Iguazu Falls. Argentine and Brazilian parts. Iguazu Falls (Cataratas Iguasú). How to get, map, photo How to get from Buenos Aires to Iguazu

So, Iguazu. Perhaps the main attraction of Argentina after Buenos Aires. Its other sights are not so bright, although they are also mesmerizing. You will hardly surprise Russians with Patagonian glaciers and snow, and the mountains and salt lakes of Salta and Turuman, perhaps, are not for everybody. Buenos Aires is a dirty parody of European cities, but it is also fantastically cozy and beautiful. Therefore, therefore, Iguazu. There is no escape from him. These waterfalls are located on the border between Brazil and Argentina, the Argentine side is more interesting, it takes 5-6 hours. An hour and a half is enough for the Brazilian side. In addition, on the Argentine side, in addition to the park with waterfalls, there are many other interesting things, for example, the Guarani Indian villages, the park of three borders, or you can go to the ruins of the Jesuit city. You can get to the Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian Rio and San Paolo by plane. In this case, you will fly to the Brazilian side, to the city of Foz do Iguazu. Don't be confused, the Brazilian airport code is IGU. In Argentina, Igusa (airport code IGR) is flown from Salta and Buenos Aires. From it, a ticket costs 250-400 dollars (round trip). You can also come to Iguazu from Buenos Aires by bus of varying degrees of comfort, for 17 hours and $ 70-100 one way. To come to the Brazilian Iguazu from Rio and San Paolo is also theoretically possible, but buses go there sooooo rarely. Better leave this idea right away.

We fly up ... Look, you can see the most important waterfall - "Devil's Throat", smoke comes from it. The elongated building is the best and most expensive and most unique hotel in the area, the Belmond das Cataratas hotel. This is the only hotel I recommend filming on the Brazilian side. It is located in a park with waterfalls. By the way, there is also a 5 * Sheraton hotel on the Argentine side of the park. This is a monstrously bad hotel according to the reviews of all my tourists. And so, if there is not enough for Belmond, then you need to settle on the Argentine side. But more about hotels at the end of the report or.

Iguazu is a different planet than Buenos Aires. Another world. The city is located at a different latitude, and everything is different here, tropical animals, tropical insects, other people, more Indian type, and huge ants running on red earth

The city of Iguazu itself and the city can hardly be called. It is more of a village. Although there is also a main square, and even a decent shopping center Punto Iguazu, with several good restaurants. The city of Iguazu is very Latin American, it does not look like prim Buenos Aires and the south of the country, this is simple America Latina! But Argentina is good because the country is completely different: Iguazu, Buenos Aires, Cumbresita and Bariloche, Ushuaia, Salta - these are all completely different worlds. Traveling through them, you can get impressions from several different countries.

All the land in this region has a vigorous reddish brown color. All the dirt on the boots, on the cars, on the asphalt is reddish-brown.

Many people start their trip to Argentina with Iguazu. Tourists come here from the Brazilian Iguazu. And of course, tourists need to exchange dollars, because as you know, Argentina has a black dollar exchange rate. I recommend this black exchanger. It looks official because it is official. And by default, you will be offered an official rate there for a dollar. But if you ask for more in a muffled voice, they will give. Of course, this is a province and here you will not be given as much for a dollar as in the capital. But it is quite possible to change for a couple of days. It is better, of course, for these purposes to ask for help from the driver who will take you. More about chauffeurs. Black exchanger address: Av. Victoria Aguirre 564.

So, we enter the park. Here is a map of the Argentinean side of the park with waterfalls. When you click on it, it will open in a large size.

The park is open to visitors from 8 am to 6 pm. There is a mini train in the park that takes you to the Devil's throat. There are also 2 routes - the upper, short one, called Paseo Superior and the long lower one, Cirquito Inferior, which has access to boats, on which you can ride close to the waterfalls. This attraction is called Aventura Nautica, and it costs about $ 17 in dog equivalent at the black rate. There are many signs in the park, there are clear paths, so there can be no problems with orientation. The park has a good Fortin buffet restaurant for lunch.

