Iguazu Falls. Argentinean and Brazilian parts. Iguazu Falls and three borders, Argentina-Brazil-Paraguay Iguazu brazil how to get there

Every year, several million tourists come to see the main South American natural wonder - the Iguazu Falls. Despite the fact that the complex was found in the first half of the 16th century, the Iguazu National Park was created only at the beginning of the last century. At the same time, the place was equipped for visiting by tourist groups and gained worldwide fame.

Where are the Iguazu Falls on the map?

The Iguazu Falls complex is owned by two countries at once - Argentina and Brazil. If you look at the location of the Iguazu Falls on the map of South America, you can see that they are located on the river of the same name, which separates the states from each other. You can look at the cascade from the territory of each country, but visitors are advised to visit both parts of the park.

A significant part of the waterfalls of the complex is located in the Argentinean territory. Trekking trails, pedestrian crossings between various waterfalls are equipped here, and a large number of observation platforms have been built.

On the territory of Brazil, first of all, the attention of tourists is attracted by an observation deck, from where a breathtaking view of the central waterfall of the system opens - Garganta del Diablo, or "Devil's Throat".

What is the best way to get to Iguazu Falls?

It doesn’t matter where you come from to Iguazu National Park - from Argentina or Brazil, if you wish, you can see the waterfalls on both sides of the park in one trip. Moreover, Russia and Ukraine have a visa-free regime with both countries. Below we tell you how to get to the Iguazu Falls if you are traveling from Brazil or Argentina, as well as the most convenient way to move between the two parts of the park.

From Argentina to Puerto Iguazu

If you are in Argentina, go to the city Puerto Iguazu. This is the closest settlement to the waterfalls. It is located just 17 km from the complex. Buses run daily between the bus station in Puerto Iguazu and the national park. The road to the waterfalls takes only 30 minutes.

Iguazu International Airport in Argentina(Cataratas del Iguazu International Airport) is located 20 km from the center of Puerto Iguazu and only 9 km from the entrance to the waterfall complex. Every day, several flights per hour, planes fly here from Buenos Aires, there are also flights from the cities of Mendoza, Salta and Cordoba.

The majority of flights to Cataratas del Iguazu are operated by the Argentine flagship Aerolineas Argentinas and the Brazilian-Chilean airline LATAM. A one-way flight from Buenos Aires will cost approximately US$100. For budget travelers, since 2018, low-cost flights FlyBondi and Andes Lineas Aereas and even Norwegians have appeared in Argentina, which can get you to the waterfalls from $60 without luggage. True, in the case of FlyBondi, you will have to depart from the remote El Palomar airport. Andes Lineas Aereas and Norwegian operate from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery, which is located within the city.

Unfortunately, Iguazu Airport is not connected to the city by public transport in any way. Therefore, if you did not book a transfer at the hotel or it is not included in the tour, you will have to take a taxi on the spot, rent a car or buy a ticket for a tourist bus and go straight on an excursion to the waterfalls.

From Brazil to Foz do Iguacu

From Brazilian territory, the city closest to the waterfalls is Foz do Iguacu. From here to the main observation deck over the "Devil's Throat" you need to drive about 40 minutes along the highway. Every half an hour a regular bus runs from the central station of the city to the park with waterfalls.

Foz do Iguaçu/Cataratas International Airport(Aeroporto Internacional de Foz do Iguaçu/Cataratas) is located 13 km from the city and 12 km from the park entrance. The airport is connected to the central station by a city bus, which then continues its route directly to the waterfalls.

Several Brazilian airlines fly to Foz do Iguaçu, including the major LATAM and low-cost carriers Gol and Azul, as well as Avianca Brasil. You can buy tickets to the Iguazu Falls from Campinas (Viracopos / Campinas International), Guarulhos (Aeroporto Internacional Guarulhos) and Congonhas International Airport - all airports are located in the Sao Paulo area, as well as from Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte and Brasilia.

A one-way flight from Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro will cost 45-50 US dollars if you fly with a low-cost airline, or about 100 US dollars with a full-service airline.

Between Puerto Iguacu and Foz do Iguacu

There are many buses between Puerto Iguacu in Argentina and Foz do Iguacu in Brazil. They leave every 15 minutes, and the journey takes no more than half an hour, not counting the border crossing.

