water pounding down relentlessly. Deodoro Falls are the most powerful on the Brazilian side as the river funnels into a narrow chute before dropping.
For a refreshing adventure, boats can take you right to the base of the Brazilian falls. As the spray showers over the boat, prepare for one of the most memorable experiences imaginable!
Unique Wildlife at Iguazu Falls
The national parks that protect Iguazu Falls are also home to an incredible diversity of wildlife. Birds that dwell in the lush forests include colorful toucans and parrots, as well as hummingbirds and tanagers flitting about. Coatis (a raccoon-like mammal) are everywhere begging for food from visitors.
Keep an eye out for shy jungle cats like ocelots and jaguarundis. Playful capybara, the world’s largest rodent, are often seen grazing near the water’s edge. Reptiles include the green anaconda and yellow boa constrictor, as well as caiman crocodiles. Poison dart frogs and multicolored butterflies also dwell in the protected rainforests surrounding the falls.
Activities at Iguazu Falls
In addition to admiring the falls themselves, Iguazu offers visitors numerous activities and adventures:
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Walking Trails – Miles of walkways and trails allow you to view the falls from just about every imaginable angle. The upper and lower circuits on both sides take you on a journey through cascading water and mist.
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Boat Rides – For a thrilling experience, hop aboard one of the boats that will take you right under or alongside the falls. Be ready to get soaked!
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Helicopter Tours – Soar above the falls for a bird’s eye perspective of the entire 1.7 mile expanse of cascading water.
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Iguazu Bird Park – This park allows you to see toucans, parrots and other tropical birds up close.
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Dining – There are several restaurants at Iguazu where you can savor a meal while enjoying a spectacular view.
When to Visit Iguazu Falls
The best time to visit Iguazu depends on what you want to experience:
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High Season (November-March) – The weather is hot and humid, but the falls are at full flow. Expect larger crowds and higher prices.
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Low Season (April-June) – Cooler temperatures and lighter crowds, but falls may have less water volume. Prices are lower.
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Shoulder Season (Sept-Oct) – Pleasant weather and smaller crowds. Falls are flowing strong again with spring rains.
Major events like the Festival of Birds keep the falls lively year-round. Be prepared for rain anytime – the falls straddle a subtropical rainforest!
How to Get to Iguazu Falls
Most visitors fly into the Cataratas del Iguazú International Airport, which is located 15 miles from the falls. There are direct flights here from Buenos Aires and other major cities in Argentina and Brazil.
Overland, the falls can be reached by car or bus from nearby cities like Ciudad del Este (Paraguay), Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil), and Puerto Iguazu (Argentina). This takes a few hours of travel through rural areas.
Where to Stay at Iguazu Falls
The Argentine side of the falls has the widest variety of hotel options, from luxurious 5-star resorts like the Sheraton to budget accommodation like guest houses. There are also hotels situated inside Iguazu National Park surrounded by rainforest like the resort Hotel das Cataratas.
On the Brazilian side, hotels concentrate around Foz do Iguaçu, with more limited options in the park itself. Unique lodging choices include jungle resorts and guest ranches, which immerse you in nature.
FAQs About Visiting Iguazu Falls
What is the best way to see the falls?
Walk all the trails and view the falls from every viewpoint on both sides. Also take a boat ride under the falls for a true bucketlist experience!
What should I wear and bring to Iguazu Falls?
Wear shoes with good traction, lightweight clothing that can get wet, and protection like ponchos and waterproof bags for your gear. Bring binoculars to spot wildlife!
Are the Iguazu Falls safe to visit?
Yes, the falls are located in a safe area under the protection of Argentina’s and Brazil’s national park services. As with any tourist destination, normal safety precautions apply.
What is there to do besides seeing the falls?
You can visit the Bird Park, take a jungle boat tour, go on nature hikes through the surrounding rainforest, visit the historic landmarks in the area, and enjoy dinner with a view!
Do I need a visa to visit both sides of Iguazu Falls?
Argentina and Brazil each require visas for citizens of certain countries. Be sure to check visa policies for each country before traveling.
Conclusion
In any language, the Iguazu Falls astonish visitors with their immense power, size and beauty. The 275 individual falls stretching across the Argentina-Brazil border create a special ecosystem filled with rainbows, adventure, and thriving wildlife. By walking the trails, viewing the falls from every angle, and taking a roaring boat ride beneath the cascades, you’ll be amazed at how Iguazu earned its reputation as one of the greatest natural wonders in the world.