Iguassu Falls
Is it Iguassu Falls OR Iguacu Falls OR Iguazu Falls?
Iguassu was the original name for the falls many years ago (native language). Later Argentina named it Iguazu and Brazil changed it to Iguacu. You can still see some old signs and shop names with Iguassu, but it has not been used for years.
- Iguazu = Cataratas del Iguazú = in Spanish = Argentina
- Iguaçu = Cataratas do Iguaçu = in Portuguese = Brazil
- Iguassu = Probably English = old spelling
“The falls may be reached from two main towns, with one on either side of the falls: Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil and Puerto Iguazú in Argentina, as well as from Ciudad del Este, Paraguay, on the other side of the Paraná River from Foz do Iguaçu. Each of those three cities having commercial airports. The falls are shared by the Iguazú National Park (Argentina) and Iguaçu National Park (Brazil). The two parks were designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1984 and 1986, respectively.”
Iguassu falls has over 275 individual cascades. The combined flow of these individual falls is the largest of any waterfall in the world. It is much taller than Niagara Falls and is twice as wide. In the rainy season, there can be 450,000 cubic feet of water cascading over the falls per second.
Longest Drop : 82 metres (269 ft)
The experience of the water falls can only be viewed in person. There is no justice done by any picture or video. I recommend to do both sides of the falls from Brazil and Argentina. Brazil side gives more panoramic views and Argentina side takes you closer to the falls. The Argentinian side had opportunity to spend more time as there are more trails, different viewing points and numerous activities to choose from.
We had a half day to spend in the Brazil side of the park (due to unfortunate delays of flights). The town of Foz do Iguaçu is about 20 km (12 mi) away, and the airport is between the park and the town.
Things to do on Foz do Iguazu, Brazil side of the Falls:
- Main circuit – A walkway along the canyon has an extension to the lower base of Devil’s Throat. Approx. 2 hours to complete, during the journey you will be constantly seeing the falls.
- Macuco Safari- speedboat ride
- Helicopter rides
Things to do in Foz do Iguazu – Outside of the National side:
- Three Borders Landmark (Marco das Tres Fronteiras)
- Foz do Iguazu Bird Park
Macuco Safari: Brazil side speedboat ride. There is no age restriction for this ride. Macuco safari ride takes to one of the cascading rapids up close. You can get wet under the water falls. Ride starts in the small vehicle and takes to the boat.
You can ride bus inside the park. Bus stops at 3 stops. Starts at the park entrance and first stop is at Macuco Safari, second stop at the entrance of the main circuit and final stop at the end of the circuit. You can find small store at the end of the circuit. You can take an elevator to go to the lower falls trail.
Walking trail gives many views of the falls all along. Different perspectives and different cascade of water falls. Plenty of wild life along the way…
Wild life : We saw all of these lizards, coatis, and monkeys during our hike along the water falls…
Views from the hotel…we stayed in Wyndham Foz do Iguaçu, Foz do Iguacu. Beautiful views and walking distance from many attractions.
Brazil side view is an amazing view and not to be missed.
Things to know:
1. How many days do you need to visit Iguazu Falls?
Two days. One day on Brazil side and another day on Argentina side.
2. What is the best time of year to visit Iguazu Falls?
You an visit all year round.
3. Do you need a visa to go to Iguazu Falls Brazil?
4. What percentage of falls in Brazil and Argentina?
70-80% of the falls are on the Argentinean side, you really can’t see the scale of them from the Argentinean side. On the Brazilian side, you see everything.
5. Is this part of UNESCO?
Iguazu Falls became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.
6. Is Iguazu part of seven wonders?
In 2011, it was selected as one of the winners of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
7. Which is bigger Niagara or Iguazu?
Isn’t it a common question? Both are places you should visit. The Iguazu falls are larger than Niagara and even wider as it has a span of falls throughout the area. The atmosphere at Niagara is of a tourist town while the Iguazu Falls is more of a national park (both at the Brazil falls side and Argentina Falls side).
8. Park entrance fee?
Buy tickets online before or through any guide.
9. Park hours on Brazil side
The park opens from 9:00 a.m. at 18hs (6:00 p.m.), but you can only go to the park until 4:30 p.m.
10. Is there swimming area?
No, swimming in Iguazu Falls is not allowed under any circumstances
11. Do you want to stay inside the park?
There is only one hotel, Belmond Hotel das Cataratas (Brazilian side) inside the park with views of the falls. It’s again personal choice of staying inside the park. It’s expensive. In my research I came to know with the time we are staying, it is OK to stay outside the park. It’s not that far.
