Iguazú Falls is one of the most amazing natural wonders of the world. Near the borders of three countries, namely Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay in South America, these falls are awe-inspiring.
Iguazú Falls“Iguazu Falls,” by Boris Kasimov, is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Getting In
Getting to the falls is through one of three cities, one in each country. Foz do Iguaçu on the Brazilian side is a large city and reasonably safe going by the country’s standards. On the Argentinian side, the entrance is through Puerto Iguazú, which is a small town but very pretty.
Even though the falls are only between Argentina and Brazil, a city on the Paraguay side, Ciudad del Este, lies just across the Friendship Bridge from Brazil. This entrance is a hectic one as it is a center for cheap electronics and contraband. Use this entrance with caution.
Getting Around
Both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides of the park have many beautiful foot trails that tourists can walk. If you happen to be on the Argentinian side of the falls, there is a small train leaving every 30 minutes that goes from the entrance to the start of the trail that leads to Garganta del Diablo.
On the Brazilian side, you can get on a bus that connects the falls to other activities in the area. The bus service runs from the beginning to the end of the park and leaves every 10 minutes.
What to See
The falls themselves are a spellbinding sight that must be on the bucket list of everyone. As the water rolls over the cliffs, it creates a mist that rises through and over the jungle. These falls are taller than Niagara Falls and are also twice as wide.
It is truly worth spending a full day on the Brazilian and the Argentinian side of the falls. True more so if you want to do any of the activities or boat rides while you are there.
Iguazú Falls from the Argentinian Side
On this side of the falls, there are five main tracks that you can take to view the falls.
Iguazú Falls from the Argentinian side“Iguassu Falls from the Argentinian side,” by Mike, is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Circuito Inferior leads to the ferry (free) that goes to Isla San Martin. It also leads to a lookout where you can see Dos Hermanas and Salto Bossetti.
Isla San Martin has two lookouts, each on a different side of the falls. You can get there only by a boat, and when the river is running high, it may not be accessible at all.
Garganta del Diablo is the main attraction for the Argentinian side. On this trail, you can get on the free train service and ride to a walkway that crosses the river. It is set just beyond the horseshoe of the falls and is the site where the spray and roar of the falls are just tremendous.
Sendero Macuco is a trail that leads through the rainforest to the Arrechea Falls and is an excellent option if you don’t like crowds. You can swim beneath that particular fall.
If you are further exploring Argentina, the attractions in Buenos Aires are something you won’t want to miss.
Iguazú Falls from the Brazilian Side
From the Brazilian side, you have splendid views of the Devil’s Throat and the rest of the falls from above or below them.
The Macuco Safari is a boat trip that goes to the base of the falls. The tour begins at a roadside entrance where you get on a truck that goes through the jungle to where you hike down to the dock. Once on the boat, prepare to get wet. The captains will get you as close to the falls as possible.
On each side of the falls, there are many other choices for seeing the jungle and the falls, so you will never run short of something to do.