Be careful! Local residents can cross the border without any formalities. Citizens of other countries need to go through border control and be sure to put stamps in their passports.

When boarding a bus between two cities, be sure to tell the driver that you need to go through border control. Otherwise, he may simply not stop at the border. Also, when you exit the bus, take a free ticket to travel on the next bus on this route. Often, regular bus drivers continue on their way and do not wait for tourists at the border. In this case, you will need to leave on the next bus on this ticket.

The Iguazu Falls complex is one of the most unique on the planet, and now one of the most famous. It appeared when, after a volcanic eruption, a huge depression formed on the path of the river. It is in it that the full-flowing Iguazu River now breaks with a roar.

This is the very case when no photograph or video filming can convey all the beauty and grandeur of the creation of nature. To see with your own eyes how myriads of splashes scatter to the sides and sparkle like a rainbow in the rays of the sun, to hear the roar of water crashing against stones, to feel this great power is priceless.

Where are the Iguazu Falls

One of the greatest natural wonders of the world is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The complex is located on the territory of two national parks at once, on the border between Brazil and Argentina. The Iguazu Falls have a well developed tourist infrastructure with a visitor center, parking, hotel, restaurant, internal buses, optional sightseeing tours, shops, hiking trails.

The distance from the mouth of the Iguazu River to the Parana Plateau, from which it breaks, is about 23 km. There are three cities nearby - Argentina's Puerto Iguacu, Ciudad del Este (Paraguay) and Foz do Iguacu (Brazil).

Thus, the waterfalls, stretching for 2.7 kilometers along the river, are located on the territory of two countries at once. Almost 80% of this is on the Argentine side, although more than 95% of the Iguazu Basin is on Brazilian territory. When visiting the national park from Brazil, you will have a fantastic panoramic view of all the waterfalls.

Discovery history

The area around the Iguazu Falls was inhabited 10,000 years ago by hunter-gatherers. Around the first millennium AD, they were supplanted by the Guarani, who brought new agricultural technologies, and were displaced by the Spanish and Portuguese conquistadors in the 16th century.

The first European to discover these lands was the Spaniard Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca (1541). In honor of the conquistador, one of the waterfalls located on the side of Argentina is named. The Jesuits followed Iguazu in 1609. Five missions (mostly abandoned) located in the lands of the Guarani Indians were recognized by UNESCO in 1983 as World Heritage Sites.

In 1897, army officer Edmundo de Barros proposed the creation of a national park near the Iguazu Falls in Brazil. But they were objects of two countries at once, which caused certain difficulties. Only after the boundaries were clearly defined, two separate national parks were created - one in each state. In Argentina, the park was founded in 1934, and in Brazil - in 1939.

The natural power of the waterfalls began to be used only in 1991, after the construction of the Itaipu Dam. It was built by the forces of two countries: Paraguay and Brazil. The dam is one of the largest in the world (twice as large as the Sayano-Shushenskaya HPP), it provides about 40% of all electricity in these two countries.

Origin legends

The area around the Iguazu Falls has long been inhabited by various tribes of Indians. It is not surprising that such a grandiose place is overgrown with legends, and most of them, as expected, have a love background.

According to one version, God desired to marry a beautiful aborigine, but the girl's heart was already taken. She and her lover decided to escape by canoe. But the angry God opened the river, and the resulting waterfalls doomed the couple in love to an eternal fall.

According to another version, the guy was forced to steal his girlfriend and run with her down the river. However, the deities opposed this and decided to stop the young couple at all costs. They opened a gorge into which the calm waters of the Iguazu River fell. The girl, having fallen into the seething streams, turned into one of the boulders on the edge of the cliff, and the guy - into a tree - one of those that surround the waterfall. Now lovers can only look at each other forever.

Not the biggest but outstanding

Basalt columns are part of the Sierra Geral Formation. They form steps at different levels with a height of 35-40 m, and numerous islands along the edge of the cliff divide the river into many individual waterfalls with a height of 60 to 82 m. Their number varies from 150 to 300 depending on the water level. About half of the river flows into a long and narrow chasm called the "Devil's Throat". The canyon has a width of 150 m and a length of 700 m. It is he who is the border between Argentina and Brazil.

