One of South America’s most spectacular natural beauties (and one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World) waits for you at Iguazu National Park, which is situated in the Misiones province of Argentina. It’s no surprise that this park draws millions of people each year given its magnificent waterfalls, thick vegetation, and varied species.
The Iguazu Falls, a series of enormous waterfalls (275 water jumps) that span over 2 kilometers along the Iguazu River, serve as the park’s focal point. With their towering columns of water that thunderously boom as they smash into the river below, the falls are really breathtaking. The Iguazu Falls will steal your breath away whether you’re enjoying them from vantage points or hiking the trails that meander through the jungle.
The Iguazu National Park is home to a wide variety of species, including monkeys, toucans, and jaguars, in addition to the waterfalls. It’s simple to spot these amazing animals in their native habitats thanks to the park’s many trails and observation areas.
Devil’s Throat
La Garganta del Diablo (or Devil’s Throat), is the most important waterfall out of the hundreds of the park. It’s 80 meters high and it has the largest water flow in the world. It’s located mostly on the Argentinian side, but it can also be seen from the Brazilian one. The closest viewpoint is the balcony called “Garganta del Diablo” (Argentina), with stunning views of it. Get ready to get sprayed and blessed by its waters, while you see the cliffs and the amazing birds that fly around!
Devil’s Throat covered by the spray of its waters, at the back of the picture. At the front, hotel Meliá. National Park Iguazu.
Argentinian side of the Falls
The waterfalls are divided between Argentina and Brazil, being most of them on the Argentinian side (around % 80).
The Argentinian side of the falls has 3 trails: the inferior, which leads to balconies with highlights such as “Salto San Martín”; the Superior, which allows the visitor to see similar jumps but from above, and the Devil’s Throat, which is a balcony that leads to the most impressive viewpoint of the park: La Garganta del Diablo.
Outdoor adventures including kayaking, rafting are available in the park, such as The Great Adventure (click to see). There is something for everyone in the Iguazu National Park, whether you’re seeking for a leisurely stroll or a heart-pounding adventure.
Visiting the Argentinian side takes about a full day. The balconies can be self guided, are not difficult, but you need to be able to walk quite a bit. However, there are ecological trains that join some of the trails.
The Park counts also with a restaurant area to get some food.
Brazilian side of the Falls
The Iguazu Falls are also visible from the Brazilian side (also the Devils Throat), where visitors may take in panoramic views of the falls from a number of vantage spots, in addition to the falls on the Argentine side. The full length of the falls may be seen in one stunning view from this side.
The balconies on the Brazilian side take about 2 hours to be visited.
One of the most remarkable activities -available only on this side of the falls- is the overflight in Helicopter, which allows the visitors to see the waterfalls from the sky. This is an unforgettable experience, and the traditional visit takes 10 minutes.
Other popular activities on the Brazilian side, are the Macuco Safari and the visit to the “Birds park”, which is not inside the park but in the surroundings.
Güira Oga: wildlife sanctuary
Regarding the bird park mentioned before, some people rather prefer to visit the Guira Oga wildlife sanctuary, which is an organization dedicated to protecting and healing animals that are endangered.
Where to stay to visit the Iguazu Falls National Park
There are numerous options for lodging, both in Argentina and Brazil.
The most premium hotels are Meliá Iguazu (Argentina). Belmond das Cataratas (Brazil). These opulent hotels boast first-rate services, and fantastic locations, both inside the National Parks.
Outside the Park, Argentinian side offers interesting choices such as Loi Suites Iguazu, Awasi Iguazu, and La Cantera.
Visit Iguazu Falls with us
We offer custom tours in Argentina, Chile and Brazil, and would love to help you build your own experience! As a kick off, we invite you to explore our following tours:
- Iguazu Falls tour
- Highlights of Argentina tour
- Iguazu to Salta
- Patagonia and Iguazu Falls
- Iguazu Falls and Ibera Wetlands
