Magnificent Iguaçu Water Falls

Only one close glance at the Iguaçu water Falls will entice you to another world of exquisiteness altogether. The stunning waterfalls of Iguazu River will not let you to take back steps from the spot you have chosen to take glimpses of it. The collection of 275 falls can be attained either from Argentine’s Misiones province or from Parana, the Brazilian state. From all the waterfalls, two-thirds of the falls are located in the Argentinean part. The waterfall’s shape is semicircular.

Iguazu National Park

Surrounding it is a picturesque Iguazu National Park that comes in Brazil as well as Argentina; add a one more feather in its magnificent beauty. The park contains more than 2,000 species of plants and here lives many wildlife species including howler monkeys, giant anteaters, tapirs, and jaguars, among others.

Devil’s throat

‘Iguaza’ that means ‘great waters’  in guarani language and its waterfall has been declared as Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO  in 1984.  All the falls contain different heights and the most striking among all is ‘Garganta del Diablo’ or ‘The Devil’s throat’. This fascinating water fall is widened upto 150 meter and stands tall upto 82 meter and lies absolutely in the middle of Argentina and Brazil. The exceptional waterfall is loaded with water from three parts. Most of the other Iguaçu Falls are 64 meters high.

Discovery of the falls

Along with the Devil’s throat, Alvar Nunez is the best location to wait and stand for its sacred beauty. The falls were already known to the natives of South America many centuries back however, Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, the Spanish Conquistador, discovered the falls in the year 1541 and these were rediscovered in the late 19th century.

The Spanish Conquistador thought that its name will be ‘Saltos de Santa Maria’ however, the locals were much interested in naming it as Iguaçu and finally the falls came to be known as Iguaçu water Falls.

Affected by draught

The rigorous draought in South America in the year 2006 had badly affected the waterfall system as its quantity of water discharging has relatively decreased but the falls came back in their real selves within no time. The location is paradise for people interested in rock climbing and heaven for water sports.

Getting there

On the Brazil side, the falls are located near city of Foz do Iguacu and you can reach there by bus as many companies are providing bus services. You can also fly to the water falls but it is comparatively costly.

The main directions

Prime directions

There are two main directions of the falls and that include an upper path and another being lower path. The upper direction will lead you to the upper part of the falls and the visit will allow you to take a look at beautiful scenarios. Going to the lower path means heading towards base part of the falls that prove to be very adventurous. Canyon is a place wherein lower Iguazu’s water gathers and that directly goes to the Paraná River.

Location of ancient ruins from Jesuit Mission  in the close vicinity is also providing you another great reason to go there.

Nearby Explorations

The Taipu Dam

Located between Brazil and Paraguay and is the biggest hydroelectric plant globally. The electricity generated by the plant is provided to these both countries.

The Templo Budista

It is situated just at the distance of 1.5 kilometers from the Taipu Dam. From the temple you can take glimpses of the city of Foz do Igacu and Paraguay.  An attractive statues of Buddha gives us an spiritual feeling.

Accommodation facilities

Food and accommodation will not be a problem as the best accommodation places are available in the vicinity. Some of them are:

San Rafael

Many sightseeing places are located in a close by area of the hotel and it provides relaxing atmosphere.  The place even contains bars and coffee shop.

Turrance Green Hotel

The place is located in the central part of the city hence, you can be able to reach any of the city’s sightseeing places within no time. The place serves traditional Mediterranean cuisine.

The Foz Plaza Hotel

It is positioned in the central area of the city and hence, many key attractions of the city could be attained from here within few minutes.

Hotel Baviera in Foz do Iguacu

The hotel structure will give you a feeling of German culture. It is also positioned in the central part of the city.

The Hotel Del Rey

Be there to get the feel of informal atmosphere and many prominent shopping centers, bus depot and major sightseeing places in the close vicinity.