The Iguazu Falls are separated by many islands. About 900 m of the total length of 2.7 km is not covered by water. The most famous waterfalls are given names: "Three Musketeers", "Flower Jump", "Ramirez", "Adam and Eve", "Two Sisters", "San Martin" and others.

Iguazu is bigger than Niagara?

Yes. Iguazu Falls are taller and wider than Niagara Falls. The maximum height is 82 meters. Niagara Falls has a fall height of only 50 meters. The width of the Iguazu Falls exceeds it four times. The volume of falling water for these two natural attractions is approximately the same. At Iguazu, it ranges from 1500 to 6000 m 3 / s, and at Niagara it reaches 5700 m 3 / s.

Climate

The area around the waterfall complex is dominated by a humid subtropical climate with abundant rainfall and high temperatures all year round. In the summer of 2006, a severe drought led to a decrease in the amount of water in the Iguazu River. As a result, its volume flowing through the waterfall decreased to a critical level of 300 cubic meters per second.

When is the best time to go?

The Iguazu River never dries up, so there is no risk of seeing a dry waterfall. However, in terms of entertainment, there are still good and bad times to visit it. Winters in this area of ​​South America are never cold, but water levels can be much lower than other seasons, and summers can be unbearably hot and humid. That is why the best time to visit the Iguazu Falls is during the calm autumn or spring months.

Statistics and numbers are not able to reveal the beauty of waterfalls. What is it really like to look at more than 200 streams tearing off a sheer cliff? Or rush straight to one of them on a boat? Millions of tourists flock to the Iguazu Falls every year in search of adventure and thrills.

How to get to the waterfalls

There are three options for visiting: by public transport, purchasing a comprehensive tour, or driving a rented car without a guide.

If you stay in Foz do Iguaçu, you can easily get to the Brazilian side of the falls using the public bus number 120, which runs between the city, the airport and the falls. Tickets cost less than four reais. You can get from here by public transport to the Argentine side, but experienced travelers in this case recommend using the services of a private transfer. This will save you a lot of time as you won't have to change trains in Argentina and the driver will also help you get through the border process quickly.

The closest (18 km) to the waterfalls in Argentina is the town of Puerto Iguazu. An independent tourist only needs to buy a ticket for the Rio Uruguay regular bus for 40 pesos, which departs from the bus station. The walk to the falls takes about 20 minutes. By the way, the capital of Argentina - Buenos Aires - is 15-18 hours away by land transport.

Two international airports are located near the falls: Cataratas del Iguaçu (IGR) and Foz do Iguaçu (IGU). Buses and taxi services are available from both of them. Aircraft of Aerolíneas Argentinas and LATAM Argentina operate direct flights from Buenos Aires, GOL and LATAM Brasil - from the main cities of Brazil.

National parks

If you choose the Brazilian side, then you will have to pay just under 64 BRL to enter the national park. The ticket includes entrance to the park, transfer to the beginning of the trail along the river bank and back to the main gate of the park. The average duration of the passage of the trail with a length of 1.5 km is usually 1.5-3 hours.

A ticket to a national park in Argentina costs 500 Argentine pesos, which is somewhat more expensive. But the price is justified as the average time it takes to see everything is between 3 and 6 hours.

• The national park is a place of environmental conservation.
• Follow the safety rules.
• Don't touch or feed the nosefish, the typical animals of the Iguazu Falls, which have little to no fear of tourists.
• Wear comfortable clothing and appropriate walking shoes.

Places nearby

If you came to Iguazu from Brazil, then we can recommend that you visit the nearby Pantanal wetlands and the ecologically clean city of Curitiba as part of your trip to South America. The Pantanal is the best place to see jaguars and other wild animals in Brazil, and in lush Curitiba, visit many beautiful parks and taste incredible food.

Iguazu Falls Complex- the most famous landmark of Argentina and one of the seven new wonders of nature. Every year two million tourists from all over the world come here! This makes Iguazu the most visited place in South America.

