The Magnificent Iguazu Falls

The Iguazu Falls was named after a Guarani word that means ‘big water.’ Geographically, the waterfalls serve as boundary for the Upper and Lower Iguazo as well as boundary between Brazil and Argentina. More importantly, Iguazu Falls is considered a major tourist attraction in the area, with numerous visitors taking the time and effort to view and perhaps compare it to the more famous Falls Niagara in the U.S.

Getting to Iguazu Falls

There are three places in which visitors can access the Iguazu Falls, each located in different countries in the area. The first option would be Foz do Iguaco in Brazil, while those from the Argentine side would have to go through Puerto Iguazu. Another access point would be through the Ciudad del Este in Paraguay. The area surrounding the waterfalls on the Argentine side is named the Iguazu National Park and the area on the Brazilian side is called the Iguacu National Park. Both of these parks have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Those who arrive at Puerto Iguazu can board the Tren Ecologico de la Selva or the Rainforest Ecological Train that takes visitors to different walkways around the Iguazu Falls.

Description of the Iguazu Falls

There are a total of 275 waterfalls comprising the Iguazu Falls and most of these falls are located on the Argentine side. Most of these natural structures are more than 60 meters high, though the highest waterfall reaches up to 82 meters high. The Iguazu Falls is actually higher and wider compared to the Falls Niagara. It is possible for visitors to visit some of smaller falls one at a time or go to walkways where they can be surrounded by gushing waterfalls in almost all sides.

Another prominent feature of Iguazu Falls would be its powerful cascades, with the volume of water passing through it considerably more than those in other waterfalls around the world, including the Falls Niagara. There are several walkways which allow visitors to view the Iguazu Falls in different angles. The Upper Circuit is relatively short though provides some of the more spectacular sights on the rim of the waterfalls. The Inferior Circuit is on the bottom of the falls and is quite long.

Visitors can also follow the Sendero Macuco trail that is about 7 kilometers long. This trail also provides opportunities for bird watching and animal viewing apart from affording beautiful views of the falls. There are also boat services to the Isla San Martin where two lookouts on the falls are located. Probably the most famous walkway would be the Devil’s Throat that takes visitors to the main horseshoe of the Iguazu Falls where they sometimes get overwhelmed by the roar of the falls and the spraying mist. So impressive was this falls that the former U.S. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt even felt it so much superior to the Falls Niagara.

Other Sights of the Iguazu Falls

Though the waterfalls are considered the main attraction and the main destination for most visitors, there are also several sights awaiting those who wish to explore the surrounding jungle areas. The two national parks surrounding the falls are home to several exotic wildlife and unusual plants that would interest any average adventurer. There are also numerous species of birds in the area, making it ideal for bird watching.

Visitors should also watch out for the rainbows that cap the falls during particular times of the day. And just like the Falls Niagara, these rainbows are colorful focal points for avid photographers. Visitors should also take the time to stop by the nearby Itaipu hydroelectric power plant, considered to be one of the largest in the world. Cruises up and down the river are also offered, where beautiful sceneries and interesting wildlife can be glimpsed.