Iguazu Falls, both Argentina’s Iguacu National Park and Brazil’s Iguazu National Park. Both of which have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Include the waterfalls as part of their respective national parks’ territory. Argentine territory accounts for around 80 percent of the falls. While Brazilian territory accounts for approximately 20 percent of the falls.
It is not difficult to get from one side of the falls to the other when you are at the falls. On the Argentinean side, the trails allow tourists to get a closer look at the waterfall. While those on the Brazilian side focus more on getting to good vantage spots. To take in the view of the surrounding area. It is stated that the Argentinean side is for experiencing the falls. While the Brazilian side is for seeing them.
Iguazu Falls, which were recognized as a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1984. Are often considered to be the most breathtaking waterfall in the world. Iguazu Falls is located on the international boundary between the Brazilian state of Parana. And the Argentine province of Misiones. It is 2.7 kilometers long and 1.7 kilometers wide. And it is home to 275 separate waterfalls that range in height from 196 feet to 270 feet (60-82m). The indigenous Guarani language gives the word Iguazu the meaning “large water.” Which is also a loose translation of the name.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Eleanor Roosevelt. The former first lady of the United States, purportedly uttered the phrase “Poor Niagara.” When viewing Iguazu Falls for the first time. There is no question that Iguazu Falls is without a doubt one of the most breathtaking sights. That our natural world has to offer.
Argentinean Side
The Argentinean side of Iguazu Falls provides visitors with the option to watch the waterfalls from above. In addition to providing a number of vantage points. From which they may take in breathtaking panoramic views.
On the Argentine side of the falls, there are two distinct hiking trails to choose from. The higher falls trail and the lower falls trail. This path that leads to the upper falls features a catwalk that allows hikers to walk across several of the waterfalls. As well as providing a view of the water as it flows over the brink of the cliffs. On the other side, if you take the lower falls trail. You can get some of the best up-close views of the waterfalls. When the sun is rising from behind and providing ideal lighting conditions. Its optimum time to hike any of the trails on the Argentinian side of the mountain is in the morning.
Brazilian Side
The panoramas of Iguazu Falls that may be seen from the Brazilian side are the most comprehensive. And comprehensive overall. Your visit should preferably take place in the morning. When the sun will be in your back and illuminate the falls. It is possible to visit the Brazilian side in as little as a few hours in the morning.
As a consequence of this. It is possible to tour both the Argentinean and the Brazilian sides of the Iguazu Falls. Covering all vantage points, in just over a day and a half. Nevertheless, a trip to Iguazu Falls is not the type of event that should be rushed. And as a result, it is strongly recommended that adequate time be allotted for the excursion.
The Rate of Flow of the Falls
During November to March, the falls’ flow rate can reach 450,000 cubic feet per second. From August through October, flow is lowest. The average yearly flow rate is 62,000 cubic feet per second.
The Iguaçu River flows west and then north over the Paraná Plateau before entering a gorge. Above the falls, islands and islets feed the cataracts with river flows.
A large chunk of the river falls into the Garganta do Diabo (Spanish: Garganta del Diablo [“Devil’s Throat”]). The effect has been described as “an ocean plunging into an abyss.” Both the Brazilian and Argentine sides offer great views of Union Falls.
Many of the individual falls are interrupted by protruding ledges. The deflected water and spray produce rainbows. Mist rises 500 feet (150 meters) from the Garganta do Diabo.
Devils Throat
The Devil’s Throat, also known as Garganta del Diablo. It is a cliff in the shape of a U that serves as the demarcation point between the two countries. This is frequently cited as the feature of Iguazu Falls that strikes visitors as the most remarkable. Over 260 feet (80 meters) in height and 1.7 miles (2.7 kilometers) in width. The Devil’s throat receives approximately half of the water flow from the Iguazu River. Because it has water pouring from three sides. As it provides tourists with a view of the waterfall that encompasses 260 degrees.
Because the sun will have risen over the falls by the time afternoon rolls around. It is recommended that visitors watch Devil’s Throat then. If you go to Devil’s Throat first thing in the morning. The glare of the sun will make it difficult to see the scenery.
Iguazu Falls Activities
Due to the abundance of things to see and do at Iguazu Falls. A visit of only one day is not advised. Especially when the location of the attraction is taken into mind.
Taking a tour of the falls in a jet boat is one of the most exhilarating experiences you can have there. Visitors should come prepared to get quite wet on jet boat excursions of the Falls. Because they approach very near to the waterfalls. There is also the option of taking a helicopter flight over Iguazu Falls. Which will provide you with a breathtaking view from above.
Tourists that go on jungle safari tours will have the opportunity. To learn interesting facts in a light-hearted setting about the subtropical rainforests. That are found in the national park. At Iguazu Falls, visitors can engage in the extreme sport of rappelling if they so desire. On the Brazilian side of the falls. This requires a controlled rappel utilizing rope down the steep cliff wall.
Iguazu Falls have been featured in a number of famous Hollywood films. Such as Mr. Magoo (1997), Miami Vice (1996), and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2001). (2008).
When is the ideal season to visit the Falls?
Because the climate at Iguazu Falls is rather stable throughout the year. There is no particular season that is less desirable than any other for a trip there. On the other hand, there are a few things that could have an effect. On the choice that you make.
The months of January and February are the busiest for tourism in Argentina. And Brazil respectively because that is when most people take vacations. During the local summer, the amount of water is typically at its highest. As well as the sky has a greater tendency to appear bluer. However, the temperature, humidity, and number of people staying in hotels are all at their peaks. The number of people visiting the area also spikes significantly during the week of Easter.
Because of the higher water levels and more powerful flow, some tourists find that the rainy season. Which runs from May to July, is the best time to see the Falls. However, the months of September and October may offer the finest opportunity to enjoy Iguazu Falls. Due to the fact that the weather is more bearable during those months,. Also, hotel fees are lower, and there are fewer tourists in the area.
How to get there
Flying is the most convenient and time-efficient method of transportation. To use when going to Iguazu Falls. In Argentina, you will need to travel to the airport in Puerto Iguazu. Which is located across the country from Buenos Aires’ domestic airport, El Aeroparque Jorge Newbery.
After leaving the airport, you will need to either drive yourself to your accommodation. Or take a cab or a shuttle there. In order to reach the Foz do Iguassu airport in Brazil. You will need to depart from either Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro, or another major Brazilian city. If you are coming from Paraguay to Iguazu Falls. You can take the Friendship Bridge to get there. The bridge connects the two countries.