In Spanish, the name of the waterfalls sounds like "Cataratas del Iguazu", and in Portuguese - "Cataratas do Iguaçu". In both cases, the stress falls on the last syllable - Iguazu. The name is usually written in two languages ​​at once, since the Iguazu Falls belong to Argentina and Brazil. Although the word "Iguazu" itself is translated from the Indian language of the Guarani tribe - "big water".

Where is the complex located?

The Iguazu Falls are located in South America, more specifically in its central part on the Brazilian-Argentinean border. Just along the largest waterfall of the Garganta del Diablo complex (translated as "Devil's Throat"), the border of the two countries stretches.

Iguazu refers immediately to two national parks of the same name - one of them is Brazilian, and the other is Argentine. Both of them, together with the cascade of waterfalls, have been included in the World Heritage List since the mid-1980s and are protected by UNESCO.

You can look at the waterfalls simultaneously from the territories of Argentina and Brazil. Close to Argentine Puerto Iguazu the largest number of waterfalls is concentrated (about 70%). However, for the most beautiful panoramic shots, it is better to go to the neighboring state to the city. Foz do Iguacu, the waterfall "Devil's Throat" is visible in all its glory from the Brazilian side!

How many waterfalls does the Iguazu complex consist of?

There are about 275 waterfalls on the Iguazu River. Most of them do not exceed 60 meters in height, although in some places the level of water fall rises to 82 meters.
The entire complex covers an area of ​​2.7 km² and forms a huge amphitheatre. However, about 30% of this territory is occupied by small, uncovered islands located between the waterfalls. Thanks to the footbridges stretched between these numerous islands, visitors can walk around the complex and see all of its most interesting and beautiful parts.

The dimensions of the entire Iguazu Cascade are larger than the famous Niagara Falls. Another well-known waterfall - Victoria - the Argentine-Brazilian complex is inferior only in the size of the water curtain, but surpasses it in total area.

The main waterfall Garganta del Diablo stretched for 700 meters along the border of the two states. The best view of it opens from the territory of the Brazilian national park. Here, from 82 meter cliffs, water falls into a horseshoe-shaped canyon, at the very foot of which you can see a rainbow.

Other waterfalls of the complex worth visiting:

• "Adam and Eve"(Salto Adan y Eva) - a small waterfall, which is difficult to notice among the rest of the magnificence. However, this place is extremely popular, as it is customary to make a marriage proposal here in order to be happy in marriage. If you have already made an offer or are not going to do it yet, then you should still come here and make a cherished wish. They say they come true!
• Bossetti waterfall(Salto Bossetti) - located near the "Adam and Eve", you can look at it from the upper trail (upper trail). The waterfall is named after the Italian explorer of Patagonia - Carlos Bossetti.
• "Three Musketeers"(Salto dos y Tres Mosqueteros) - three powerful streams breaking down in the gorge next to each other, reminiscent of the famous literary fraternity. By the way, the park also has a waterfall "Two Musketeers".
• "Two sisters"(Salto dos Hermanas) - two almost identical waterfalls in the neighborhood.
• "Holy Mary"(Salto Santa Maria) - the first waterfall from the entire complex, which received its name. In the 16th century, the Spaniard Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca, who discovered Iguazu, was so struck by the sight of this waterfall that he named it after the Virgin Mary.

What to do in Iguazu Park?

1. Visit the observation decks and get impressive shots on the "Devil's Throat".
2. Walk along the hiking trails throughout the complex and see many other beautiful waterfalls.
3. Take a boat tour and take a shower under one of the waterfalls.
4. Cross to Isla San Martin, where you can relax on the sandy beach, and then climb to the top of the island and enjoy the view of the Brazilian waterfalls.
5. Go on a train journey through the jungle through the Argentinean part of the complex.
6. Fly over the national park in a helicopter and take equally breathtaking photos from above.
7. Go trekking and walk along one of the forest trails - Green Trail (600 meters long) or Macuco Trail (7 km long).

How to get to the complex?

As we have already noted, the Iguazu Falls are located in Argentina and Brazil. Both parts of the park are popular with tourists, therefore, both the Argentinean and the Brazilian sides have a fully established tourist infrastructure, operate at the airport and open many restaurants, hotels, hostels and even campsites.

