Straddling the border of Argentina and Brazil, Iguaçu Falls is a beautiful monster with 275 falls cascading over three kilometres of precipices.

While the falls themselves are magnificent, their setting in a huge subtropical nature reserve makes visiting even more enjoyable.

To fully appreciate their size and splendour it’s worthwhile viewing the falls from both countries and, because of the short distance and good transport and tourist services, it’s easy.

Iguaçu from Brazil

The Brazilian side gives the best idea of their sheer size. The viewing platform is so close you are instantly drenched by spray and deafened by the roar of water plunging over an 80 metre cliff.

Allow one day to visit the falls including the bird park Parque das Aves, 100m from the entrance to the falls.

Parque das Aves is recommended as it allows close up viewing of some rare Brazilian birds in large walk-through aviaries. There is also an impressive butterfly enclosure.

After paying the entrance fee to Parque Nacional do Iguaçu BRL19.35 (USD10.90) you board a bus to the falls. A pathway leads down to a larger viewing platform but along the path there are viewing points and good photo opportunities. The best light for photography is in the morning.

Getting There

Foz de Iguaçu is only 20km from the falls and is served by domestic flights and flights from Argentina. The central bus station is on the northern outskirts of the town and is served by buses from the north as well southern Brazil and also Argentina.

Accommodation

If you arrive by air there is an accommodation booking office at the airport. Most of the hotels are out of town on the road to the falls.

Iguazú from Argentina

The vast majority of the Iguazú Falls lies in Parque Nacional Iguazú on the Argentine side of the border. As many visitors only visit the Brazilian side, the Argentine side is less crowded.

Winding rainforest paths lead to many viewing points to see numerous falls. The most spectacular are Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat). Here 14 separate falls combine to form the world’s single most powerful waterfall in terms of volume of water flow per second.

Boardwalks take you close to the drop. It’s like looking down into the biggest plughole in the world; its swirling water hypnotically compelling.

Entry to the park costs ARS30 (USD9.52) and if you keep your ticket you can return the next day for half price. There’s a variety of tours on offer, however the boat rides close to the falls are the most worthwhile.

From the visitor’s centre the jungle train transports visitors to the various walking paths.

Getting There

From the Brazilian side buses depart regularly from Foz do Iguaçu for the 30 minute journey to the small town of Puerto Iguazú in Argentina. From there buses depart hourly for the 30 minute journey to the national park visitor’s complex. Puerto Iguazú’s airport is served by flights to/from Buenos Aires.

Accommodation

As in Brazil the better hotels are closer to the park rather than in Puerto Iguazú itself. One exception is Hotel Saint George at Av. Cordoba 148 ph.03757/420633. This is a good mid-range hotel with a swimming pool and restaurant. Breakfast and evening meal is included in the price. By booking a package (flights and accommodation) you can get a better deal at the more expensive hotels.

When to Go

The cooler months between March and November are the best time to visit. Easter and July are the peak times and best avoided.

Southern Brazil

Apart from the falls Southern Brazil is famous for its beautiful beaches like those on Santa Catarina Island. The island also has volunteer opportunities and the Island’s capital city, Florianopolis the 4th largest Carnaval in Brazil.