Now I will arrange a virtual tour of this park for you. In the park, you will surely meet local shy and arrogant Coati animals. They usually beg for something tasty from tourists, or check trash cans. On the Argentine side, the urns were covered with lids. A hole was left on the Brazilian, into which not too fat Coati climb for prey.

Coati, despite their modest appearance, sometimes behave in a businesslike and arrogant manner with tourists, snatch food from their hands, and if a tourist with a plastic bag. this is a sure sign for the coati that there is food inside. They try to tear these bags with their fingernails, or simply snatch them out of the tourist's hands.

In the park, menacing signs are hung with photographs of terrible wounds, and angry coati and monkeys. This should warn the tourist against the danger that threatens him in the face of these cute animals. But I personally have never seen a coati bite someone other than each other.

Lives in the park and a flock of free walking monkeys.

Please take care of the starving monkeys and bring a bag of peanuts with you to the park.

We go deep into the park along the "Green Path" - Sendero Verde. In general, all routes in the park are clearly marked.

This trail runs through the ennobled jungle, and takes us to the Cataratas station. Here, on the territory of the park, a small open train runs along the narrow-gauge railway. And it has 3 stops: Estacion Central, Estacion Cataratas and Garganta del Diablo. You don't need the first and main station of Estacion Central. From the central entrance, you walk on foot and at Estacion Central turn right onto the Sendero Verde hiking trail. You need to go to the second, main station, Estacion Cataratas, from where 2 main walking routes start, and near this station is the Fortin restaurant. The Sendero Verde trail runs through a refined jungle, and it is there that you can meet monkeys. Walking is not long, you can of course travel this distance by train, but it will not be interesting and long, the train makes a circle.

So, we are at the Estacion Cataratas station. First, we will go to the Devil's throat, then we will return here, and we will follow the two main hiking routes, Paseo Superior and Cirquito Inferior. That is, this place is key. All major routes start from here. We are waiting for the train and watching a family of loitering coati.

Please pay attention to the turstka on the left side of the frame. She deliberately covered her face with a book so that the multimillion-dollar audience, reading my modest notes, would not see her. But if she had not covered her face, it would never have occurred to me or you to pay such close attention to her. Who is this? Why doesn't she want to show her face? These questions still remain unanswered ... I ask everyone who recognizes her to write in the comments, so we will find this woman, and finally show everyone!

We arrive at the Garganta del Diablo terminal station. Devil's Throat Station is the name of the main waterfall. The train does not go further, please free the cars.

On the iron bridges, we go to the very Devil's Throat, the largest of the local waterfalls, and one of the largest waterfalls in the world.

This area is home to a huge number of very beautiful butterflies.

And below, sea turtles are basking in the sun, also with butterflies, pay attention!

There she is, the Devil's Throat

On the other side - Brazil

The most unusual underwear inscription I've seen: "Thank you, MORE please."

We go back and get on the train.

We return to the same station from where we left, Estacion Cataratas - Station Waterfalls.

And we go to the "Upper Walk", Paseo Superior. Looking ahead, I will say that this route is the most beautiful of the entire Argentine park.

The views are amazing, and if you click on this photo, it will open in high resolution, just right for your desktop wallpaper.

This photo is also available in high resolution, just click on the picture.

We go through the entire Paseo Superior route, return to its beginning, and here is the beginning of another route. At the top level there were global, beautiful views, and now we go to the lower level, Paseo Inferior, and see what is there ...

This route is longer and more wooded.

The opposite bank of the river is already Brazil. Machine for extreme jumping down, year 2013.

This is it in 2014.