The closest town to the Iguazu Falls in Argentina is Puerto Iguazu. The international airport is located 20 km away. It is most convenient to fly here from the Argentine capital - several flights are operated daily. A flight from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls takes 1 hour 50 minutes and costs $60-100, depending on the carrier and luggage size. You can also get to the waterfalls from major cities such as Salta, Mendoza and Cordoba.

If you fly to see the Iguazu Falls from Brazil, it will be more convenient to get to the nearest Brazilian city to the complex - Foz do Iguacu. The flight from Rio here will take 2 hours, and from Sao Paulo - 1.5 hours. A ticket will cost 50-100 US dollars, again depending on the airline and fare. Read more about how to move between the two parts of the national park in the article. Looking for places to stay in the Iguazu area and things to do locally? Read ours, which contains all the useful information for organizing a trip!

The Iguazu Falls Cascade is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Basalt barriers and islets, steadfastly withstanding the onslaught of the Parana River, which separates Brazil and Argentina, stretched three kilometers downstream and formed a network of 275 rapids, canyons, channels and waterfalls. Both Brazil and Argentina have declared this unique territory as national parks with the same names - Iguazu.

The waterfalls were formed as a result of a volcanic eruption. Due to a powerful cataclysm, a huge depression formed in the earth's surface, giving the world one of the most beautiful natural attractions. Fantastic views of the Iguazu Cascades are familiar to many from cult films; Godzilla, Moonraker, Miami Vice: Vice and many other famous films were filmed here.

The first scientist who had a chance to personally study this unique attraction was the Spaniard de Vaca, it happened in 1541. In 1991, Brazil and Paraguay built the world's largest hydroelectric plant, Itaipu, on the falls. Just imagine, 40% of the electricity for the two countries is generated by waterfalls. And the station itself is recognized as a technical achievement of mankind.

Although the lion's share of the cascades is located on the territory of Argentina, the most impressive views will open before you on the Brazilian side. Many of the waterfalls have been given beautiful names, such as "Adam and Eve", "Three Musketeers", "Flower Leap". For our tourists there are no restrictions on either side, they can stay in Argentine or Brazilian territory without a visa for up to 90 days, enjoying breathtaking views. One of the most spectacular sights of the cascades is the "Devil's Throat". Here, water from a steep cliff 82 meters high flows into a hollow, the shape of which resembles the shape of a horseshoe. And a bright rainbow almost always shines over the basin.

It is worth admiring this spectacle in the national park on the Brazilian side. Numerous viewing platforms are equipped here for tourists. And the most courageous travelers in the Argentinean park are offered to swim close to the waterfalls in rubber boats. And for $200, you can admire the splendor of the cascade from above by ordering a helicopter flight.

In addition to the waterfalls themselves, tourists have a great opportunity to admire the iridescent rainbow, which changes depending on the position of the sun, as well as the height of the water slope. During the full moon, when the air is filled with water dust and light, a night rainbow forms - a magnificent sight! Between the waterfalls, like partitions, there are numerous islands, they are connected by bridges. Walking along the bridges, you can properly consider the falling streams of water.

The large cascade of Iguazu Falls is divided into two national parks located on the border of Argentina and Brazil. The National Park of Argentina was founded in 1934 and covers an area of ​​55 hectares. The Brazilian National Park was founded a little later, in 1939, its area is about 185 hectares. Since the 80s, both parks have been protected by UNESCO and are considered one of the most unique natural attractions.

Located in the middle of the wild jungle, they are surrounded by untouched tropical nature. On the territory of both parks, there are about two thousand plant species, some of them are endangered species. The local fauna is diverse, there are dozens of species of butterflies and reptiles, as well as many mammals: coral asps, cougars, Brazilian otters, martens, jaguars, noses. There are also very rare birds, such as the American swift, the Brazilian merganser and the large toucan.

Interesting Facts:

• At least 2 million tourists visit the falls every day.

• The year 1978 was so dry that the waterfalls almost completely dried up.

• For a millennium, the cascade moves about a kilometer.

• The cascade serves as a border for three states: Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay.

• Most national park tours include a visit to the world's largest hydroelectric power plant, Itaipu, built on the Parana River.

Features of visiting the Iguazu Falls.

