The Exciting Iguazu National Park

When Portuguese explorers first came to the area now known as the Iguazu National Park, they were truly awed by its beauty. They later named the large river running through the area as Guarani y guasu or ‘large water.’ Such is the discovery of this magnificent natural attraction to the outside world which would later come to recognize its beauty and ecological importance.

The Iguazu National Park is so extensive, it borders three cities of three different countries in South America. From the Brazilian side, the park is accessible through the city of Foz do Iguazu, on the Argentine side is the Puerto Iguazo, and the Ciudad del Este on the Paraguayan side. Both parks on the Brazilian and Argentine sides have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the 1980s.

Getting to Iguazu National Park

The most common and most affordable way to access the Iguazu National Park would be by riding the buses that arrive into the three places bordering the national park, particularly in Puerto Iguazu. There are also several small airstrips in nearby areas that are worth checking out for those who plan on going into the Iguazu National Park for the first time. It would also be good to know that law enforcement officers often demand for passports and other pertinent forms of identification. Because of this, each visitor is advised to bring passport and other travel documents. Most visitors explore the area on foot, though those who come in through the Puerto Iguazu in Argentina can ride a small train departing every thirty minutes from the park’s entrance.

Sights and Activities in Iguazu National Park

The main attraction of the Iguazu National Park would be the magnificent Iguazu Falls, which is wider and taller than the Niagara Falls. Visitors can get as close to the falls as they want, with the availability of motor launch services. Those who come into the park through Puerto Iguazu will find that most of the waterfalls are within the Argentine border of the park. Visitors can also rent paddleboats that they can navigate through the river. There are also several nature walks offered at the Iguazu National Park. Near the waterfalls are the Upper Circuit that provides spectacular views of the falls and the extensive river, the Lower Circuit which leads visitors through the jungle areas surrounding the waterfalls, the Devil’s Throat walk where visitors enjoy expansive views of the park, and the Macuco pedestrian trail.

Visitors to the Iguazu National Park can also hire a boat to take them to the San Martin Island, where there is also a scenic trail that they can explore. Those coming in through Puerto Iguazu may also try to participate in tour explorations offered that offer both boat rides through the river and driving through jungle on four-wheel drives.

While at the Iguazu National Park, visitors can also take the time to explore the Itaipu hydroelectric power plant located near the waterfalls.

Ecological Importance of the Iguazu National Park

Besides being a major tourist attraction in the area, the Iguazu National Park is also home to several endangered species of plants and animals. Of particular interest would be the presence of more than 2000 species of butterflies within the park. With its abundance of bird species, it is also an ideal place to go bird watching. The numerous mammals and reptiles in the area also makes animal viewing one of the area’s major attractions.

Following the numerous jungle trails in the area would also allow visitors to become familiarize with several unusual plants and trees in the park, some of them found nowhere else in the world. Some visitors may also opt to use four wheel drives that are available for rent at the Puerto Iguazu.