Before the Spanish reached this waterfall in 1541, the Indians had named it “Iguaçu,” which means great waters. Iguassu Falls should not be missed. The waterfall spans over 2 miles and includes 275 separate falls. The falls are seen more easily from Brazil, but the paths, jungle and sunset view are better in Argentina.
From the Brazilian side of the falls, you can take a walking tour. There is an elevated platform at the foot of the falls, where you can see Devil’s Throat, a giant horseshoe shaped gully the river plunges into at some 459,090 cubic feet per second. The park is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. The picture is above is from the Brazil side of the falls.
From the Argentinean side of the falls, the entrance fee includes two train tickets and a boat ride that crosses over to the San Martin Island. The visitors center has restaurants, a souvenir shop, amphitheatre and exhibits and the park’s ecosystems. Central Station is about 1,300 feet from the main gate. Ride the train or take a 20 minute walk. Both ways take you to Cataratas Station, the starting point of the Upper Circuit. Set out on a half hour walk along 3,937 foot train, with a low degree of difficulty, that goes deep into the jungle before you suddenly emerge to breathtaking views of the falls. The Lower Circuit down tot he river requires more physical effort due to stairs. (If you have any physical limitations, we do not recommend you attempt this section.) Walk deep into the jungle and down to the river. Catch the boat that crosses over to San Martin Island. The second leg of the train ride leaves from Cataratas Station for Devil’s Throat, a post nearly 230 ft. deep where branches of the river converge. The area surrounding the falls is tropical and offers a variety of over 200 types of colorful birds.
A 7 to 10 minute helicopter ride goes up the river into the falls and over them, then circles and comes down into the fall again before landing. The cost is around $75 USD per person. An aerial view of the falls is the only way to see the entire falls.
You can visit the fall year round. We recommend March through May and October through December. The dry season is April through July and the rainy season is late November through February. Water levels can be low in the summer months. During this rainy season, the rate of the flow of water increases, and may reach up to 450,000 cubic feet per second.
If your schedule allows for it, we suggest spending 2 nights in the region. Please note that a Visa is required for US citizens visiting the Brazilian side of the falls.
Iguassu Falls: Brazil or Argentina Side?
Again, for an up-close view, we suggest the Argentine side. For a panoramic view, the Brazilian side. Why not see both? Browse our Brazil tour packages 2020.
Related posts that may interest you: Must See Sites in Rio de Janeiro, Argentina Travel Guide, Argentina’s Fine Wines & 5 Amazing Waterfalls to add to your bucket list.