In June 2014, there was a flood on Iguazu. Due to the fact that the enterprises that are located along the Parana River at the same time opened the sluices, the water rose. It rose a dozen meters, broke many structures. Both the Argentinean and Brazilian sides suffered. And for months, many of the parks' routes were closed. But now, in 2015, everything works

This is visible on the Brazilian side, and the bridges over the waterfalls, which we will see closely in my story about the Brazilian part of the park

Cash register. Here you can buy tickets for boating under the waterfalls. Often this skiing is combined with other events, for example, Gran Aventura, Big Adventure. This is a swim close to the waterfalls, and cutting at high speed along the river, and then a trip through the jungle in trucks. But I don't recommend buying Gran Aventura. The swim to the waterfalls is very cool, the crossing along the turbulent river is also. But a ride in the back of the jungle is a rather boring, uninteresting and long event. Therefore, I recommend you the best option: Aventura Nautica. This is just a swim close to the waterfalls. You buy a ticket at this box office, it will cost about $ 20 in black and dog equivalent.

We bought a ticket, and we go downstairs to board. Go there for about 5 minutes. Before loading into boats, all people are given non-soaking bags to hide things there.

They still put on life jackets, and they all are filmed. With a double benefit: firstly, this video will then be offered to you to buy, and secondly, using such a video it is convenient to identify the victims.

In 2011, the waterfall covered the same boat, it turned over and 2 people died. They were dragged to the bottom by a strong pressure of water. Here you can watch a video of the rescue operation.

But in fact, everything is safe. The Argentines are very keen on everything, and the boat drivers are masters and virtuosos. For all the time, only two people died, although the boats were turned over several times.

Swimming under the waterfall, or rather swimming close to it, is the same as turning on the shower at full power and directing it to your face. All come out wet, and absolutely wet. It's still dry here, and I haven't filmed the swim. Because the shower, it's a pity for the camera, and they are not allowed for the safety and security of equipment. But even if I were shooting, nothing would be visible: there is a very strong breeze next to the waterfall, and everything is just white. Well, it's very hard to keep your eyes open because of the water pouring in them.

Kites are circling over the swim, waiting for dinner ...

In addition to swimming under the waterfalls, there are less extreme entertainment, you can just go boating to San Martin island. There he is, to the left

You can see the upper route, Paseo Superior, which we have already taken.

By the way, the conquistador-traveler who discovered the Iguazu Falls noted in his diary: "waterfalls are like waterfalls, nothing special."

It is forbidden to carry children on the shoulders. Because the tracks are slippery

The only hotel is located in the park. This is Sheraton. The hotel is disgusting, judging by the reviews of EVERYONE who have been there. The only plus of this hotel is that it is located inside the park. But you will not be able to take advantage of this advantage either: after 18:00 all routes will be closed, and you can only walk near the hotel. But, yes - waterfalls are visible from the windows.

In general, that's all with the Argentine park. We leave it, and go back to the city of Iguazu. There is one place there that is definitely worth a visit. This is the park "Three Borders" - Tres Fronteras. The thing is that in this place the borders of three states converge: Paraguay (left), Brazil (right) and Argentina (we are on it). These three states are divided by 2 rivers: Parana (the one that is wider) and Iguazu (the one that is closer to us)

Brazilian side.

This beautiful round house used to be a restaurant. But 7 years ago, the waters of the Parana River rose so much that they flooded and destroyed the restaurant. Since then, he has been standing in this form.

And just above the former restaurant there is a symbolic Brazilian border post.

This is the Argentine border post.

Well, this is Paraguayan

In general, this hotel has recently become inadequately expensive, remember that there are many similar ones nearby in the jungle.

This is how it is, the Argentinean city of Puerto Iguazu, and Parque Nacional Iguazu.

I can arrange for you, which will take you to the most important places of the Argentine and Brazilian side for 120-140 dollars a day

If you are going to Iguazu and want to stay in a comfortable and beautiful place, choose a hotel to your liking on the booking, and send me its address by e-mail. And I will advise you whether it is located in a good place, whether it is safe there, whether it is beautiful and whether it is far from there to get to interesting places.

In the last blog, I had almost all the interesting waterfalls in the world. But now you have to show you these wonderful places again. Moreover, many have confused this waterfall with Niagara. So let's go ...

