Iguazu Falls
Comprising 275 individual waterfalls tumbling down steps of rock, IguazúFalls is by far the largest waterfall system in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the top attractions in South America.
Iguazu Falls Highlights
In 1984 the mighty IguazúFalls were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the major tourist attractions within the whole of South America. Straddling the border of Brazil and Argentina, this mighty curtain of water spans 2.7 km in width and comprises 275 individual waterfalls. A true coveted treasure of our natural world, well-deserving of its place on UNESCO’s list.
The falls are the result of the Iguazú River rolling over the edge of the ParanáPlateau into a long and narrow chasm known as the Devil’s Throat which receives half of the river’s flow. There are so many separate falls and cataracts, and plenty of islands dotted across the River. The waterfalls don’t just flow straight down into a gorge, but they tumble over a staircase of emerald green vegetation smothered cliffs spanning almost 3 levels.
The Brazil side of the falls offers the best views to see the falls in its entirety, but the Argentine side offers unique opportunities to experience the falls. A meandering footpath snakes its way around the Brazil side of the falls, where its rumoured that the best vistas are early in the morning. This is when you’ll catch the sun’s rays casting their spell on the dancing waters below.
You can walk across to the Argentine side to experience the full effect of the falls, and on the Brazilian side you can take a scenic helicopter flight for mind-blowing aerial views of both the upper and lower falls.
When you’re not taking in the wonder of the water, keep an eye out for the flurry of birdlife in the area. There’s rumoured to be over 300 species of bird, one of which is the dusky swift. Flocks of these swifts tend to swoop down into the Devil’s throat gorge, creating quite a spectacle.
- Argentines tend to visit IguazúFalls duringJan and Feb, which is the busy time of year. We recommend visiting outside of these times.
- The Parques das Aves - situated across from IguazúFalls - is located in a sub-tropical rainforests. It is a shelter for the Atlantic rainforest birds and common wildlife.
- The Brazilian side of the falls offers panoramic views and a myriad of perfectly placed viewpoints.
- There’s a boardwalk that snakes its way across the river and overlooks the u-shaped Devil’s Throat cataract, the most spectacular part of the falls. Don’t miss it!
- Helicopter rides over the falls are a must. Get an aerial perspective to grasp the sheer power of the falls.
- Stay at the Hotel Belmond Cataratas, the only hotel within the IguazúFalls National Park on the Brazilian side.
IguazúFalls National Park is home to the falls, and just outside the falls is the remarkable Parques das Aves - a haven for birds and wildlife. The gateway town is Foz do Iguazu which serves as the main hub for activities, and also has very good bus connections.
IguazúFalls National Park is home to the falls, and just outside the falls is the remarkable Parques das Aves - a haven for birds and wildlife. The gateway town is Foz do Iguazu which serves as the main hub for activities, and also has very good bus connections.
Accommodation options for IguazúFalls tend to be located on the outskirts of the park, bar one on the Brazilian side that is located within the part itself. The hotel that is located inside the park is the Hotel Belmond Cataratas, a five star world of luxury neatly placed on the fracture that is home to the thundering falls. The hotel does grant exclusive access to the park, which means you don’t have to pay the day fee for entering Iguazú Falls.
The surrounding rainforest at the falls is where plenty of activities take place. You can take part in tobacco ceremonies, welcome rituals, full moon walks and forest explorations. Most of these activities can be booked from your hotel. Day visitors can also book adventure tours such as local helicopter rides, waterfall rappelling and river rafting.
Hotel Colonial Iguazúis another great option for accommodation. It is located in the hub of Foz do Iguazu, and is a stone’s throw away from the bird wonderland that is Parques das Aves. This hotel has its own eco trail on its grounds, a choice of swimming pools and a fantastic reputation among locals.
How to Get There
It’s important to note that the towns surrounding Iguazú Falls are not ideal for sightseeing. The main attraction of the area is the falls, which are located off the beaten path inside the protected IguazúFalls National Park. The immediate area around the world-renown falls comprises lush green carpets of rainforest and the Parques das Aves, a sanctuary for bold birds of endemic to the region.
The town that serves Iguazú Falls from the Brazil side is Foz do Iguazu, a well connected centre with a network of bus and public transport routes.Flying is the easiest and quickest way of reaching the falls, and also allows you to maximise your time. There are daily flights toFoz do Iguazú from Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. The town is home to ample accommodation options which are perfectly located for trips into the national park.
There is a bus (no 120) that goes from a central area in Foz that takes you directly to the entrance of the park, which opens at 9am. There is a park entrance fee, which you’ll need to pay. From the entrance a small bus will transport you to various viewing points at the falls.
There is only one hotel located inside the park itself, and all other accommodations lie on the outskirts. We recommend finding a place to stay close to the town so that you can get to the park for opening time, which is at 9.
Iguazu Falls Activities
It goes without saying that Iguazú Falls is an adventure lover’s dream destination. Activities generally incorporate some kind of vista of the falls, or immersion in the falls.
The only interesting areas around the falls are the Parques das Aves and the rainforest region hugging the tumultuous curtains of water.
Parques das Aves is a privately owned bird park and sanctuary; and is also home butterflies and animals commonly spotted in Brazil. Enjoy a guided tour of the park or browse at your own pace.
The rainforest is covered in a mosaic of paths and offers an array of hikes through the area. If hiking and walking is your thing, then we recommend exploring the lush forest while on foot. Paths lead all the way from the rainforest towards observation decks overlooking the famous Devil’s Throat.
A Macuco safari boat ride introduces you to close-ups of the falls and is an absolutely thrilling boat ride. An unbelievable way to experience the new seven wonders of nature.
To experience the sheer enormity of the falls we recommended a 10 minute helicopter ride that gives rise to exquisite aerial views of all angles of the falls.
