Iguazu Falls, which stretches across the border of Brazil and Argentina is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the world. Made up of about 275 waterfalls and cataracts spanning 2.7 kilometers wide, Iguazu Falls are twice as tall as Niagara Falls and on average, has 1,500 cubic meters flowing every second. It’s no wonder then that Iguazu Falls become a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984 and was a winner of the New Seven Wonders of Nature competition in 2011.
Iguazu Falls are located within one of the few remaining inland rainforests in South America, which means that more than 2,000 plant species, about 400 bird species, 80 types of mammals, and countless insects and invertebrate species reside in the area. If you have time, check out both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides of the falls – both will provide a very unique experience.
Known as Foz do Iguaçu, the Brazilian side of the falls is a great place to start your adventure as there are fewer trails to navigate and you get a much broader idea of the scale of just how big these falls are. Make your way down to the Devil’s Throat and walk out along the boardwalk to get up close and personal.
This is at the start of the trail. Already drenched in sweat!
One of the many viewpoints along the trail where you can snap a great shot of the falls
A double-tiered section of the falls
Here you can see a major section of the falls (about 1/4 of the entire length is shown here)
Prepare to get soaked when you walk out along this boardwalk
Tourists posing for their obligatory photo
Looking out over the top of the Devil’s Throat on the Brazilian side
The viewing platform
So excited to be here
“The falls are this big”
Three-quarters of the length of Iguazu Falls are on the Argentinian side, so if you really want to experience the waterfalls and be blown away by their magnitude, spending at least a day here is a must. You can walk right into the heart of the falls, spend time walking across many trails leading to different viewpoints, and even take a boat ride that takes you right underneath the crashing waterfalls. It’s a good idea to bring a swimsuit if you plan to do this or visit in summer, as the weather is very hot and humid.
So many trails, so little time
If I jump high enough, can I be as high as a waterfall?
One of the many walking trails leading to a lookout point. It can be slippery when wet (so that means all the time)!
Chasing waterfalls and rainbows
One of the other major attractions during a trip to Iguazu Falls is the wildlife. There is a fun and impressive Bird Park where you can really close to and interact with over 160 species of birds, and also see butterflies and reptiles. On your way to the waterfalls, it’s also common to spot tapirs, giant anteaters, howler monkeys, ocelots, caymans, and even jaguars. One of the most common animals to see while you’re strolling along a walking trail is a coatimundi (or coati) – a relative to the raccoon. While they may look cute – and many visitors try to get up close and personal – these animals are known to be quite ferocious, so stay clear of their sharp claws!
Tortoise chilling and enjoying life
Vividly colored macaw
Impressive hairdo
I feel like this butterfly is watching me closely
Cute little lizard
These coatis look cute, but can be aggressive – don’t give them food!
Monkeying around
A very bright toucan looks just like it does in the cartoons