Clickable

Iguazu Falls is one of the largest in the world and the most famous waterfalls... It is located approximately 24 kilometers from where the Iguazu River flows into Parana and is on the Argentina-Brazilian border. The opening panorama fills the audience with feelings of fear, delight and admiration for the perfection of nature. A visit to a waterfall and contact with wildlife, the spectacle of the waters awakens emotions that many hope to experience at least once in their lives.

Iguazu Falls in Brazil and Argentina, Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Zambia, and Niagara Falls in the US and Canada are the three largest waterfalls in the world. Iguazu is made up of 275 falls, more than 3 km wide and 80 m high, making it wider than Victoria Falls, taller than Niagara Falls, and more beautiful than either. The word "Iguazu" in the local language means "big water".

Iguazu Falls is a world landmark. The deepest part of the waterfall is called "Garganta do Diablo" or "Devil's Throat" or "Akuma no Nodobue".

Iguazu Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. The Iguazu River spews an average of 1,700 cubic meters of water per second, more than Niagara Falls and Victoria Falls combined ... Waterfalls are located both in cascades and streams.

Clickable

During the dry season, visitors can see two separate waterfalls in the shape of two crescents. Each crescent is 732 meters wide. During the dry season, there are fewer rainfalls and the water level in the Iguazu River decreases. Iguazu Falls receives less water, so it splits into two separate falls.

Clickable 2000 px

During the wet season, the two crescent moons come together to form one large waterfall approximately 4 kilometers wide. This is because there is more rainfall during the wet season, so more rainwater feeds the Iguazu River in northeastern Brazil.

The waterfall was discovered in 1541. by the Spanish conquistador Don Alvaro Nunez Caseso de Vaca, who went to the South American jungle in search of gold and adventure.

Iguazu Falls is one of the world's greatest attractions. Thousands of people from all over the world crowd every day on the footbridge built on the banks of the Iguazu River, just to get even a few more meters closer to Garganta to Diablo (Devil's Throat). It is the most terrifying and mysterious of all 275 waterfalls in the Iguazu Cascade - the largest group of waterfalls on the planet.

The waterfall is one of the most beautiful sights in nature at any time of the year. The beauty of its dancing streams changes with the volume of water in the Iguazu River. The average volume is 1.2 million cubic meters per second. When the river floods, this number triples. During dry seasons, thin streams wash over the rocks formed by numerous volcanic eruptions approximately 120 million years ago.

In the vicinity of Iguazu is located national park where visitors can view wildlife and vegetation. Boat excursions are available on the Parana and Iguazu rivers. People can also visit the Itaipu Dam, one of the largest hydroelectric power plants in the world.

Here's another good view of the observation deck.

Most of the waterfall is located on the Argentine side, but the best view is from the Brazilian side. Iguazu is the second most important tourist attraction in Brazil. It is located on the border of Brazil and Argentina at the confluence of the Parana and Iguazu rivers. The spectacular 80-meter drop in the waters is impressive in itself. But this is not only one, but as many as 275 interconnected waterfalls, forming a cascade of horseshoe-shaped streams of falling water. Like tropical birds flying high above, forming a rainbow in the spray and giving the waterfall incredible beauty.

The waterfall can be reached by land, air, or water. The hiking trail climbs up, passing through numerous observation platforms. At the end, the lift will take you to the top, where the souvenir shop and lookout point are located, to explore the upper plateau on the Iguazu River. There are also helicopter and boat excursions on the river. And all this splendor is located in the middle of wild nature. The Atlantic rainforest rises directly to the hotel buildings.

Over the years, the waterfall program has included all the new tourist activities. The choice is varied and offers adventure-filled ecological, scientific and cultural tourism. One of the most exciting trips is along the Iguazu River. Boats deliver groups of tourists to the very canyon of the waterfall. The thrill of driving under some of the falls is indescribable. Some tourists return to relive them for the second, third, fourth time.

The adventure is preceded by a drive in open jeeps through the Iguazu National Park. Bilingual guides explain the local fauna and flora to groups of visitors - during the trip, you can usually see lizards, birds and a large number of insects.

You can also admire the waterfalls from above from a helicopter. The flight lasting seven minutes provides a wider view of the entire panorama of the waterfall; together with the flight over the city and the Itaipu power station, this is approximately 35 minutes.

