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The Iguazu Falls were formed through a combination of ancient volcanic activity and the gradual erosive action of the Iguazu River. The falls are located on the border between Argentina and Brazil, where the river crosses a vast region dominated by basaltic rock.
More than 100 million years ago, successive volcanic eruptions covered much of the region with enormous flows of basaltic lava. As these lava flows cooled, they formed different layers and fractures in the rock. Over time, the Iguazu River followed these natural weaknesses and progressively carved through the basalt, creating the cliffs, channels, and stepped landscape that characterize the falls today.
The falls themselves are made up of numerous individual cascades extending across almost 2.7 kilometers of the Iguazu River, with drops reaching around 80 meters. The most famous section is the Devil’s Throat, a large horseshoe-shaped gorge located along the border between Argentina and Brazil.
The surrounding subtropical rainforest is closely connected to this dramatic landscape. Today, the falls and their surrounding ecosystems are protected by national parks in both Argentina and Brazil, both recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Experience the wonder of Iguazu Falls on a private 2 day tour from Buenos Aires. Easily reserve accommodations and optional activities. Book now!
From Price: USD150
The formation of Iguazu Falls is closely tied to the geological history of the Paraná region. The falls lie on a vast basaltic plateau created by major volcanic activity during the Cretaceous period. Successive lava flows spread across a huge area of what is now southern Brazil and neighboring parts of Argentina and Paraguay.
The basalt that forms the falls is arranged in several stacked lava flows. Each flow cooled differently, creating massive sections of rock as well as fractured zones. These natural variations helped determine where the river could erode the rock more easily and contributed to the stepped appearance of the landscape.
Over a very long period, the Iguazu River continued to erode these fractures and weaker sections of basalt. As portions of rock were gradually removed, the waterfalls retreated upstream and the river carved the deep canyon that can now be seen downstream from the falls. The process continues today, although geological changes occur extremely slowly on a human timescale.
These geological features also helped shape the surrounding environment. The basaltic landscape, river system, and humid conditions support the dense subtropical forest that surrounds the falls and provides habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species. This combination of dramatic geology and biodiversity is one of the reasons the protected areas around Iguazu Falls are internationally recognized for their natural value.
Experience the awe of Iguazu Falls on a 3-day tour from Buenos Aires. Book now for an unforgettable adventure!
From Price: USD190
