Iguacu Falls
About Iguacu FallsOrigin
Volcanic activity created the Iguacu gorge roughly 100 millions years ago.
It sits within a rainforest
The beautiful semi-tropical forest is made possible by the high-rising mist that Iguacu Falls creates. During your trail walks you will see a rich variety of rainforest vegetation, including orchids, bromeliads, begonias, ferns, bamboo and palms.
Number of falls vary
Iguacu Falls consists of some 275 separate falls during the river's seasonal low. That number is halved during the rainy season when small rocky islets on the rim of the falls become submerged.
Shared by two countries
Iguacu Falls straddles the Brazil and Argentina border.
Sightseeing options
Besides traveling by foot, these are your primary sightseeing options
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Boat
Sightseeing boats at the base of the falls take you next to (and sometimes under) the falling water. Boats above the falls take you to almost the very rim of the falls, close enough to make your heart skip a beat.
- Helicopter
The rides are short and expensive, but give you unforgettable memories and an unmatched perspective of Iguacu Falls.
- Airplane
Although there are no sanctioned sightseeing plane services for tourists, sometimes the pilot of a major airline flying to or from Buenos Aires or Rio de Janeiro will circle the falls as a favor to the passengers.
Hollywood movie
The opening scene of the major 1986 movie The Mission starring Robert DeNiro and Jeremy Irons captures Iguacu Falls on film in its spectacular and thunderous glory. Worth seeing, at least for that vigorous and relatively long cinema photographic sequence.
How Iguacu Falls was named
A thousand years or so ago, the native Guarani Indians named the falls Iguacu. That word means "great water" in their language. Although the Spanish officially re-dubbed the falls "Santa Maria" In the 16th Century, the appellation didn't stick. The original Indian name - Iguacu or Iguazu Falls - now reigns.
Ancient legend
It tells us that an angry local river god created the Iguacu gorge as his grave in anger. He did this when he discovered that a local tribesman was whisking away a virgin that was to be sacrificed to the god.
More Iguacu Falls tips & insights
Wildlife
The forests around Iguacu Falls host hundreds of wildlife species including jaguars and pumas. However, wildlife sightings are limited for most because many of the creatures are nocturnal - and those that are not nocturnal are easily hidden by the dense rainforest growth.
Trail walks
You will spot some wildlife species during trail walks. These include colorful birds (such as toucans and parrots) and striking butterflies.
Best Hotel for location
The upscale Belmond Hotel das Cataratas lies on the Brazilian side of the waterfalls. It is just a short stroll from them.
Iguacu Falls is popular
More than one million people visit Iguacu each year. Most are Argentine and Brazilian citizens.
