Iguazu Falls

By gandara

Edit this page

Iguacu falls is one of the most romantic places in the world. It is found in between of Brazil and Argentina and Paraguay. In history, Iguacu Falls is much taller than the Niagara Falls and even twice as wide.

Iguazu Falls are waterfalls of the Iguazu River located on the border of the Brazilian state of Paraná and the Argentine province of Misiones. The falls divide the river into the upper and lower Iguazu. It is also a candidate of the New 7 Wonders of the World and enlisted as UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The falls are part of a singular practically virgin jungle ecosystem protected by Argentine and Brazilian national parks on either side of the cascades. Two thirds of the falls are on the Argentinian side of the river where you can also tour Iguazú National Park where there are jungle trails and bird hikes. Plan a full day in the park to fully enjoy the wildlife flora and fauna.

It is possible to see the falls and surrounding area in a lightning trip but it is better to plan at least two days. The view from the Brazilian side is the most panoramic and there are helicopter rides out over the falls from Foz do Iguaçu. You may also take boat rides out to the falls. The light is best in the morning for photographs.

Best seen from the Brazilian side is the spectacular Devil's Throat, garganta del diablo, where fourteen falls drop 350 feet with such force that there is always a 100 foot cloud of spray overhead. Watch for the rainbow! For a close up view, walk through the subtropical forest of National Iguaçu Park to the base of Salto Floriano and take the elevator to the top of the falls. Or, walk out over the falls at Salto Union. From the Argentine side you can take a series of catwalks over the water rushing into Devil's Gorge. Protective rain suits are provided. There are some areas where it is possible to swim in the spray of the cascades. Ask locally for instructions but be aware that you might have a resulting problem with cuticle parasites.

The best times to see Iguazu Falls are in the spring and fall. Summer is intensely tropically hot and humid, and in winter the water level is considerably lower. There are hotels on both sides of the river and many tour agencies provide sightseeing opportunities around the area. Browse through this list of hotels on the Brazilian side of the falls, or these on the Argentine side.

Downstream from the falls where the Parana and Iguazu rivers meet, so do the borders of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. Each country has created a landmark in their national colors on a spot in each of their countries where you can see all three.

The name of the falls comes from the Guaraní word for "great water." The first Spanish explorer to see the falls (did you see the film The Mission?) was Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca in 1541 but the vast power of the falls was not fully utilized until the construction of the huge Itaipu hydroelectric power plant built jointly by Paraguay and Brazil. Completed in 1991 the dam is open to tours and provides 12,600,000 KW of power satisfying almost 40% of Brazil and Argentine power needs. The dam, one of the largest in the world, is touted by both countries as a masterpiece of technology.


Getting in the falls could be by three countries, either you go by Brazil, Paraguay or Argentina. For those who wants to do border crossing, US citizens normally pay US$130 while EU passport holders do not need a visa to get in.

To enjoy Iguacu Falls, you can try the boat trips managed locally. However, the ride is a bit pricey, so be ready with your cash. Las Cateratas in Brazil offers exciting water sports like wildwater rafting and other abseiling activities. At times, you can get the ticket at its lowest, so better get your luck instead of paying more than the original price.

For some who wish to stay longer in Iguazu Falls you can choose from getting a hotel near the falls but quite far with everything. Or you can go to Foz do Iguacu where there are a lot of accommodations found. This is about 20 mins by bus.

If you want to book your adventure, try either of the following.
Iguazu Jungle Explorer – they have superb trips that include boat rides and 4WD trucks around the park. They are located near the entrance before going down to the ferry. One short boat ride will cost you up to AR$75 while the longer one up to the river is AR$150. All guests are expected to be soaked in water so prepare your camera. For more information, email info@iguazujungleexplorer.com

Planet Brazil – specializes in water sports which will totally give you thrills and excitement! You can choose from rock climbing, river rafting, paragliding, hang-gliding, cascading, canyoning and a lot more fantastic activities.

Macuco Safari – they organize boat trips where the tour starts at the roadside entrance gate. A truck will take you through the jungle till you reach the drop-off point. There is a narrator that will explain and educate you everything about Brazil’s fauna. The ride to the river is exhilarating where you will experience rapids being navigated by you large motor powered boats. The whole trip will get you soaked so prepare yourself for tons of fun.

BY PLANE
There are several national and international flights with stopovers in Puerto Iguazu (Argentina), Ciudad del Este (Paraguay) and Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil).

BY BUS
From Buenos Aires, and other destinations in the country, with the following companies: " Crucero del Norte. " Expreso Singer S.A. " Expreso Tigre Iguazu. " Vía Bariloche. It takes 17 hours to cover the 1234 kilometers between Buenos Aires and Iguazu.

There is a regular bus service between Puerto Iguazu and the falls, as well as to Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil), where one should take another bus to get to the Brazilian side of the falls.

There are also private charters leaving from Puerto Iguazu, Posadas and Buenos Aires.




Edit this page