Is Iguazu Falls Open? Devil’s Throat Closure, Current Conditions and Why It Is Still Worth Visiting

Last updated: September 10, 2026

If you are planning a trip to Iguazu Falls and have recently seen news about the temporary closure of the Devil’s Throat circuit, you may be wondering whether it is still worth visiting.

The answer is yes.

Iguazu National Park in Argentina is open. The Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls is also open. Only the Devil’s Throat Circuit on the Argentine side is temporarily closed as a preventive safety measure.

IGUAZU NATIONAL PARK IN ARGENTINA: OPEN
DEVILS THROAT TRAIL: CLOSED
IGUAZU NATIONAL PARK IN BRAZIL: OPEN

Most of the other trails, viewpoints and visitor experiences continue to operate normally, and travelers can still enjoy an outstanding visit to both the Argentine and Brazilian sides of the falls.

In fact, current river conditions can make many of the waterfalls even more spectacular than usual.

This guide explains exactly what is happening, what is currently open, what travelers can still do, and why Iguazu Falls remains one of South America’s most rewarding destinations even while access to the Argentine Devil’s Throat walkway is temporarily suspended.

 

 

Is Iguazu Falls Currently Open?

Yes, absolutely! It´s open.

As of today Iguazu National Park on the Argentine side remains open to visitors.

The official Iguazú Argentina visitor information states that the Devil’s Throat Circuit is temporarily unavailable due to a preventive closure related to increased water levels in the Iguazu River, while all other circuits continue to operate normally.

This distinction is extremely important.

The current situation does not mean that Iguazu Falls is closed.

It means that one specific circuit — the walkway leading directly to the balcony overlooking Devil’s Throat on the Argentine side — is temporarily closed.

Visitors can still enter the national park and enjoy many of its most impressive viewpoints, trails, waterfalls and rainforest experiences.

What Is Happening at Devil’s Throat?

The Devil’s Throat, known in Spanish as Garganta del Diablo, is the largest and most famous waterfall within the Iguazu Falls system.

The Argentine circuit normally reaches the waterfall through a long system of elevated walkways over the Upper Iguazu River.

In early August 2026, authorities decided to temporarily close this circuit and carry out preventive work on the walkway infrastructure.

The decision was connected to forecasts of unusually high river levels and increased rainfall associated with El Niño conditions.

The preventive measure was designed to protect both visitors and sections of the metal walkway system from possible damage during significant rises in the Iguazu River.

The closure began in early August 2026.

Initial reports referred to approximately 40 days of work, including the preventive removal and subsequent restoration of sections of the walkway system. However, travelers should understand that this was an operational estimate rather than a guaranteed reopening date.

When Will the Devil’s Throat Circuit Reopen?

At the time of this update, an official confirmed reopening date has not yet been announced.

The official Iguazú Argentina website continued to list the circuit as temporarily closed in its latest updates on September 8, while confirming that the other circuits were operating normally.

Reopening will depend on several factors, including:

• River levels
• Weather forecasts
• The condition of the walkway infrastructure
• Completion of preventive works
• Safety inspections
• Authorization from park authorities

For this reason, travelers should be cautious with websites or social-media posts giving a precise reopening date unless it has been officially confirmed.

Conditions on the Iguazu River can change quickly.

Why Are the Walkways Sometimes Removed?

The walkway to Devil’s Throat is located directly above the Upper Iguazu River.

During normal conditions, the river provides a spectacular but manageable environment for visitors.

During exceptional floods, however, the power of the river can become extraordinary.

Iguazu has experienced major floods in the past that damaged sections of its walkway infrastructure.

One of the advantages of the current walkway system is that some sections can be dismantled or repositioned preventively when unusually high water levels are expected.

This helps reduce the possibility of extensive structural damage and can allow the circuit to return to service faster after conditions normalize.

So although the temporary closure can be disappointing for visitors, the preventive action is designed to protect one of the park’s most important attractions for the long term.

Is the Rest of the Argentine Side Open?

Yes, the park is open and the falls can be enjoyed! This is perhaps the most important message for travelers currently planning their trip.

According to local and provincial authorities, Iguazu National Park remains open and visitors continue to arrive normally.

The closure of Devil’s Throat does not mean that the waterfalls themselves cannot be visited.

The Argentine side contains numerous waterfalls and extensive walking circuits through the Atlantic rainforest.

Among the main experiences still available are the following.

 

 

Upper Circuit

The Upper Circuit is one of the best ways to appreciate Iguazu Falls from above.

The walkway runs across the upper edge of several waterfalls, providing panoramic views over the cliffs and river.

