South & Central America

Iguazu Falls

Wider than the Victoria Falls and higher than Niagara, the Iguazu Falls are one of the natural world’s greatest wonders. The Iguazu River which divides Argentina from Brazil flows over a basalt plateau and then splits into many channels and islands before plunging in a series of dramatic falls, swirling cauldrons of spray and cascades such as the gargantuan Devils’ Throat.

The falls are situated inside the Iguassu National Park and were formed 150 million years ago and consist of 275 single falls, which merge into one large waterfront during times of flooding. There are 19 large falls, of which only 3 are to be found on the Brazilian side (Floriano, Deodoro and Benjamin Constant) and at the heart of the falls is Garganta do Diabo (Devil’s Throat). In terms of volume, Iguassu is also one of the world′s largest, pouring an average of 8,000m³ of water per second over the falls during the rainy season compared with Niagara′s 6,000 m³ per second.

The falls can be seen from both the Brazilian and Argentinean sides of the border and this is perfectly possible in the same day and highly recommended as it allows a different perspective of this extraordinary natural spectacle. The falls can also be seen very closely via a series of walkways, by boat, kayaking or helicopter. On the Brazilian side of the border there is an elevator going down to the base of the falls, stopping just above the level of the river.

January/February are the months when the river is normally high and therefore the full force of the falls can be seen, however this is also when the humidity and heat are high and the park can be very busy. Later in the year around September/October, the water level is down but the temperature is pleasant and there are usually fewer people.

The sheer scale of the falls is matched only by the Itaipu Dam, the world’s largest hydro-electric dam a short drive away, which is a most revealing experience.

Our preferred property is:

Hotel Das Cataratas