Iguazu Falls
Rio Grande do Sul
Iguazu Falls, located on the border of Argentina and Brazil, is the largest waterfall system in the world, comprising approximately 275 individual falls spread along a 2.7-kilometer stretch of the Iguazu River. The falls divide the river into upper and lower sections and are famed for their impressive height, with many falls ranging between 60 and 82 meters. The most iconic feature is the Devil's Throat, a U-shaped, narrow chasm about 80 to 90 meters wide and 70 to 80 meters deep, where roughly half of the river's flow plunges dramatically. Formed by layers of basalt rock, the falls exhibit a stair-step structure with two main drops of 35 and 40 meters. The surrounding subtropical rainforest, protected by two adjoining national parks in Argentina and Brazil, is rich in biodiversity and forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can experience the falls from various viewpoints on both sides, with the Brazilian side offering panoramic vistas and the Argentine side providing closer access to the cascades. The falls are not only a natural wonder but also hold cultural significance, with their name deriving from indigenous Guarani and Tupi words meaning "big water," and local legends telling of a deity who created the falls in a fit of rage. Iguazu Falls is accessible from the nearby cities of Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil) and Puerto Iguazú (Argentina), both equipped with airports and visitor facilities. The site is renowned for its breathtaking beauty, immense power, and ecological importance, attracting millions of tourists annually.
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Tip: The best time to visit Iguazu Falls is during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant and crowds are smaller. To fully appreciate the falls, plan to visit both the Argentine and Brazilian sides, as each offers unique perspectives. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons to avoid long lines. Visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring rain gear, as mist from the falls can be substantial. Guided tours are available and can enrich the experience with detailed information about the geology, flora, fauna, and history of the area. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups at the national parks. Helicopter rides over the falls are offered from the Brazilian side, providing spectacular aerial views, though such tours are prohibited on the Argentine side to protect the environment.
Interesting facts
- •Iguazu Falls comprises approximately 275 separate waterfalls along 2.7 kilometers of the Iguazu River.
- •The Devil's Throat (Garganta del Diablo) is the largest and most dramatic waterfall in the system, about 80 meters high and 90 meters wide.
- •The name 'Iguazu' comes from the Guarani and Tupi words meaning 'big water'.
- •The falls are part of two adjoining national parks in Argentina and Brazil, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- •The water flow can vary greatly, with volumes increasing up to tenfold during rainy seasons.
- •The falls form part of the border between Argentina and Brazil, and near the tri-border area with Paraguay.
- •The basalt rock formations creating the falls date back to the Paleozoic-Mesozoic era and influence the falls' unique stepped shape.
History
Iguazu Falls was first recorded by Europeans in 1541 when Spanish conquistador Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca documented its existence.
The falls are located on the Iguazu River, which has shaped the landscape over millennia through erosion of basalt rock formations.
The area was designated as national parks in the 20th century: Argentina established Iguazú National Park in 1934, and Brazil created Iguaçu National Park in 1939, both aimed at preserving the natural environment.
These parks were later recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1984 (Brazil) and 1986 (Argentina), highlighting their global ecological and cultural importance.
Over time, the falls have become a symbol of natural grandeur and conservation in South America.
Place Guide
Devil's Throat (Garganta del Diablo)
The most famous and powerful section of Iguazu Falls, this U-shaped chasm is about 80-90 meters wide and 70-80 meters deep. Approximately half of the river's flow plunges here, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle of cascading water and mist. Accessible by walkways from both the Argentine and Brazilian parks, it offers dramatic close-up views.
Brazilian Side Viewpoints
The Brazilian National Park offers panoramic views of the entire waterfall system, providing sweeping vistas of the falls' breadth and surrounding rainforest. Walkways and observation decks allow visitors to appreciate the scale and beauty of the falls from a distance.
Argentine Side Trails
The Argentine National Park features extensive trails that bring visitors closer to many individual waterfalls, including San Martín, Adam and Eva, Penoni, and Bergano. The park's pathways allow for immersive experiences through the subtropical forest and near the water's edge.
Contact
Phone: 011 5258-7318
