Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls can lay reasonable claim to being the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. Certainly, the sheer breadth of them, 275 distinct waterfalls across 2.5km, is without parallel while they are higher than Niagara Falls with heights of up to 80 metres. Located at the confluence of the Rio Iguazu and the Rio Alto Parana, the Falls can be viewed from both the Argentine and Brazilian side of the border - the Brazilian side gives great panoramic views, especially of the Devil's Throat area, with the Argentine side allowing you to get closer to the waters from above and below. The single most impressive waterfall is the Devil's Throat, reached on the Green Train or by a hike through the park. After walking across several bridges, you reach a platform right beside the spectacular and deafening cascade of water. Back towards the centre of the park, there are two circuits (Upper and Lower) that allow you to get very close to some of the other falls (Salto Bossetti is a particularly impressive and dampening experience) as well as giving some fantastic panoramic views. Depending on water levels, you can take a boat to Isla San Martin for a different perspective or a speedboat ride right up to the Falls themselves to get properly soaked. Iguazu is truly one of the must-see sights in the world and warrants extensive exploration of the National Park.

Iguazu Falls can lay reasonable claim to being the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. Certainly, the sheer breadth of them, 275 distinct waterfalls across 2.5km, is without parallel while they are higher than Niagara Falls with heights of up to 80 metres. Located at the confluence of the Rio Iguazu and the Rio Alto Parana, the Falls can be viewed from both the Argentine and Brazilian side of the border - the Brazilian side gives great panoramic views, especially of the Devil's Throat area, with the Argentine side allowing you to get closer to the waters from above and below. A short helicopter ride over the waterfalls offers a different and spectacular vista. Close to the national park is the Parque das Aves which contains many examples of Brazil's subtropical birds as well as mammals and reptiles. There is also the option to visit the Itaipu Dam, one of the engineering wonders of the world and second only in size to the Three Gorges Dam in China. With a dam 8km long and 65 storeys high and a reservoir that covers 1400 km², Itaipu supplies 80& of Paraguay's electricity and 25% of Brazil's.