10 Reasons Why You Should Add Iguazu Falls to Your Bucket List
According to a self-confessed waterfall addict.
Iguazu Falls is one of my all-time favourite places (although I may be biased due to my higher-than-average love of waterfalls). Many consider the collection of falls to be the most spectacular on the planet, and I wholeheartedly agree. Located on the border of Argentina and Brazil, it’s not the easiest spot to get to, but the travel is entirely worth it.
The experience of being around these jungle-fringed cascades is difficult to describe in words. Some that come to mind include awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping, breathtaking, profound… perhaps even life-changing. I’ve attempted to translate these emotions into legible reasons why I recommend adding Iguazu Falls to your bucket list.
1) You Get 275 Waterfalls in One Place
Iguazu is the largest waterfall system in the world, split into many individual falls and cataracts. For comparison’s sake, Victoria Falls in southern Africa has the largest uninterrupted curtain of water but is a smaller system overall. These individual falls spill through lush rainforests down multiple layers and islands, making the entire area feel like some ancient god’s mystical playground. The U-bend shape following 2.7 km of the Iguazu River means you cannot possibly view all the falls at once — extending the joy of exploring and discovering new scenic vistas around every corner.
2) The Entire Area is Within Two Beautiful National Parks — Not Surrounded by Concrete
The first time Eleanor Roosevelt visited Iguazu, she exclaimed the now-famous quote: “Poor Niagara!” I assume this is not only because Iguazu Falls are wider, taller and longer than Niagara Falls, but also thanks to the natural beauty surrounding them (unlike the roads, sky-scrapers and concrete that envelop Niagara.) The area is overflowing with dense vegetation in a tropical rainforest setting, adding to the atmosphere of an eden-esque paradise. This abundant natural flora provides habitats for a wonderful array of unique wildlife, which brings me to my next point.
3) The Park Doubles as a Prime Wildlife Spotting Location
Colourful toucans, macaws and jays swoop overhead, while cheeky coatis slink between your feet in the hopes of charming a snack out of you. If you look closely enough at the streams and river banks, you might find the intimidating eyes of a caiman staring motionlessly back. Butterflies are constant companions along the boardwalks, complementing the picturesqueness of the ever-present mini rainbows. Rare and elusive species hide in the park, such as jaguars, jaguarundis, tapirs, harpy eagles and ocelots, though they keep themselves mostly hidden. There are over 80 mammalian species, 400 bird species, 2000 plant species and who-knows-how-many insects and invertebrates found within the park.
4) Argentina and Brazil Both Provide Beautiful, Unique Views
While some countries seem to be lucky in scoring the “prettier” side of some border waterfalls (I’m looking at you, Canadian side of Niagara Falls), in this situation both countries have — in my opinion — equally stunning, yet varied views. Enough so that I would encourage anyone to spend at least two days here to visit the falls from both Argentina and Brazil. If that’s not possible and you can only finagle a visit from one side, at least you can be comforted by the knowledge that both sides are amazing.
Some advantages of each side include:
Argentina: Larger in overall size, more trails to explore, more boat rides under the falls, a passenger train facilitates exploring the areas, and you can get closer to the falls (and get very wet).
Brazil: Broader panoramic views, lower boardwalks right into the base of Devil’s Throat (the big U-shaped part), and the nearby town has a larger variety of hotels and restaurants.
5) The Boat Rides Under the Falls are Amazing
Both countries offer boat rides under the falls, offering an exciting, intense and rather wet experience. It’s down here where you really appreciate the power produced by the falls while they’re plummeting deafeningly around you, blowing your hats and sunnies overboard (secure items you’re fond of before boarding!) A small variety of ride lengths are available, including short rides directly under the falls, as well as longer, more leisurely cruises through jungle streams. Pack your phone and cameras away unless they’re waterproof — they will get wet.
6) There are Many Lovely Walking Trails to Choose From
The surrounding rainforest is almost as beautiful as the falls themselves; luckily there are several walking tracks available to enjoy the area more thoroughly. From elevated boardwalks through tree-top canopies to meandering dirt paths at ground level, there are enough trails to keep you exploring for hours. One of the longer options, the 7km Macuco Trail, leads to a lovely smaller, inland waterfall called Arrechea. This is a popular spot for a refreshing swim in the calm pools below.
7) You Can Visit an Island in the Middle of the River Surrounded by Waterfalls
San Martin island is a lovely green lump sitting by the base of the falls, accessible by ferry on the Argentinian side. The ferry only operates when water levels are particularly low, however, so it can be luck of the draw whether you can visit that day. There’s a hilly hiking trail around the island that can take around 2 hours to explore, providing unique, immersive views of the surrounding falls. A small sandy beach appears when the water subsides which makes a wonderful picnic spot for lunch. I’m a bit sad that the water levels were too high for me to visit when I was there.
8) As Far as Wonders of the World and UNESCO Heritage Sites Go, It’s Reasonably Priced
Iguazu Falls has been voted into the “New 7 Wonders of Nature” list, along with being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. For a place that can keep you occupied for days, I thought the entry prices were fair. Both sides have similar fees, with Argentina costing a few dollars more when I was there. The Argentinian ticket has the bonus of including a 50% discount off the entrance fee if you return for a second day (I did not realise this until after I had visited, of course — I definitely could have gone back for more).
9) The Falls Remain Spectacular All Year Round
The falls are always falling, so rest assured you won’t be disappointed no matter when you choose to visit. Being close to the equator, it’s a tropical region and temperatures usually remain pleasant all year round. There are other important factors to consider, though, the biggest one being rain. There are designated “rainy” and “dry” seasons; however, rain can pop up unexpectedly at any time of the year.
Dec, Jan and Feb: These months bring the most rain and highest humidity. This means the falls will be at their most powerful, but there will be more cloud cover, and a higher chance trails and boat rides might temporarily close. It’s also a busy period for locals who often take vacation time.
April — June: This period is drier but still warm. The water level of the falls might be lower, but the chances of sunny skies are higher. The Easter weekend is the busiest time for visitors of the year.
July — Sep: These are also drier months, but bring cooler temperatures. This provides better conditions for hiking, but it’s less enticing to get under the falls and get wet.
10) You Can Stay Within the Parks Themselves
Brazil and Argentina both have one hotel within the park’s boundaries. While I’m not usually a fan of large infrastructure spoiling natural scenery, these luxury hotels do an alright job of keeping acceptably hidden behind trees while remaining close to the falls. The Gran Meliá Iguazú on the Argentinian side and the Belmond Das Cataratas on the Brazilian side will both cost you around $500–$800 a night, so it’s an option if you’re willing to splash out for a pampered, up-close experience. If not, the nearby towns of Puerto Iguazu (Argentina) and Foz de Iguacu (Brazil) have plenty of cheaper options.
If you’re convinced, or would like some more information, see Iguazufalls.com.
If you’d like to visit my writing and editing website and portfolio, head to www.kerriduncan.com :)
