Background information about the most beautiful waterfalls of the world.
On the border of Argentina and Brazil falls the water of Foz do Iguaçu, one of the seven wonders of nature of the world. With more than 275 individual waterfalls this extraordinary waterfall system is the largest in the world. It spans about 2,7 kilometers and the sound of the falls are overwhelming. The number of waterfalls can vary during the year. In summer, when it is the rainy season, there is lots more water. It can increase to 7,5 times more than the rest of the year, from about 60.000 cubic feet per second to 450.000!
It has been said that when Eleanor Roosevelt visited the falls she said “poor Niagara”. And I don’t blame her. In full transparency I couldn’t find any information whatsoever if this really happened. However, the falls of Iguaçu are higher and much wider so it would surprise me if she really said it.
Short history and some interesting facts about the two parks
The name comes from the indigenous Tupu-Guarani language and means ‘great water’. The native tribes have used the falls for centuries as a sacred burial place. The falls were visited and as they say it, rediscovered by Spanish explorer Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca and his crew. They named the falls ‘Saltos de Santa Maria’. The name did not stick and I’m glad that it carries the indigenous name today.
The “Parque Nacional do Iguaçu” is the national park on the Brazilian side, in the state of Paraná¡. The park was founded in 1939 and covers an area of 1701 square km or 657 square miles. From the city center in Foz do Iguaçu it is 18 km or 11.8 miles to the entrance. From there you need to take a park bus in order to start the ‘trilha’ or the trail. From the Brazilian side you have a beautiful panoramic view onto the fall from the Argentinian side. When the sun shines on the waterfalls the droplets create a marvelous rainbow and sometimes multiple ones. If you don’t have a lot of time I definitely recommend going to this side because of the gorgeous views. You walk the trail towards the Devil’s throat which is very imposing. You can walk on the water walkway and see the falls up close.
“Parque Nacional Iguazu” is the name of the Iguazu National Park on the Argentinean side of the falls. This park was founded a bit later than the Brazilian side in 1934. We loved the park on this side a bit more because it is looked after very well and there was a lot of information (although most of it in Spanish) about the jaguar and other animals that live in the park. The views on the Brazilian side are panoramic but on this side you can come really close to the falls which are also very cool. There are multiple trails and they are all different and you can do more than one in one day. The park is about 677 square km or 261 square miles, so a lot smaller than the Brazilian side. The entrance to the park in Argentina is 17 km or 10.56 miles from Puerto Iguazu, the little border city. There are different routes you can walk and at the beginning there is a sign with all the information about the trails you can do.
Approximately 420 species of birds live in the two parks, around 70 different mammals, and some rare and endangered reptiles and amphibians.
How to get to the waterfalls?
There are multiple ways to get to the waterfalls. You can use public buses, transfers and taxis to get the park entrances. Because there is so much you need to think about I wrote a whole blog post about for you to read.
When should I go?
The best travel time to visit the Iguaçu waterfalls is from December to March. The river has significantly more water than during the rest of the year, making the waterfalls even more spectacular to see. Having said that, you can get a bit disappointed when you go to the Argentinian side during this time. When the falls are this large the walkway to Devil’s throat can be closed off. We happened to be there after a couple of weeks of rainfall and the walkway to Devil’s throat was under water! It can rain quite a lot in this area and on the day we went to the Argentinian side it did rain a bit. Usually it is very hot because of the tropical climate so we didn’t mind the rain too much.
What you can do in the park besides the trails?
Macuco adventure is really nice to add to your experience. First you will go through the forest and the guide will tell you a bit about the park, the trees, plants and about the animals that live here. Then you will change and get ready for the boat ride to the waterfalls. Read more about the practical things you need to know before visiting Foz do Iguaçu. The boat ride is really awesome and I definitely recommend it. You can also do a boat tour from the Argentinian side.
How much time do you need in Foz do Iguaçu?
I went twice and the first time I was there 3 day and the second time I went with a friend and we stayed 5 days in the area of Foz do Iguaçu. The day we came we first went to the landmark where the three countries, Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay meet. Marco das Três Fronteiras is a fun place to go to and we saw the dance show there. The second and third day we went to both parks. The fourth day we explored the Argentinian border town Puerto Iguazu and we went to a dinner and a show at Rafain Churrascaria. This is a bbq and buffet restaurant and it was delicious. The dances that were performed were from South America and it was really amazing to see. If you went to the landmark Três Fronteiras you might already have seen some of the dances that they perform here. (You can book this at most hotels and accommodations in the city.) The last day we went to the bird park Parque das Aves. The setup of the park is beautiful with lots of trees and on a hot day this is really lovely because of the shade. You will be able to see the birds up close and if you come during feeding time you will get a free concert too.
For the falls you need 2 days at least. I have seen some tours that offer both on one day but to have the full experience take one day for each park. And it depends on what you want to do, how many days you should add.
The waterfalls were absolutely stunning! We found the Argentine park to be well-designed, with fantastic trails that allowed for up-close views of the waterfalls. While the Brazilian side lacked some maintenance, the panoramic views were simply breathtaking! In addition to the waterfalls, we had a wonderful time at the bird park. However, there are plenty more activities to explore in and around Foz do Iguaçu.
Is Foz do Iguaçu accessible for wheelchair users?
Trails
There are parts where you can see the waterfalls but you will not be able to do the trails in both parks. You can contact the parks to see which parts you will be able to excess. The Devil’s throat on the Brazilian side is accessible but I’m not sure about the Argentinian side.
Café’s and restaurants
There are restaurants in both parks that you can exces. They are not always very roomy and some of the restaurants have seats that can’t be removed.
Public transport
The busses are not accessible for wheelchair users. The best way to go to the parks is to use a transfer. You can arrange them at your accommodation.
Toilets
Good, there are bathrooms for people in wheelchairs.
Items I love while traveling
Waterproof dry bags
These bags I use all the time for different things. I do my laundry in them, use them as a hamper or bring them with me to the swimming pool or beach. Easy to clean and multiple ways to use them.
Collapsible handheld fan
I don’t know about how you deal with heat but I need a bit of cooling down when I’m traveling. This easy (and cute) fan is my go to for when I am too hot. It can be charged with usb which is super practical.
Microfiber towel
Even when I go to a hotel I love to bring my microfiber towels. I use them for my hair, for when I go to a beach or swimming pool and I use them to get even more water out of my clothes after laundry.