Do not try to hide from splashes of water behind umbrellas or under a raincoat, it is better to immediately put on a swimsuit or as light clothes as possible. At the entrance to the national parks, tourists are given rubber bags where you can put dry clothes, equipment and other things that you do not want to get wet.

The infrastructure of two parks, in Argentina and Brazil, is well developed. There are a sufficient number of modern toilets, a variety of cafes and shops, snack bars and everything you need for a comfortable stay. Not far from the cascade is the airport, there are several large modern campsites, many walking trails. And tourists can settle in one of the comfortable hotels in the town of Puerto Iguazu.

Attractions and entertainment in Iguazu.

If you're a fan of the extreme and ready for some thrills, try out the local daredevil attraction called Macuco Safari. On bright rubber boats you will rush right under the waterfalls. This is a unique opportunity to cheer up, get a powerful adrenaline rush and an unforgettable experience.

The main attraction is the Devil's Throat, the most famous and largest waterfall of the cascade. Its shape resembles a horseshoe, it is 82 meters high and 150 meters wide. The waterfall is located right in the middle of the border between Brazil and Argentina. Watching how the foamy streams of water rush past you and fall into the abyss, you will get an indescribable feeling - it is akin to meditation, which is both relaxing and energizing. But you will get even more emotions watching the Devil's Throat at night by the light of the moon - this is real magic!

If you visit the waterfalls on the Brazil side, don't miss the opportunity to walk through the unique bird park, which is home to the rarest species.

The best time to travel.

Iguazu Falls are beautiful at any time of the year, you can go on a trip at any time. However, there are always some nuances that you should be aware of. For example, during the dry season the weather in Brazil and Argentina is better, more pleasant and easier to bear. However, during the dry season there is less water, so the waterfalls look less impressive. In the rainy season, the opposite is true - the waterfalls are full-flowing, the weather is insidious, and your chances of getting wet to the skin are one hundred percent. The rainy season lasts all winter, while the dry season lasts from April to June. The hottest weather is from December to March. Those who prefer coolness should go on a trip in the summer.

The least number of tourists at the waterfalls is from July to October, and also from February to April. The peak of the tourist season falls at the end of December during the Christmas holidays. There are fewer travelers in January and February, but there are still a lot of travelers, because these months are the season of holidays and holidays. To see the full power of the waterfalls, it is worth planning a trip for the period from November to March. It was at this time that the river was at its fullest, the whirlwinds of spray increased many times over, and a rainbow appeared over the cascade. Since April, water flows have slowed down and weakened.

Brazilian Iguazu Park is open every day from 9:00 to 17:00, and in the summer months until 18:00. To get to the sights, you need to come to the city of Foz do Iguaçu and take a bus that takes tourists to the park itself. Argentina's Iguazu Park is open to tourists every day from 8:00 to 18:00. You need to get to the town of Puerto Iguazu and take a bus that will take you to the national park.

The sun rises on the Brazilian side and sets on the Argentine side. If you need not only vivid impressions, but also great photos, visit the Brazilian side in the afternoon, and the Argentinean side in the morning.

Things to Use When Going on a Tour to the Iguazu Falls:

• Protective boxes for phone and camera. The equipment gets wet instantly, it is better to play it safe.

• Comfortable, lightweight and quick-drying shoes. Choose shoes with non-slip soles, sports sandals are ideal.

• Water and food.

• Sunglasses, hat, UV protection cream, mosquito repellent spray.

Which side is more interesting, Argentinean or Brazilian?

According to numerous reviews of travelers from around the world, the Argentine National Park is more beautiful. But the Brazilian side also has something to surprise the tourist. If you have enough time and are ready to spend money, visit two national parks, each of them is beautiful in its own way.

The Brazilian side of the Iguazu Falls offers great panoramic views of the cascade. However, here you will not be able to get close to the waterfall, you will have to admire from afar.

Visiting the Argentinean side, you can walk along the paths located right above the waterfalls, see the famous Devil's Throat. But the bewitching panoramas cannot be seen here.

Brazilian Side Benefits:

• It is said that the general view from the national park of Brazil is the most impressive, and it is here that amazing photographs are taken.

• Only here you can visit the unique bird park, the best on the continent.

