Iguazu Falls is a great tourist attraction for nature lovers and is internationally known as one of the must-see destinations to visit and enjoy.
Get to know the most outstanding facts about this amazing destination.
Argentina and Brazil Share the Iguazu Falls
The Iguazu Falls are shared by two countries: Argentina and Brazil. Each destination guards them in its two national parks: Iguazu National Park, in the Argentinean province of Misiones, and Iguaçu National Park, in the Brazilian state of Paraná.
The base city to visit the falls on the Argentinean side is Puerto Iguazú, and on the Brazilian side, Foz do Iguazú.
Iguazu Falls Has 275 Waterfalls
The Iguazu Falls have 275 waterfalls, and 80% of them are located on the Argentine side. Some people say it is more appreciated on the Argentine side; others say that the best panoramic views are on the Brazilian side. It is advisable to visit both sides to live a complete experience.
Iguazu Falls Is One of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World
The Iguazú National Park was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984 for its scenic beauty and the biological diversity of the subtropical rainforest in which it is located.
It has 67,620 hectares and was created in 1934 with the objective of conserving the Iguazú Falls.
Iguazu Falls Is One of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World
Since 2011 they have become one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. This was through an international contest in which people from all over the world participated.
Iguazú Means “Big Water”
Iguazú in the indigenous language means “Big Water”. Their gigantic waterfalls explain the reason for its name.
Iguazu Falls Has an Amazing Natural Wealth
The Iguazu Falls National Park preserves a sample of the ecoregion of the Paranaense rainforest, also known as the Atlantic Forest of the Upper Paraná.
It is the most biodiverse in the country. It has an impressive flora with more than 2000 species, and as for the fauna, it is home to 450 species of birds and 80 species of mammals.
Deep in the jungle, lianas, epiphytes, and ferns abound. Different types of compositions are presented at different sites of the jungle, with the predominance of certain species, like the forest of palmetto and Palo rosa (a giant tree about 40 meters high) or the one of the laurel and guatambú.
You can see monkeys, coatis, squirrels, toucans, and a great variety of colorful fruit trees. In the jungle coexist agoutis, cuises, mazamas, mountain foxes, lizards overos, and although it’s not frequently seen, the yaguareté inhabits this area. In its water mirrors, you can see alligators, snake-necked turtles, and different types of fish.
Among the numerous species of birds, the jotes and swarms of cascade swifts (emblematic species of the protected area) stand out.
Iguazu Falls Has 6 Circuits to Enjoy
The Iguazú National Park has different circuits in the Argentinian side that people of all ages can enjoy: the upper, the lower, the Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat), the Macuco Trail, the Rainforest Ecological Train, and the Green Trail.
It has metal walkways that cross the jungle and allow you to see the falls from different panoramic views.
- Superior Circuit: In this circuit, you can visit the falls from above. It starts 200 meters from the “Estacion Cataratas” and extends to 1,750 meters. The estimated travel time is approximately 2 hours. It is accessible to all people since it does not present any difficulty.
- Lower Circuit: The lower circuit has a distance of 1,700 meters. The estimated visiting time is 1 hour and 45 minutes. The accessibility is average. It has 2 paths that lead to the same place, one accessible with a ramp and the other with stairs.
- Devil’s Throat: The circuit is fully accessible and can be covered in approximately 1 hour and a half. It has an extension of 2,200 meters, and it is possible to get very close to the Garganta del Diablo waterfall, one of the most impressive in the Iguazú National Park.
- Macuco Trail: The Macuco Trail is an excellent option for trekking lovers. Its route has an approximate duration of 2 hours. It has an extension of 3,500 meters. At the end of the tour, you can appreciate the Arrechea waterfall, which is more than 20 meters high.
- Rainforest Ecological Train: The Rainforest Ecological train connects the entrance of the Iguazú National Park from the central station to the park’s circuits. It has an intermediate stop to access the lower and upper circuits and ends at the Garganta del Diablo station. It has a distance of 3,700 meters, with a departure frequency every 30 minutes.
- Green Trail: The green trail extends to 655 meters and does not present any difficulty. This circuit lasts approximately 30 minutes. Along the way, it is possible to see birds and appreciate a great diversity of flora characteristic of the Paraná rainforest.
These circuits will allow you to see the falls from different panoramic views.
The great attraction of Iguazu Falls is the Garganta del Diablo (Devil ‘s Throat)
La Garganta del Diablo (The Devil’s Throat) is undoubtedly the great attraction of the park due to its majesty. This fall is more than 150 meters long, with a drop of more than 80 meters high. This fall has an average flow of 1500 cubic meters per second.
Iguazu Falls Offers Many Types of Experiences
Several experiences are offered to fully enjoy the visit to Iguazu Falls. From boat excursions, birdwatching activities, helicopter rides, and much more.
The Iguazu Falls are an unmissable natural spectacle that amazes visitors from all over the world. Visiting the Argentine and Brazilian national parks is recommended to fully enjoy the experience and appreciate them in all their magnitude.