The official park map lists the Upper Circuit at approximately 1,850 meters, with a suggested visiting time of around 90 minutes.

Visitors can enjoy views of several major falls and appreciate how the water spreads across the enormous basalt plateau before plunging into the gorge.

For photography, the Upper Circuit is particularly rewarding because many viewpoints provide wide, open views of the waterfall system.

Lower Areas and Waterfall Viewpoints

Depending on current operational conditions and trail availability, the Argentine side offers several opportunities to get closer to individual waterfalls and experience the forest environment surrounding the falls.

The Argentine side is fundamentally different from the Brazilian side.

Rather than observing the waterfalls mainly from across the canyon, visitors spend much of their time inside the waterfall system, walking between islands, forest and river channels.

That experience remains possible even when Devil’s Throat is temporarily unavailable.

Ecological Train of the Rainforest

The Ecological Train of the Rainforest continues to be one of the characteristic experiences inside Iguazu National Park.

It connects the main visitor areas and helps travelers move through the forest without large-scale road traffic.

Even during changes in individual circuits, the train remains an important part of the overall park experience.

 

The Atlantic Rainforest

A visit to Iguazu Falls is not only about waterfalls.

Iguazu National Park protects one of the most important remaining areas of the Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest.

Travelers may encounter wildlife such as:

• Coatis
• Capuchin monkeys
• Toucans
• Great dusky swifts
• Butterflies
• Lizards
• Agoutis
• Numerous tropical bird species

The forest itself is part of what makes Iguazu fundamentally different from many other major waterfalls around the world.

You are visiting an entire ecosystem, not simply a viewpoint.

Boat Experiences

One of the most memorable experiences at Iguazu is approaching the waterfalls by boat.

Boat excursions operate in areas below the falls and provide a completely different perspective from the walking circuits.

Rather than observing the waterfalls from above, travelers experience the canyon, river and immense power of the falling water from below.

These excursions are among the most exciting ways to experience Iguazu Falls and can be an excellent complement to the walking circuits.

Operation always depends on river conditions and safety protocols, so availability should be checked locally on the day of the visit.

Is the Brazilian Side of Iguazu Falls Open?

Yes.

The Brazilian side remains open, and importantly, visitors can still see Devil’s Throat from Brazil.

The Brazilian park reported on September 2 that despite river flow reaching more than 8 million liters of water per second, its main waterfall walkway remained open, together with the Waterfalls Trail and other park attractions.

This is particularly important for travelers concerned about missing Devil’s Throat.

Although the Argentine walkway provides the famous close-up experience directly above the waterfall, the Brazilian side offers a spectacular panoramic perspective of the same enormous cascade.

Can You Still See Devil’s Throat from Brazil?

Yes. This is one of the strongest reasons why travelers should still visit both sides of Iguazu Falls.

The Brazilian Waterfalls Trail gradually reveals increasingly dramatic views of the Argentine waterfall system.

Near the end of the trail, visitors reach the main walkway and viewpoints facing the immense Devil’s Throat area.

The Brazilian park specifically describes its traditional trail as culminating in the walkway and viewpoint overlooking Devil’s Throat.

So while travelers currently cannot walk to the Argentine Devil’s Throat balcony, they can still enjoy impressive views of Devil’s Throat from Brazil.

 

 

Why the Brazilian Side Is Especially Important Right Now

The Brazilian side has always been an essential part of a complete Iguazu Falls itinerary.

But during the temporary closure of the Argentine Devil’s Throat walkway, it becomes even more valuable.

From Brazil, visitors can appreciate the extraordinary scale of the falls.

Because most of the waterfalls are located across the river in Argentina, the Brazilian viewpoints provide the classic panoramic view of the entire system.

It is often said that:

Argentina lets you experience the falls from inside, while Brazil lets you see the falls as a whole.

That remains true today.

And for travelers wanting a view of Devil’s Throat itself, the Brazilian side is currently particularly important.

What Can You Do on the Brazilian Side?

A traditional visit to the Brazilian National Park includes transportation through the protected forest and access to the Waterfalls Trail, a walking route of approximately one to one-and-a-half kilometers with a succession of panoramic viewpoints.

Other experiences may include:

• Panoramic viewpoints
• Devil’s Throat viewpoint
• Rainforest walks
• Cycling routes
• Sunrise experiences
• Nature observation
• Additional adventure activities

The Brazilian park continues to operate throughout the year.

 

 

Has High Water Made Iguazu Less Impressive?

Usually, quite the opposite.

Higher river levels can dramatically increase the visual power of the waterfalls.

In August and September 2026, high river flows created particularly impressive conditions across many parts of Iguazu.

