Iguazú Falls – the power of nature on the border of Argentina and Brazil

Iguazú Falls, known in Spanish as Cataratas del Iguazú and in Portuguese as Cataratas do Iguaçu, is a majestic waterfall system located on the border of Argentina and Brazil. Situated on the river of the same name, Iguazú, the falls impress not only with their size but also with the spectacular surroundings of lush jungle. This extraordinary natural wonder, recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Where are iguazú falls? this place deserves a longer visit

Iguazú Falls lie within two national parks: the Argentine Iguazú National Park and the Brazilian Iguaçu National Park. The area encompasses over 275 cascades stretching across a distance of 2.7 kilometers. The most impressive of these is Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat), where water plunges from a height of 82 meters, making it taller than Niagara Falls. This site evokes incredible emotions, renowned for its breathtaking power and depth—the roar of falling water can be heard from approximately 20 kilometers away.

The Iguazú Falls were formed around 100 million years ago when magma eruptions created unique lava structures, and the Iguazú River began carving through the terrain, creating the waterfalls. The water flow varies with the seasons: the falls are most spectacular during the rainy season when water levels are immense. However, there have been exceptionally dry years, such as in 1978, when the falls were almost completely dry. But the impressive size of Iguazú Falls is just one of their many fascinating aspects.

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One of the captivating features of the falls is their surroundings. The Argentine side offers visitors the chance to get very close to individual cascades, while the Brazilian side provides panoramic views, allowing one to take in the entire waterfall system at once. Interestingly, the name Iguazú comes from the Guarani language and means “big water,” perfectly capturing the essence of this place where water seems to dominate and overwhelm everything in sight.

Iguazú Falls are undoubtedly a great natural masterpiece that astonishes all who visit. But there’s more! They have also become a cultural icon. Scenes from the 1986 film The Mission were filmed here. Moreover, the falls are part of a remarkable rainforest ecosystem that protects numerous species, including many endangered ones. This makes it a crucial area for South America’s biodiversity.

Seasonal water level changes in the Iguazú region

The ideal time to visit the falls is between March and June or August and October. During these months, water levels are stable, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the views, and temperatures are milder compared to the peak summer heat. During the rainy season, which occurs in January and February, the falls are at their most spectacular due to higher water flow, but heavy rains can limit visibility and access to certain attractions.

Iguazú Falls are considered among the most beautiful in the world. They amaze not only with their scale and power but also with the unique, pristine atmosphere of their surroundings, which form part of some of the most important nature reserves in South America. Iguazú captivates with its grandeur while delighting visitors with a spectacle of colors and sounds, providing undeniable evidence of nature’s power.