Iguazu Falls

KarlH's picture

Location

Puerto Iguazu
Argentina
25° 41' 12.012" S, 54° 26' 40.992" W
AR
General info: 

Iguazu Falls, in Iguazu River, are one of the world’s largest waterfalls. Experiencing the incredible power and noise of the falls and cascades is simply a jaw dropping experience. These falls have got to be one of our planet’s most awe-inspiring natural sights.

The falls lie split between Brazil and Argentina surrounded by rainforest with unique flora and fauna. 275 falls collectively make up Iguassu Falls, with the “Devil’s Throat” being the tallest at 80 m in height. The average flow of these falls scattered in a horseshoe is an imposing 1000 cubic meters per second.

The name private://Iguazuprivate:// comes from the Guarani or Tupi words private://yprivate://, meaning private://waterprivate://, and private://ûasú, meaning private://bigprivate://. Legend has it that a deity planned to marry a beautiful woman named Naipí, who fled with her mortal lover Tarobá in a canoe. In a rage, the deity sliced the river, creating the waterfalls and condemning the lovers to an eternal fall.

Getting there: 

You can enter the falls from the Argentinian or Brazilian side. Note that the park generally closes after 6pm and doesn't open until 8am.

FROM ARGENTINA:
Closest town with airport is Puerto Iguazú (Aeropuerto Internacional Puerto Iguazú). If you are staying in a hotel, they most likely will have contacts to tour operators that can arrange you to see the falls. If you want to go on your own, you can take a taxi to the the visitor center in the National Park. From there, you can catch a short in-park train ride or walk to get up to Iguazu Falls. However, if you happen to stay at the Sheraton Iguazú, you can just walk for about 15 minutes from the hotel to the falls.

FROM BRAZIL:
Closest town with airport is Foz do Iguassu (Aeroporto Internacional Foz do Iguacu). If you are staying in a hotel, they most likely will have contacts to tour operators that can arrange you to see the falls. If you want to go on your own, you can take a taxi. However, if you happen to stay at the Hotel Tropical Iguassu Falls, you are right next to the falls already.

If you happen to be in Paraguay, close to the border, it is easy to go to the Brazilian or Argentinian side to see the falls. Ciudad del Este is a quick trip from Foz de Iguacu, Brazil, either by bus or ferry. Ciudad del Este is the second-largest city in Paraguay and a good option for cheaper shopping and accommodation.

If you are crossing borders in Brazil, note the border crossing policies in Brazil. They will make it equally difficult for you to get to their country as they will have getting to your country. So for example because US requires visa from Brazilian citizens, the US citizens need a visa and a payment of $160 to get to the country. EU citizens on the other hand can go without visa or any fee.

Costs: 

The entrance fees (2014):

From Argentina: 215 AR$
From Brazil: 53 R$

There are also several tour operators arranging tours in the area. For example a full day trip to see the falls from Brazilian and Argentinian side is around 50€ or $65.

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