Everyone has heard of Niagara falls right? For some reason they have become the by-word for ‘cool waterfalls’. Well once you’ve seen Iguassu you may think again. The Iguazu falls, or Foz do Iguassu as they are known to Brazilians, are special because here, you will not just find one impressive fall, but a series of 275 falls linked together. Unlike many high and mighty falls, these have a maximum height of only 75m, but cover a precipice 3km wide. The most famous fall is the Garganta do Diabo (devil’s throat), but there are so many you will be sure to find your favourite.
The Iguassu falls have been a world heritage site since 1986 and was Brazil’s first national park in 1939. Starting at the Brazilian side as we did, the views are spectacular from the national park – with spray creating rainbows and macaws and butterfly’s lining the path to the mouth of the Brazilian falls. The park is open from 9 to 6 and access to the falls is by bus (included in the main fee for entry to Iguassu which is 37 Reais) from main gate, which is 6 miles from falls. The main walkway around Brazilian side, Estrada Velha de Guarapuava, gives you breath-taking views of the Argentinian side, which is without doubt the more impressive side. At the end of the Estrada Velha de Guarapuava is a walkway over the Brazilian falls and a gift shop.
Foz do Iguassu (Iguazu falls) photos
Argentinian side of Foz do Iguassu
The Argentinian side of the falls is where all the action takes place. If you are limited in time to visit the falls, I recommend skipping the Brazilian side and opting just for Argentinian Iguazu, however if you have time – make Brazil your first stop then head over for a second look from Argentina.
Argentinian Iguassu contains the Isla San Martin, where 7 falls meet including salto san martin, plus devil’s throat (Garganta do Diabo) – a hole in the river where the water appears to be swallowed into the cavern below. . All is accessible via a small train and walkways skirting around, under and over various falls. The Argentinian national park is open from 8am til 6pm and from here there are many more things to do including travelling by boat under the spray of the falls (don’t worry – cameras are safely placed in waterproof bags.) You can also do nature walks and boat rides through preserved areas.
The only real problem with the falls – especially on the Argentinian side are the shear number of tourists. It does feel like you are being herded from one point to another, and someone is always in your way. Don’t let this put you off however. The falls are one of the greatest wonders you will see in South America.
Puerto Iguazu is the border town on the Argentinian side. Here there is slightly better looking wooden accommodation than concrete Foz on the Brazilian side, although it is a little more sleepy. Hito Tres Fronteras – the border point between Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil – is in Puerto Iguazu too, giving this town a little extra attraction. From here you can look out at the river junction from the Itaipu damn and the falls.
Hotels and Hostels in Iguassu
The only hotel in Iguazu national park on Brazilian side is Tropical da Cataratas. On the Argentinian side, there is the huge concrete monstrosity of the Sheraton International – again in the national park. The beauty of these two hotels is that you will already be in the national park early – before the other tourists and can witness the falls for yourself. Other than these, there are plentiful hotel and hostel rooms both in Foz do Iguassu in Brazil and Puerto Iguazu in Argentina.
How to get to and from Iguassu falls
Both from Foz do Iguassu in Brazil and Puerto Iguazu in Argentina there are plentiful buses to the national park entrances which are cheap (a few Reais or Pesos). You can also get tours from hostels which include transport and entrance fees. Our tour from Brazil to Argentina was 55 Reais which we found very reasonable.
Getting out of Foz on the Brazilian side, the Rodoviaria is 4miles outside main town. Foz is 400Miles (11 hours) from Curitiba.
If you are travelling further afield, such as Sao Paulo or Rio, it is advisable to check flights, as buses can be upwards of 30 hours, changing in Sao Paulo for Rio. Flights are plentiful from airport between the falls and Rio and fairly inexpensive at 200Reais with Tam return if you book early.