Iguacu falls
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Overview:
The world’s largest and most spectacular Waterfall – the Iguacu falls is a unique awe-inspiring combination of 275 waterfalls which crosses the border between Argentina and Brazil and thunders down into the Iguazu River, against a backdrop of stunning rainbows, lush rainforest and
Jungle and two stunning World heritage Parks (Iguazu and Iguacu) making for one of the world’s most heart pounding Natural Wonders of the World.
Despite being split between the two countries, only 20% of the falls within Brazil – although both sides offer a thrilling experience, multiple hiking trials and the chance to both pass under and journey through the 2.7 km of the falls on a river cruise – surrounded of course by South America’s many native unique animals, including howler monkeys, toucans and capybaras.
For many though it is the sheer size of the falls and the accompanying thunder rush that stands out – the waterfalls reach as high as 85 metres and as wide as 2700 metres – and not only give life to the surrounding area, but when viewed from the pass of the Devil’s Throat Canyon or the Panoramic viewpoint on the Iguacu side, serve as a true reminder of the power of Mother Nature and the natural wonders that inhabit the Earth.
Where:
The Iguacu falls are located across the borders of Brazil and Argentina in the town of Puerto Iguazu in Argentina and Foz de Iguazu in Brazil – in the bases of the Foz de Iguazu National Park (Brazil) and the Puerto Iguazu national Park in Argentina.
Unfortunately both towns and parks are a little out of the way – so getting there becomes something of a challenge……
Getting there:
Unfortunately both Puerto Iguazu and Foz de Iguazu are a little out of the way – although once there it is very easy to cross from one side of the falls in one country to another side of the falls in another (just remember your visas are in order !).
For those heading to the Argentinian side and Puerto Iguazu the closest airport is Aerolíneas Argentinas and you can hop on a direct flight there from Buneos Aires – then simply catch a bus to reach the town and the falls – or for those on a budget and looking to kill a night – a long bus trip is also on the schedule if required.
From the Brazilian side, the same options apply except flights from the nearest major town of Sao Paulo is required to reach Foz de Iguaçu and then a bus trip or taxi up to the falls – again if required a bus trip is on the agenda for those working on a budget.
Best time to Visit:
Given it’s beauty and raw power and position as the greatest waterfall in the world – Iguacu falls hosts millions of tourists each year so while open all year round (from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm) it’s advised to avoid visiting in peak tourist seasons and especially the holy time around Easter where locals also flock to the wonder adding to the sheer numbers.
Instead the best time to visit for fewer visitors and cooler weather is between the months of May – September or for those who wish to chance it with the rainy season and see the Falls in full flight a trip between December and March is recommended – just remember to bring your umbrella.
Explore:
No matter which side of the Falls you visit you’re guaranteed stunning views, hiking trails, animal encounters, rainforest, the chance to sail beneath the falls – and to get wet !
That being said there are unique points on both sides of the falls that are worth considering and visiting if you have the chance:
Brazil side:
From the Brazilian side – as a result of only 20% of the water dropping in Brazil, you have the option to take in a more complete and panoramic view of the falls and truly take in the size and scale of the water as it passes over the Argentinian edges.
There is also one spectacular 2 hour long hiking trail available on this side which passes over the Parana Plateau up to a viewpoint for the best spot of the fall the Devils Throat Canyon – allowing you to get very close and wet at the foot of the falls with multiple cascades and viewing cascades
and the chance to journey out into the falls through a boat cruise for those who want to see the falls even wetter – with the Brazilian side having better views, viewpoints, and allowing you to get closer to the falls.
Argentinian side:
With better hiking trails, vantage points and side treks the Argentinian side allows you to go under and above the falls and soak in the dropping falls from as you get closer to the falls than the Brazilian side.
The real highlight of the Argentina side is the multiple trails (6 in total) including a trail within the national park that leads to the biggest, nosiest and best of the 275 falls – the Devil’s throat, which while viewable from the Brazilian side can only really be experienced from the Argentinian side. These treks combined with the chance to take a boat ride from the edge of the falls and experience it’s full power in motion makes the Argentinian side a great spot from which to experience the power of the natural wonder.
Cost: Once you’ve arrived at the base town of Puerto Iguazu or Foz de Iguazu – which can set you back a few hundred dollars if flying or a couple of dollars if arriving by Bus entry to the wonder is really cheap – costing $18usd on the Brazilian side and $15 on the Argentinian side – leaving plenty of spending money for a boat trip across the falls.
How long to stay: while a trip to the falls can be done as a day trip from the major cities of Buenos Aries or Sao Paulo – we’d recommend spending a full day at the falls – to give you time to experience the falls from both sides and to take on the numerous treks on both sides.
Top Tip:
Bring an anorak or an umbrella and bring a change of clothes – you’re going to get wet. We’d also recommend expiring the falls from both sides – the Brazilian side for the panoramic views and the Argentinian side for the amazing hiking and standing on top of the falls.
Best photo spot:
While it’s a tough one – the panoramic viewpoints on the Brazilian side offer the full complete vantage point from which to snap the full power and beauty of the falls – and of course the Devil’s throat which is not to be missed.