• The road from the beginning of the park to the central square will take no more than half an hour - the best option for those who do not like long walks.

• Having visited Foz do Iguaçu, you can visit the central bridge, where the best observation deck is located.

• Amazing boat trips await you here.

Advantages of the Argentine side:

• All fans of long walks have a great opportunity to walk through the jungle to their heart's content.

• Most of the waterfalls belong to Argentina, and it is here that the tourist can feel like he was in the very center of the waterfalls, as well as walk along the numerous bridges among the islets.

• Here you can admire the waterfalls almost at arm's length.

• For just a few dollars you will visit the world's largest hydroelectric power plant.

• Within the park is the famous La Rueda restaurant, which serves delicious Argentinean steaks.

• After a busy excursion, do not rush to the hotel, the park hosts numerous shows and performances where locals perform in national Argentinean and Brazilian outfits.

How to see the attraction?

The Iguazu Falls are so huge that travelers can view them from land, from the sea or from a height. And each time a unique view will open before the tourist. On both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides, there are plenty of hiking and sea excursions. But you can only admire the cascade from a bird's eye view in Brazil.

1. Helicopter tour.

The best way to appreciate the scale of the waterfalls and enjoy the magnificent views is a helicopter tour. A helipad was built right in front of the entrance to the national park. Within 12 minutes in the air, you will be able to see a unique landmark and experience an unforgettable helicopter flight. The trip is breathtaking, because the only way you can see the entire cascade at once and understand why the largest waterfall of the Devil's Throat got its name.

2. On a motorboat.

The motorboat tour lasts approximately three hours. Tourists are taken directly under the snow-white streams of water. Such an excursion is quite extreme, so each traveler receives special protective equipment before the trip. By choosing this option, you will see stunning waterfalls from the bottom up and practically touch them.

3. Boat trip.

A boat trip is worth booking when visiting the Argentinean side. The walk begins in the center of the national park, and tourists will have to drive there by car along a huge canyon through the real jungle. Even before the start of the tour, you will get vivid impressions. When choosing this option, prepare in advance for the trip, take care of the availability of protective bags or boxes for equipment and put on a swimsuit.

The boat trip is short, it will take only 15-20 minutes. But this time is enough to get indescribable emotions from the impressive views of unique waterfalls.

Iguazu Falls is one of the New Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The name is translated from the language of the Guarani Indians as "Big Water".

The Iguazu Falls complex is located on the border of Brazil and Argentina and includes two parks - from Brazil and from Argentina.

In 2011, the Iguazu Falls were recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World by the results of a worldwide competition. Also, both parks are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, which only adds to their regalia.

The Brazilian side of the Iguazu Falls is considered more advantageous in terms of the views and panoramas themselves, although it is inferior to its Argentinean neighbor in territory. Perhaps this is the main difference between the Brazilian and Argentinean parks.

An interesting fact about the Iguazu Falls in South America: the attraction was discovered in 1541 by the Spanish conquistador Don Alvaro Nunez Cabeza de Vaca, who, at the behest of the king, rushed in search of the gold of the legendary Inca Empire. He landed with a detachment on the coast of present-day Brazil, moving west, crossed the Brazilian Highlands and, hearing a distant rumble, went to a waterfall. Thus, here, too, the ubiquitous Inca trace was not avoided.

There is a beautiful legend associated with the falls, according to which God wanted to marry a beautiful girl named Naipu, but she escaped with her lover on a boat. Then the angry God cut the river, creating waterfalls in the way of the lovers. The young man turned into a lonely palm tree, and the girl into a rock. Rainbows, so frequent at the waterfalls, pass through the palm tree and the rock, and then it seems as if the lovers are tenderly hugging each other.

Height of the Iguazu Falls

The grandiose complex of the most powerful waterfall in the world is formed by 275 horseshoe-shaped cascades (comparison with the letter J is also common).

Some streams of water fall from a height of 82 meters, but most of them fall noisily from 60-70 meters. If the Iguazu Cascades were a single wall of water, they would be the widest waterfall in the world. However, today the largest, widest and highest at the same time is the African Victoria Falls.

Iguazu Falls in Brazil

The Brazilian park was founded in 1939 and covers an area of ​​185,000 hectares.

