Iquazu Falls Park in Argentina
Guide to Spectacular Iguazu Waterfalls Near Buenos Aires
Iguazu Falls National Park in Argentina features good walking trails, train rides, boat rides and roaring waterfalls.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984, Iguazu Falls straddles the border of Argentina and Brazil. The name Iquazu came from the Guarani people, the native people of the area. In the Guarani language, I means water and guazu means big; hence big water. Comprised of 275 falls along 2.7 km of the Iquazu River, Iguazu Falls is indeed big water.
The Iquazu Falls National Park covers an area of 67 hectares and includes a hotel, numerous hiking trails and naturally a spectacular view of the falls. The park is made accessible by a train, the Tren Ecologico de Selva translating to the Green Train of the Jungle. This ecological train runs on natural gas and was installed to prevent the excessive circulation of pollution producing vehicles in the park. To minimize collisions with animals, the train never exceeds 20 km/h.
The train has 3 stations:
Central Station
This is the main stop near the park entrance where you board the train. The ranger office, first aid office, gift shop and concessions are located here. Make sure to pick up a map of the park from the park attendants.
Cataratas Station
This is the stop leading to the different walking trails to walk the Upper or Lower Circuit of the falls. The trails are elevated footbridges and catwalks placed 50 cm above ground to avoid erosion from tourist trample. Each trail has a constant width of 1.2 metres and is designed with resting stations and lookouts.
The Upper Trail is a 650 metre walk circling the upper lip of the falls. This is the shortest of all the trails and with no stairs, it is completely wheel chair accessible. The walk offers open-air panoramic views of the different falls that make up Iguazu Falls.
The Lower Circuit Trail brings you closer to the falls and the sub-tropical rainforest. This trail is a 1700 metre circular path with many viewpoints of smaller falls. This circuit also leads to a port where you can take a boat to San Martin Island. A walking trail on the island offers great views of the San Martin Fall.
Garganta del Diablo Station
This is the access to Devil’s Throat Falls, the main attraction of the park. The Paseo Garganta del Diablo is a one kilometer walk way bringing visitors directly to the U-shaped 150 metre wide Devil’s Throat falls.
The metal grated catwalk winds over muddy waters and through the marshland of the sub-tropical rain forest. The walk brings you face to face with the falls and allows you to stare down at gallons of rushing water. Bring a waterproof jacket or purchase the disposable rain jacket sold at the gift shop as you will get wet. There is so much water spilling over the cliff that a permanent cloud of mists hangs in the air.
How To Get There
Puerto Iguazu is located 17 kilometres from Iquazu National Park. Buses run regularly from the main bus station to the Park. By car, you can access the Park via the national highway 12 and via the national highway 101 which leads through the Iguazu National Park.
For information on Iguaçu Falls National Park in Brazil.
When To Go
The busy summer months are from December to February when the falls are at its full might. The milder winter months are from June to August At this time, the falls may be drier but accommodation is usually cheaper.
