A GUIDE TO BRAZIL´S (AND ARGENTINA´S) IGUAZU FALLS

Iguazu Falls are considered by some, to be the most beautiful waterfalls you will ever see. It is no wonder it is one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. While you can visit the falls from either side, this guide is specifically about how to visit the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls.

 

Iguazu at dusk

These magnificent falls get their name from a Guarani word that literally means big water. Iguazu falls is a UNESCO world Heritage site  and was formed by a volcanic explosion, The waterfall is composed of over 250 smaller falls and is so large it spans two countries, and borders three Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, which gives you an idea about its size.

Rainbow cascades

Where are the Iguazu Falls?

This impressive waterfall system is located on the remote northeast area of the Argentinian Province of Misiones, with 80% of the falls, falling on the Argentinian side. While Argentina may have the geographical area of the waterfalls, Brazil has the main features of this remarkable system of falls, notably the Garganta de Diablo, or Devil’s throat, a huge confluence of three massive falls.

Devils Mouth waterfall from a distance

The Brazilian side will also give you a wider panoramic view of the falls and allows you to get closer to the falls and actually feel their immense power.  Most people actually visit both sides of the falls for a more complete experience which offer different aspects, views and experiences of this mind-blowing set of cascades.

Panoramic view of the falls

How long to go for?

Visit the Iguazu Falls for at least two or three days. You can take one full day to do the Argentinian side and half a day to do the Brazilian side, but with three days you have time to relax and explore this stunning site in depth.

Both sides are worth the visit as you get a totally different view. The Argentinian Iguazu Falls side has a full day worth of hiking trails with picturesque hiking and exploration. You can walk out on top of the falls and feel the full rush of the water underneath you.

A toucan couple

However, the Brazilian side is where you get the postcard photos, it is more of a complete panoramic and frontal view of different waterfalls. It only takes a few hours total, as there is only one path to walk along.

Sun setting over Iguazu

Aside from the waterfall, there’s not much happening in Iguazu. The town’s pretty quiet with a few touristic restaurants and you may find yourself just hanging out in your hotel. If you want to extend the trip a little bit, you can head over to the Wanda Mines, a former Polish colony and home to a family-run amethyst mine. This is a nice day trip day once you’ve done the falls. Another option is the Parque de Aves, a privately-held bird park near the falls on the Brazilian side with spectacular examples of birdlife from the region.

And the best time to go is…

There actually is no bad time to visit Iguazu Falls. The falls are always beautiful and accessible. The only thing to have in mind is that the seasons are divided into wet and dry season. You definitely want to avoid going during the heart of the rainy season and the high season.

Overcast Iguazu

Possibly the worst time to visit the falls are in January and February as both countries have more public holidays and it will be super-busy. During Summer, it is more humid and hotels are more expensive due to the influx of tourists. The rainy season is between June and August. Even though there are higher water levels, seeing the Iguazu falls when it is raining is not the best experience. September and October are possibly the best months to visit the falls as the temperatures are comfortable, hotels are cheaper and there are fewer people visiting.

Rainbow over Devil´s Throat

Another excellent time to visit is during the full moon in the spring or Autumn. When the moon is full, you can book a night walk to La Garganta del Diablo – ask about full moon tours. The moonlight falling over the vast Iguazu falls is truly a remarkable sight which will have you believing in the ancient legends about the falls; A Guarani deity fell in love with a beautiful young girl named Naipí. Completely besotted, he visited her parents in the form of a boy to ask for her hand in marriage, and they accepted his offer. However, Naipí was already in love with another, a mortal named Tarobá. When the god found out, he was enraged and when the two lovers tried to escape by boat along the Paraná River, he chopped the river in half, creating the Iguazu falls. Once you see the dramatic falls, you will understand where such a drama-filled fable comes from!

Amazing cascades

Arrange a visit to the magnificent Iguazu Falls with Va Expeditions. The borders have now reopened after the Covid pandemic and you can once more, freely visit both sides of these impressive cascades of Iguazu. Most tours include a visit to both sides and will help you take care of the Immigration paperwork as you cross the border, giving you more time to appreciate this natural wonder of the world to the full!

Boat trip under the waterfalls