Clickable 1700 px

And here, by the way, is the observation deck of Niagara Falls, with which many have confused Iguazu.

Let's take a virtual tour of the surroundings from the Iguazu observation deck. Click on the pictures below and introduce ourselves in BRAZIL

Sources of
http: //images.yandex.ru
http: //vodopad.nm.ru

Every year, several million tourists come to see the main South American miracle of nature - 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 tourist groups and gained worldwide fame.

Where are the Iguazu Falls on the map?

The complex of Iguazu Falls 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 will notice 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 complex's waterfalls is located on Argentine territory. There are trekking trails, pedestrian crossings between various waterfalls and a large number of observation platforms.

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

Iguazu Falls: what is the best way to get there?

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

From Argentina to Puerto Iguazu

If you're in Argentina head to town Puerto Iguazu... It is the closest to the waterfalls locality... 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 just 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.

Most of the flights to Cataratas del Iguazu airport are operated by the Argentine flagship Aerolineas Argentinas and the Brazilian-Chilean airline LATAM. A one-way flight from Buenos Aires will cost about US $ 100. For budget travelers, since 2018, Argentina has launched flights of low-cost airlines FlyBondi and Andes Lineas Aereas and even Norwegian Norwegians, which can reach the waterfalls from $ 60 without luggage. However, 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 limits.

Unfortunately, Iguazu Airport is not connected in any way with the city via public transport... Therefore, if you have not ordered 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 it takes about 40 minutes along the highway to the main observation deck above the Devil's Throat. Every half hour from the central station of the city to the park with waterfalls there is a regular bus.

Foz do Iguacu / 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 Iguacu, including the large LATAM and low-cost airlines Gol and Azul, as well as Avianca Brasil. Air tickets to Iguazu Falls can be purchased from Campinas (Viracopos / Campinas International), Guarulhos (Aeroporto Internacional Guarulhos) and Congonhas International Airport - all airports are located in the São 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 if you fly with a low-cost airline, or about $ 100 for a full-service airline.

Between Puerto Iguazu and Foz do Iguacu

There are many buses between Argentine Puerto Iguazu and Brazilian Foz do Iguazu. They leave every 15 minutes, and the road takes no more than half an hour, not counting the border crossing.

Be careful! Locals 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 inform the driver that you need to go through border control. Otherwise, he may simply not stop at the border. Also, when leaving the bus, take a free ticket for the next bus on this route. Often, bus drivers continue their journey and do not wait for tourists at the border. In this case, you will need to take the next bus with this ticket.

The Iguazu Falls Cascade is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Basalt barriers and islets that withstand the onslaught of the Parana River separating 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 national parks with the same names - Iguazu.

The waterfalls were formed as a result of a volcanic eruption. Due to a powerful cataclysm in the earth's surface, a huge depression has formed, giving the world one of the most beautiful natural attractions. Fantastic views of the Iguazu cascades are familiar to many from cult films, such as "Godzilla", "Moon Rider", "Miami Police: Department of Morals" and many other famous films.

The first scientist who had a chance to personally study this unique landmark was the Spaniard de Vaca, it happened in 1541. In 1991, Brazil and Paraguay built the world's largest hydroelectric power 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 in Argentina, the most impressive views will open before you on the Brazilian side. Many of the falls have learned beautiful names, for example, "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 for up to 90 days without a visa, 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. A bright rainbow almost always shines over the basin.

Admire this spectacle in the national park on the Brazilian side. There are numerous facilities for tourists. observation decks... And the most courageous travelers in the Argentine park are invited to swim close to the waterfalls on 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 an excellent opportunity to admire the iridescent rainbow, it changes depending on the position of the sun, as well as the height of the water slide. During the full moon, when the air is filled with mist and light, the night rainbow is formed - a magnificent sight! Numerous islets are located between the falls, like partitions, connected by bridges. Walking along the bridges, you can get a good look at the cascading streams of water.

