The Iguazu Falls, located at the border of Brazil and Argentina in the cities of Foz do Iguaçu and Puerto Iguazú, are recognized worldwide for their beauty and annually attract over 1 million tourists. These falls offer a breathtaking nature experience through walking trails within the Iguassu National Park. The park is equipped with a visitors center, hotel, restaurant, internal buses, shops, food court, parking, and a hiking trail to reach the falls.
Photo by depositphotos.com
What’s so special about Iguazy falls?
The Iguazu Falls, also referred to as Iguassu Falls, consist of 275 distinct waterfalls and are the world’s largest broken waterfall system. Situated on the border of Argentina and Brazil, this awe-inspiring natural wonder is fed by the Iguazu River. The Iguazu Falls are protected by both the Iguazú National Park in Argentina and the Iguaçu National Park in Brazil. Both parks were recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1984 for the Argentine park and 1986 for the Brazilian park.
Panorama at Iguazu Falls, one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, ArgentinaPhoto by depositphotos.com
Visitors can choose to explore the Iguazu Falls from either the Brazilian or Argentinean side, each offering unique perspectives. To access the Argentinean side, tourists must enter the country via customs with their passport and personal documents. The Brazilian side offers a 2-4 hour tour, starting with a bus ride along BR-469 and stopping for additional sightseeing tours along the way (not included in the ticket price). The trail is a combination of walking in the woods and open spaces, with a final observation footbridge at the “Devil’s Throat.” After the hike, visitors can visit the memorial for Alberto Santos Dumont, enjoy a meal at the food court or Porto Canoas restaurant, and board the bus back to the Visitors Center.
Tourists viewing the waterfalls on the platform in Iguazu National Park, ArgentinaPhoto by depositphotos.com
Iguazu Falls are open daily on the Brazilian side from 9am to 5pm and on the Argentinean side from 8am to 4:30pm. Ticket prices for both sides can be found on the official Iguazu Falls websites for Brazil and Argentina.
Iguazu waterfalls in Argentina, view from Devil’s Mouth.Photo by depositphotos.com
When visiting, it is important to remember that the National Park is a place of environmental preservation, to observe safety rules, not to touch or feed the Coatis (a local animal), wear comfortable clothes and appropriate footwear for walking, and plan for a 2-4 hour tour on the Brazilian side.