Iguazu Falls: Taller than Niagara

Lady Eleanor Roosevelt uttered “The Poor Niagara!” upon the first look at the Iguazu Falls. So, those who think that nothing can beat Niagara, for them, I would say, think once again! Taller than the Niagara are these incredible falls that span 3 km on the rim between Argentina and Brazil. In addition, even the width is four times more because of more than 200 cascades that render the horseshoe shape covering two miles.

Emerged as the result of a volcanic explosion, the water plunges from 553 cubic feet until 265 feet down amidst the tropical backdrop, which adds to the majesty of Iguazu. Geographically, the Iguazu Falls is situated in a virgin forest that is obviously a reserved area that is looked after by the national parks of both Brazil as well as Argentina that divide the falls into two sides. However, among the two, it is the Argentinian side that supports a major area of the falls. And yes, it is here that the Iguazú National Park resides, which is famous for its bird watching as well as hiking activities. You can literally spend here one full day for spotting the diverse flora as well as fauna.

When you will spot the Iguazu Falls, you will be marveled at its overwhelming vista – thanks to the split up in different falls via the atolls of which the Devil’s Throat is most popular situated at a great height over the falls. Some more notable divisions are the Bossetti, Bernabe Mendez, and San Martin. Most of the visitors come from the Brazilian side to explore the majestic Devil’s Throat, the side from where it is best viewed. At this islet, 14 cascades plunge 350 feet down and make a big noise while forming a 100-foot spray plume over. Now, with all these conditions, a rainbow has to be there, which is mostly seen during the rainy season from December to February. To see this closely, stroll through the park’s subtropical jungle and bet at the Salto Floriano’s base from where a lift will lead you up at the falls. If this is not your choice and that you want to be a bit adventurous, I recommend ambling over the plunges at the Salto Union.

Are you coming from the Argentinian side? Well, a plethora of catwalks await you while reaching the Devil’s Gorge and that you are also given the safeguarding rain suits. Swimming here is only possible in some spots only and that too under the splatter of the falls. To know about these spots, ask the locals and yes, beware of the parasites! Next, get ready to see the confluence of the Iguazu and the Parana rivers as well as the borders of the Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina as you move downstream from the falls. Here, each nation is represented by a landmark revealing the national color.

In all, three ways exist to reach up to the falls: Puerto Iguazú from the Argentinian side, the Brazilian Foz do Iguaçu, or from Ciudad del Este in Paraguay. From the Brazilian side, you can enjoy the panoramic vista along with the helicopter rides; while from the Argentinian side, people love the close vista of the falls. Further, from the Brazil side, many explore the stretched trail along the canyon that ends at the lower base of the Devil’s Throat; whereas the Argentinian side has the Rainforest Ecological Train on offer, which halts at many walkways of which the 1 km Paseo Garganta del Diablo directly leads one over the Devil’s Throat. On the other hand, the rest of the walkways leads one to the other expanses on the Argentinian side including the to the ferry service center for reaching the islet of San Martin.

Boat rides to falls

Yes

Best time to visit

Spring and fall – Never come here in summer because of the too hot days; even winters are not suitable because the water level is very low, which will not offer you the strike of thunder.

Stay options are many on both the sides. Look out for a tour agency that offer sightseeing in and around the area.
Best time for photography

Morning
Recommended time to be spend

2 days

Reaching the Iguazu Falls

Between the park and town, the airport at Foz do Iguaçu offers a taxi to the park at a cost of 15$ to 17$ for covering 20 km. Alternatively, you can also catch bus 120. Once you are in the park, there are buses that take you on a free tour.

Timings

9 am to 5:30 pm.