Local reports during the Argentine closure specifically noted that the higher volume of water was making many of the accessible waterfalls even more spectacular.

On the Brazilian side, river flow reached approximately 8.3 million liters per second on September 2, more than five times the historical average reported by the park, producing an exceptionally powerful waterfall landscape.

Visitors should therefore not assume that a temporary circuit closure means the waterfall experience is diminished everywhere.

High water can create an extraordinary natural spectacle.

Is It Still Worth Traveling to Iguazu Falls Right Now?

Absolutely.

If Devil’s Throat were the only attraction at Iguazu Falls, the situation would be different.

But Iguazu is one of the largest waterfall systems on Earth.

There are hundreds of individual cascades spread across a vast rainforest landscape.

A complete visit includes:

• Multiple Argentine waterfalls
• Upper viewpoints
• Rainforest trails
• Wildlife
• River experiences
• Panoramic views from Brazil
• Devil’s Throat views from the Brazilian side
• Adventure activities
• Nature and photography experiences

The destination remains far larger than a single walkway.

Recent visitor numbers on the Brazilian side also demonstrate that travelers continue to consider Iguazu highly worthwhile.

More than 32,000 people visited the Brazilian National Park during the September 5–7 holiday weekend alone, including approximately 16,000 visitors on September 6.

 

Should You Postpone Your Trip Because Devil’s Throat Is Closed?

For most travelers, we would not recommend postponing an entire South America itinerary solely because the Argentine Devil’s Throat Circuit is temporarily closed.

There are exceptions.

If your only objective is to stand specifically on the Argentine Devil’s Throat balcony and your dates are completely flexible, you may prefer to monitor official updates before traveling.

But for anyone planning a broader Iguazu experience, there is still more than enough to justify the trip.

A two- or three-day itinerary remains highly rewarding.

Recommended Iguazu Falls Itinerary During the Temporary Closure

A particularly good itinerary under current conditions is:

Day 1 – Argentine Side

Spend a full day exploring Iguazu National Park.

Focus on:

• Upper Circuit
• Accessible waterfall viewpoints
• Rainforest experience
• Ecological Train
• Wildlife observation
• Optional boat adventure if operating

Without the Devil’s Throat Circuit, visitors may also have more time to appreciate the other waterfalls instead of rushing between circuits.

Day 2 – Brazilian Side

Visit Parque Nacional do Iguaçu in Brazil.

Walk the Waterfalls Trail and enjoy the panoramic perspective of the entire waterfall system.

Finish at the main viewpoints overlooking Devil’s Throat.

For many travelers, this will be the highlight of the current itinerary.

Optional Day 3

Add one or more complementary experiences, such as:

• Bird Park
• Helicopter flight
• Rainforest excursion
• Argentine Experience
• Yerba mate experience
• Triple Frontier
• Guaraní cultural experience
• Private nature excursion
• Additional waterfall visit

A three-day trip can actually provide a more relaxed and complete experience than trying to fit everything into a single day.

What If the Argentine Devil’s Throat Reopens During Your Trip?

If the circuit reopens before or during your stay, it should immediately be added to your itinerary.

The Devil’s Throat Circuit is one of the great natural experiences of South America.

However, travelers should always rely on current official park information because reopening depends on river and infrastructure conditions.

Iguazu is a dynamic natural environment.

Water levels can rise or fall quickly, and park authorities may temporarily modify circuits when necessary for safety.

Have There Been Similar Closures Before?

Yes. Temporary closures because of high river levels are not unprecedented.

For example, the Devil’s Throat Circuit reopened in July 2024 after a previous rise in river levels required restrictions. Authorities reopened the circuit once the flow had fallen and safety conditions had been verified.

This illustrates an important point.

Temporary closures are part of managing a major natural attraction located directly above an extremely powerful river.

They do not mean that the destination is permanently damaged or that Iguazu Falls itself is closed.

Is Iguazu Safe to Visit During High Water?

National park authorities continuously monitor river conditions.

Individual trails, walkways or activities may be suspended if water reaches levels considered unsafe.

The Brazilian park, for example, monitors flow levels continuously and applies operational safety protocols to determine whether walkway closures are necessary.

Travelers should follow official instructions and never enter closed areas.

A preventive closure should actually be interpreted as evidence that safety protocols are being applied before conditions become dangerous.

Argentine Side or Brazilian Side: Which Should You Visit Now?

Ideally, both.

Even under normal circumstances we strongly recommend visiting both sides.

They are complementary rather than interchangeable.