The large cascade of Iguazu Falls is divided into two national parks located on the border of Argentina and Brazil. Argentina National Park 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 1980s, 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 which are endangered species. The local fauna is diverse, there are dozens of species of butterflies and reptiles, as well as many mammals: coral snakes, cougars, Brazilian otters, martens, jaguars, and noses. There are also very rare birds, for example, the American swift, the Brazilian merganser and the large toucan.

Interesting Facts:

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

• 1978 was so dry that the falls were almost completely dry.

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

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

• Most excursions in the national parks include a visit to the world's largest hydroelectric power station, Itaipu, built on the Parana River.

Features of visiting the Iguazu Falls.

Do not try to hide from the splashing water behind umbrellas or under a raincoat, it is better to immediately put on a swimsuit or as light clothing as possible. At the entrance to 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 is a sufficient number of modern toilets, a variety of cafes and shops, snack bars and everything you need for a comfortable stay. There is an airport not far from the cascade, there are several large modern campgrounds, 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 are a fan of the extreme and ready for the thrill, try the local daredevil ride 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 Brazil-Argentina border. Watching how the foamy streams of water rush past you and fall into the abyss, you will get an indescribable sensation - this is akin to meditation, which at the same time relaxes and energizes. 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 are visiting the waterfalls on the Brazilian side, do not miss the opportunity to stroll through the unique bird park, home to the rarest species.

The best time to travel.

The Iguazu Falls are beautiful at any time of the year, you can go on a trip whenever you want. However, there are always 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 tolerate. However, there is less water in the dry season, so the falls look less impressive. In the rainy season, the opposite is true - the waterfalls are deep, the weather is treacherous, 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 fewest tourists visit the waterfalls in the period from July to October, as well as from February to April. The peak tourist season falls at the end of December during the Christmas break. In January and February, there are fewer travelers, but there are still a lot, because these months are the season of vacations and vacations. To see the full power of the falls, it is worth planning your trip between November and March. It is at this time that the river is most full-flowing, the whirlwinds of the spray increase at times, and a rainbow appears over the cascade every now and then. 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 attraction, you need to come to the city of Foz do Iguacu and take a bus that takes tourists to the park itself. Argentine 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 goes to the Argentinean side. If you want not only vivid impressions, but also great photos, visit the Brazilian side in the afternoon, and the Argentinean in the morning.

Things to help you on your excursion to the Iguazu Falls:

• Protective boxes for phone and camera. The technique 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.

• Food and water.

• Sunglasses, headwear, UV protection cream, mosquito 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 you are ready to spend, 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, you won't be able to get close to the waterfall here, you will have to admire it from afar.

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

Benefits of the Brazilian side:

• The overall view from Brazil's National Park is said to be the most spectacular and this is where the stunning photographs are taken.

• Only here you can visit a 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.

• When visiting Foz do Iguacu, you can visit the central bridge, where the best observation deck is located.

• Amazing boat excursions await you here.

Benefits of the Argentinean side:

• All fans of long walks have a great opportunity to walk through the jungle.

• Most of the waterfalls belong to Argentina, and it is here that a tourist can feel as if he is 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 can visit the world's largest hydroelectric power plant.

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

• After a busy excursion, do not rush to the hotel; numerous shows and performances are held on the territory of the park, where locals perform in national Argentine and Brazilian costumes.

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 up in front of the tourist. Both the Brazilian and Argentinean sides offer many hiking and boat excursions. But it will be possible to admire the cascade from a bird's eye view only in Brazil.

1. Helicopter excursion.

The best way to appreciate the scale of the falls and enjoy the magnificent views is by 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 explore the unique attraction and have an unforgettable helicopter flight experience. The trip is breathtaking, because this is the only way to see the entire cascade at once and understand why the largest waterfall of the Devil's Throat got such a name.

2. By motor boat.

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

3. Boat trip.

The boat excursion is worth ordering by visiting the Argentinean side. The walk begins in the center of the national park, and tourists will have to reach it by car along a huge canyon through the real jungle. Even before the start of the excursion, you will get vivid impressions. When choosing this option, prepare in advance for the trip, take care of the presence 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 quite enough to get indescribable emotions from the impressive views of the unique waterfalls.

