Iguazu Falls

About Iguazu Falls

The subtropical Iguazu Falls are situated near the borders of Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina. The falls flow through Brazil for most of its journey and run in a semi-circle along a length of almost two miles. In total, 275 falls make up Iguazu, the tallest of which is Devil’s Throat and is 80 m (262.4 ft) in height. With the longest drop at 82 m (269 ft), the crashing waters create a swirling mist which envelopes the surrounding rainforest and is a place of pure tranquillity.

Iguazu Falls was one of the winners of the New Seven Wonders of Nature from the New Seven Wonders of the World Foundation in 2011 and is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Thought to be taller than the famous Niagara Falls in Canada and twice as wide, they have featured as a location in many movies such as Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull and Moonraker. 

Flora and Fauna

The rainforest is home to over 2,000 species of vascular plants and various wildlife including tapirs, jaguars, giant anteaters, howler monkeys and almost half of Argentina’s bird species including yellow breasted caimans, parrots and toucans.

Activities

The lower base of this waterfall is accessible via a walkway along the canyon on the Brazilian side and both sides of the park have foot trails. There are five main tracks which are easily self-guided and lead directly to the stunning viewpoints of the area. The Macuco Safari in Brazil offers boat trips to the base of the falls and a drop-off point is your destination to experience the nature that the jungle has to offer. An equally interesting and informative Iguazu Jungle Explorer trip is available on the Argentine side. These excursions are definitely worth going on, particularly for the adrenalin-inducing rapid dips in the boat at the base of the falls.