Iguazu Falls: Wonder of Nature

Iguazu Falls are located within the Iguazu Falls National Park, a protected area over 67,720 hectares (167.34 acres) on the Northern border of the Province of Misiones, Argentina. The Park comprises a series of 275 waterfalls at the heart of the Paranaense Rainforest, located 17 kilometers (10.5 miles) from the Iguazu River feeding into the Paraná River, where the Argentine, Brazil and Paraguay borders meet, and where the cities of Puerto Iguazu (Argentina), Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil) and Ciudad del Este (Paraguay) face each other.

In the other hand, Iguazu Falls is also part of the brazilian side. The Parque Nacional do Iguaçu, is a national park that functions as a conservation unit in the extreme west of the State of Paraná in Brazil. It was opened to the public on January 10, 1939 through Decree Law No. 1,035, it has an area of ​​1,852.62 km². In 1986 it was classified by Unesco as a World Heritage Site.

Both, the Parque Nacional Iguazu in Argentina, and the Parque Nacional do Iguaçu in Brazil, make up a complex of 2,500 km² of protected jungle

What to see and what to do in Iguazu Falls?

Iguazu Falls is a natural place that offers incredible activities to do during your visit: Traditional activities, which are basic sighseeing and visits; Soft Adventure for people interested in some active visits, like boat navigations, rides in 4×4 vehicles, trekking, rappel, tirolesa, and more; Ecotourism and Birdwatching focosing in some ecological activities and birdwatching excursions.

Visit the Brazil side of Iguazu Falls

The Brazil side let’s you get very close to the foot of the falls and provides visitors with a panoramic view of the Argentina side, with its multiple cascades. There are many paths that wind along the canyon and the jungle with various viewing platforms along the way. The highlight is the platform and series of walkways at the foot of one of the upper waterfalls. There’s also a walkway that takes visitors to the lower base of the Devil’s Throat falls.  In addition, there’s a boat-ride from the Brazilian side of the falls which brings visitors close to the foot of the falls.

Visit the Argentina side of Iguazu Falls

The argentinian side of Iguazu Falls is an amazing place to visit. The park offers up to 8 km of trails to enjoy the falls in three different circuits: Upper Circuit, Lower Circuit and Trail to the Devil´s Throat with Ecological Train of the Jungle. It´s a great network of walkways that offers to visitors above and across the upper and lower levels of the falls. The Argentina side allows visitors to get very close to the falls. The waves of mist from the falls are absolutely refreshing in the tropical heat! There are many adventure activities to do, like the Boat Navigation to go under the falls, or the Gran Aventura that combines 4×4 vehicle, trekking in the jungle and a wonderful boat navigation.

There’s also a train within the park, followed by a 1 kilometer trail, which takes visitors to the main attraction on the Argentina side: the awe-inspiring Garganta del Diablo or Devil’s Throat, the highest and most impressive of the falls.

The Full Moon Walking Tour

During some specific days, each month, Iguazu Falls offeres a unique shape thanks to the moonlight. This natural effect lets you rediscover the falls in a way that can’t be replicated. If full moon is available during your visit, it´s a must-see activitiy.  The full moon walking tour starts from your hotel, with a transfer to go straight to the Argentinean national park. Once there, driver will assist you to start the tour. Once the tour starts, you will go to the Ecological train of the Jungle, to visit the Devil’s Throat under the moonlight. After the tour finish, the driver will be waiting for you to go back to your hotel. It´s a unique amazing activity!

Iguazu Falls: New 7-wonder of nature & Unesco World Heritage

In 2011, Iguazu Falls were selected as one of the New Seven Natural Wonders of the World, in a universal ballot organized by the Swiss Foundation New Seven Wonders, altogether with six other destinations in the world: the Amazon Rainforest in South America, Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, Jeju Island in South Korea, Underground River of Puerto Princesa in the Philippines, Komodo National Park in Indonesia, and the Table Mountain in Cape Town, Republic of South Africa. Iguazu Falls is also a UNESCO World Heritage since 1984.