As a result of a powerful volcanic eruption, which led to the appearance of a large crevice in the earth, Iguazu falls(port of Cataratas do Iguaçu). They spread 2.7 kilometers along the Iguazu River, 24 kilometers away. from the place of its confluence into. The waterfall, located on the border of () and (), divides the river into Upper and Lower Iguazu.

The falls are included in the list of phenomenal natural sites of the UNESCO World Heritage, being an integral part of the unique, practically untouched biosystem of the tropical jungle, protected by the Iguazu National Parks, Brazilian and Argentine, on both sides of the streams. On the Argentine side of the river, there are two-thirds of the cascades. Therefore, the view of the cascade from Brazil is much more impressive.

Photo gallery not opening? Go to the site version.

The greatness of one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world in all its grandeur is revealed in the rainy season (November - March), when the water flow of the river reaches 13 thousand m³ / sec.

The sources of which are located near the Atlantic coast of Brazil, to the south, flows in a westerly direction inland. The river in the area of ​​the waterfall has a width of almost 4 km, in all this width the stream rushes down from a grandiose semicircular cliff.

In fact, Iguazu is a complex of 275 waterfalls, some of which are over 80 meters high, and most of them are 60-70 meters.

The name Iguaçu in the Guarani language means “Big water”.

These waterfalls unfold in streams and cascades: some of them rush directly into the basin located 82 m lower, the rest break into groups of smaller streams formed by steps of solid rock, falling on which, the water turns into dense clouds of the smallest splashes. Sunlight completes the fantasy scene by creating sparkling rainbows.

The deepest part of the Iguazu system is ("Garganta del Diablo"), 82 m high and 150 m wide, shaped like a horseshoe. I. is the most beautiful and most convenient waterfall on the planet for tourists, it provides ideal conditions for viewing: standing at one point, you can contemplate all the cascades, having an overview of 260 degrees.

It is best to admire the unique view from the Brazilian side: 14 mighty streams falling from a height, the force of the fall of which is so powerful that the waterfall is always surrounded by a huge sparkling misty cloud. From the Argentine side, there are no less beautiful areas. Here, excursions are arranged along narrow bridges stretching directly above the current flowing into the Devil's Throat (in total, more than 2 km of bridges have been laid between the islands).

The waterfalls of San Martin, Bernabe Mendez and Bossetti are also quite remarkable. The multiple cascades of the system are separated from each other by islands scattered in the middle of the current. If they formed a continuous, single water wall, then it would be the widest waterfall in the world, ahead of South African Victoria with a continuous stream 1600 meters wide and 100 meters high.

Today Iguazu holds the record for the volume of falling water, averaging 1,700 m³ / sec of water, more than Victoria and Niagara Falls combined.

A bit of history

The discoverer of the waterfall is believed to be Don Alvaro Nunez Caseso de Vaca, the Spanish conquistador, who in 1541 set out in search of gold in the South American jungle. Having landed on the coast of what is now Brazil and advancing through the Brazilian Highlands to the west, hearing a dull distant rumble, a small detachment went to the waterfall. The cruel conqueror was incredibly impressed by the majestic natural phenomenon, giving him the name Salto de Santa Maria ("Saint Mary's Leap"). Although the name did not catch on, the name of don de Vac was immortalized on a stone slab near the Arayagaray cascade.

The Spanish-Portuguese colonialists were of little interest in natural beauty, they were driven to America by the thirst for profit, for several centuries they did not even remember about the grandiose waterfalls.

It was only in the 19th century that the waterfalls were discovered again by the explorer Boselli, whose name is one of the Argentinean cascades. Until 1864 they belonged, but Argentina and Brazil also claimed this territory. As a result of the military conflict - the bloodiest of all wars in American history, in 1864-1870, as a result of the forced territorial concessions of Paraguay, the southern bank of the Iguazu River was withdrawn to Argentina, and the northern bank to Brazil.