Argentine Side

Best for:

• Walking among the waterfalls
• Feeling immersed in the rainforest
• Seeing multiple individual falls
• Spending a full day in nature
• Upper viewpoints
• Boat experiences

Brazilian Side

Best for:

• Panoramic views
• Photography
• Understanding the scale of Iguazu
• Seeing the waterfall system from across the canyon
• Current views toward Devil’s Throat

During the temporary Argentine Devil’s Throat closure, combining both parks becomes even more important.

Why You Should Not Cancel Iguazu Falls Because of One Closed Circuit

The word closure can sometimes create the wrong impression.

A traveler may read:

“Devil’s Throat closed at Iguazu Falls”

and interpret it as:

“Iguazu Falls is closed.”

That is incorrect.

A better description of the current situation is:

Iguazu Falls remains open on both the Argentine and Brazilian sides. The Argentine Devil’s Throat walkway is temporarily unavailable as a preventive safety measure, while the other Argentine circuits and the Brazilian waterfall experience continue to receive visitors.

That is a very different situation.

Iguazu Falls During High Water: A Unique Experience

No two visits to Iguazu are exactly the same.

The waterfalls change continuously according to rainfall and river flow.

Some periods reveal individual cascades and rock formations more clearly.

During higher water periods, individual falls can merge into enormous curtains of water.

The sound becomes louder.

Mist rises higher from the canyon.

The waterfalls appear more powerful.

That unpredictability is part of Iguazu’s appeal.

It is not a theme park with an identical experience every day.

It is a living river system inside a subtropical rainforest.

 

Practical Advice for Travelers Visiting Now

If you are traveling during the current temporary closure:

Check official updates shortly before your visit

Conditions can change quickly.

Confirm which circuits are operating before entering the park.

Visit both countries

This is particularly important at present because Brazil provides excellent views toward Devil’s Throat.

Allow at least two days

One full day in Argentina and one half or full day in Brazil is the minimum itinerary we recommend.

Do not judge Iguazu only by Devil’s Throat

Some of the most beautiful moments at Iguazu happen at smaller waterfalls, forest viewpoints and along the Upper Circuit.

Consider a private guide

A knowledgeable local guide can adapt the visit according to current park conditions, visitor numbers, weather and river levels.

Keep your itinerary flexible

If a circuit reopens during your stay, adjust your plans and visit it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Iguazu Falls closed right now?

No. Iguazu Falls remains open.

On the Argentine side, the Devil’s Throat Circuit is temporarily closed, while the other circuits continue to operate normally. The Brazilian side is also open.

Is Devil’s Throat closed?

The Argentine Devil’s Throat Circuit is temporarily closed as of this update.

Can I still see Devil’s Throat?

Yes.

Visitors can still see Devil’s Throat from the Brazilian side, where the waterfall trail and viewpoints remain available subject to normal operational and safety conditions.

When will Devil’s Throat reopen?

There is currently no confirmed official reopening date.

The reopening depends on river levels, weather, infrastructure work and safety inspections.

Is the Argentine side still worth visiting?

Yes.

The Argentine side remains the best place to experience Iguazu from within the waterfall system and rainforest.

Is the Brazilian side worth visiting?

Absolutely.

It provides the best panoramic perspective and currently offers an especially important opportunity to view Devil’s Throat.

Can I still take a boat tour?

Boat operations depend on river conditions and safety protocols. Confirm availability locally before your visit.

Should I cancel my Iguazu trip?

For most travelers, no.

Unless your sole objective is visiting the Argentine Devil’s Throat balcony, Iguazu continues to offer enough attractions to justify a two- or three-day visit.

Final Recommendation: Iguazu Falls Is Still Worth the Journey

The temporary closure of the Argentine Devil’s Throat Circuit is significant, but it should not be confused with the closure of Iguazu Falls.

Iguazu Falls remains open.

Visitors can still experience the rainforest, multiple waterfalls, Upper Circuit, panoramic viewpoints, wildlife, river adventures and the spectacular Brazilian side.

And from Brazil, travelers can still appreciate the immense Devil’s Throat area from one of the most dramatic viewpoints in South America.

Iguazu has never been just one waterfall.

It is an enormous natural landscape shared between Argentina and Brazil, and even during temporary changes in individual circuits, it remains one of the great natural experiences of the continent.

For travelers already planning to come, our recommendation is simple:

Keep Iguazu in your itinerary, visit both sides, and allow enough time to experience the destination beyond a single viewpoint.

Conditions may change, and the Devil’s Throat Circuit will eventually reopen when authorities determine that it is safe to do so. Until then, Iguazu Falls still offers an extraordinary experience — and in periods of high water, some of its accessible waterfalls may be more impressive than ever.