The Spectacular Iguazu Waterfalls

Simply breathtaking - the incredible dimensions of the Iguazu Falls will leave you speechless! Such a view is unmatched anywhere else in the world, so you must embark on a journey to experience the beauty of the waterfalls with your own eyes!

The Iguazu Falls, located on the border between the Brazilian state of Paraná and the Argentine province of Misiones, offer a natural spectacle of a unique kind. Here, thundering torrents of water plunge over green slopes, colorful rainbows form in the fine mist of the spray - a sight that looks like it's straight out of a fantasy film. The Iguazu Falls will surely leave you as speechless as they left us. Witnessing them live for the first time is an indescribable feeling. We've brought you some tips from our recent trip to South America for your visit to the Iguazu waterfalls.

Due to their location, the waterfalls have two different names: in Portuguese, they are called Cataratas do Iguaçu, and in Spanish, they are called Cataratas del Iguazú. In this article, we will use their English name - Iguazu Falls. Spanning a width of 2.7 kilometers, they consist of a total of 20 major falls and 255 smaller ones, separated by many small islands. The waterfalls range in height from 60 to 82 meters. For comparison: the Niagara Falls are 'only' up to 34 meters high.

In Brazil and Argentina, the Iguazu Falls are part of protected national parks, the Iguazú National Park and the Iguaçu National Park, which have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The Iguazu Falls can be visited from both countries. Most of the waterfalls lie within Argentine territory, so from the Brazilian side, you get the best overview of a unique panorama and the main attraction, the Garganta del Diablo (translated: Devil's Throat). From Argentina, you can experience this highlight up close on a viewing path. But beware: If the waterfalls are flowing with a lot of water, such an excursion can also become a wet adventure.

Ready, set, go!

Currently, a visit to the Iguazu Falls is particularly worthwhile because, due to heavy rainfall, even more gigantic torrents of water are pouring down. Simply impressive!

Additionally, there are other marked paths where you can view the smaller waterfalls. If you wish to admire the waterfalls up close, you can book a boat tour that gets you as close to the Iguazu Falls as possible. On a sunny day, don't miss out on a trip to San Martin Island, including a swim in one of the smaller waterfalls. If you have limited time, we recommend visiting the national park on the Brazilian side; it is significantly smaller than the Argentine national park. For entrance on the Brazilian side, you'll pay about 16€, and you can even order tickets online in advance.

The Iguazu Falls are no longer a hidden gem, as they attract millions of visitors each year. Especially during the peak season from November to March, you will have to share the sight with many other vacationers. But the large influx also has its advantages: the region's infrastructure is very well-developed, making your travel significantly easier and more cost-effective.

Most visitors stay in the nearby cities, the Brazilian Foz do Iguaçu and the Argentine Puerto Iguazú. From there, buses will take you to the waterfalls. Both cities have their own airports, which connect to all major domestic airports. Additionally, keep in mind that you shouldn't forget your passport if you plan to move between the two countries.

We hope our mission has succeeded in bringing the unparalleled beauty of the Iguazu Falls a little closer to you. Perhaps we've even inspired you to plan a longer South America tour to see this and other wonders of nature with your own eyes? In our travel magazine, we have compiled unique travel reports and tips to assist you in planning your trip. Adventure awaits!