Visiting the Iguacu Falls / Iguassu Falls / Iguazu Falls

(Foz do Iguacu, Paraná, Brazil)

The principal reason that so many people choose to visit Foz do Iguacu, the famous Iguacu Falls lie on the border of Paraná, next to the Argentinean province of Misiones. These enormous waterfalls are nothing short of spectacular and divide the Iguacu River into two separate stretches, known as the Upper and Lower rivers, ultimately joining with the Parana River, just a short distance downstream from the enormous hydroelectric power generator that is the Itaipu Dam.

In total, the Iguacu Falls comprise some 275 individual waterfalls and stretch for 2.7 km / 1.7 miles, with the highest cascading more than 80 metres / 262 feet. The U-shaped Garganta do Diabo (Devil's Throat) is an especially dramatic sight and marks the Brazil / Argentina border.

General Information

Tourists are able to enjoy excellent views of the falls via a series of walkways and hiking trails through the Iguacu National Park, with strategically placed vantage points and observation decks surrounding tourists with waterfall panoramas of up to 260 degrees. These trails can be accessed from either Foz do Iguacu, Ciudad del Este (Paraguay) and Misiones (Argentina).

For an altogether different view, boats depart from the dock near to the Isla San Martin and cruise around the base of the falls, offering some superb photo opportunities. Waterproof bags for both passengers and their camera equipment are provided when required. Helicopter tours can also be arranged if money is no object.

Tourists are often interested to learn about the multitude of movies that have used the Iguacu Falls as a film location over the years. These include the James Bond classic Moonraker (1979) and more recently, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008).