The starting point for exploring the parks from the Brazilian side is the city of Foz do Iguacu, although the parks are located so close to each other that many tourists prefer to settle in the Argentinean town of Puerto Iguacu, which has a more developed tourist infrastructure and a larger selection of economical hotels.

On the Brazilian side, at the entrance to the park, there is a helipad. A ten-minute pleasure to fly over the waterfalls will cost from $200.

From the main entrance to the beginning of the trail to the waterfalls, you can take buses running at intervals of about once every ten minutes.

The park is equipped with several viewing platforms, each of which offers completely different panoramas and its own special view of the waterfalls. Viewing platforms are conveniently connected to each other by wooden decks and bridges.

The route through the subtropical forest leads from the entrance to the first observation deck, where a bewitching sight awaits visitors - a magnificent ensemble of water cascades splashing right out of the jungle with a roar.

A huge amount of water falling from above, the untouched beauty of the tropics around, the noise of cascades, huge birds flying over the waterfalls - all these pictures can delight even the most inveterate skeptics.

Prices in Iguazu National Park in Brazil

For foreigners:

• Ticket for 1 adult - 70 BRL
• Ticket for 1 child (2 - 11 years old) - 11 BRL.

You can buy tickets online on the official website. When booked this way, the total ticket price for an adult with additional fees will be 76 BRL.

At the box office in the park itself on the Brazilian side, it is recommended to pay in Brazilian reals, not Argentine pesos, in order to avoid overpayments.

Panoramic view of the falls from the Brazilian side

Iguazu Falls in Argentina

The Argentinean park around the Iguazu Falls was created in 1934. Its area is 67 thousand hectares. At the same time, approximately 80% of all Iguazu cascades are located in Argentina.

The city and tourist center at the Iguazu Falls in Argentina is Puerto Iguazu, in the province of Misiones. Buses run regularly from the city to the observation decks, some hotels offer their own shuttle service.

The cost of visiting Iguazu Falls for an adult is 800 ARS.

Panorama of the Iguazu Falls from Argentina

Attractions Iguazu

Thrill-seekers can try the Macuco Safari, a daredevil ride on the Iguazu River, where daredevils rush right under the waterfalls in brightly colored rubber boats. One hundred percent adrenaline and a unique opportunity to get wet through under the waterfalls are provided.

Without a doubt, the main attraction of the park is the "Devil's Throat", the most replicated horseshoe-shaped Iguazu Falls, 82 meters high and 150 meters wide, which runs right in the middle of the border between Argentina and Brazil.

It will take approximately three hours to visit the main viewing platforms of the Iguazu National Park in Brazil. The remaining free time can be devoted to a pleasant walk through the Bird Park, which is located very close by. Thus, it is possible to combine visits to two parks in one day.

How to get to Iguazu Falls

The route to the waterfalls basically boils down to a trip or flight to Foz do Iguaçu on the Brazilian side or to Puerto Iguaçu on the Argentinean side. The third option is considered unsafe and therefore not touristy - this is the Paraguayan city of Ciudad del Este, which is located on the opposite side of the bridge from Brazil.

Travel and border crossing between Brazil and Argentina is very convenient. There are many buses between Foz do Iguacu, Puerto Iguacu and the two parks, and the border crossing pattern is clearly worked out by local employees, and the process does not take much time. Therefore, it does not make much difference where to be based - in the Brazilian Foz do Iguacu or in the Argentinean Puerto Iguacu. In any case, you can easily visit both parks: Russians do not need visas to Brazil and Argentina if the stay does not exceed 90 days.

Tours and excursions to Iguazu Falls are conducted from, as well as other cities in Brazil and Argentina.

From Rio de Janeiro to Iguazu

A direct flight to Foz do Iguaçu Airport takes only 2 hours and 10 minutes. There are also transfer options. The cost of the cheapest tickets is 280 BRL. For a direct flight - from 350 BRL.

From Buenos Aires to Iguazu

You can get from Buenos Aires by plane, a direct flight to Puerto Iguazu takes only 1 hour and 50 minutes. Ticket price - from 1700 ARS. Usually there are several flights a day, the direction is very popular.