Iguazu National Park | (Official GANP Page)

About

Iguazu National Park is located in Argentina along the Iguazu River which creates a natural border between the country and Brazil. The national park encompasses an area of 261 square miles (677 sq km) and is a sister protected area on the Brazilian side known as Iguacu National Park.

The majority of the falls, approximately 80%, occur within Iguazu National Park. The majority of descriptions of the fall indicate there are 275 distinct separate drops, however, some believe there are some that are continuations of a drop and lessen the number to around 85 different drops.

Iguazu Falls stretch across a distance of 1.7 miles (2.7 km) with the highest drop occurring at Devil’s Throat that reaches a height of 269 feet (82 m). The Iguazu drops vary from 197 feet (60 m) to the 269 feet (82 m) drop at the canyon head where it is affectionately known as Devil’s Throat.

The multi-drop and tiered waterfall complex are characterized by a staircase rock formation created by layers of basalt. The staircase sizes vary from 115 to 131 feet (35-40 m) in height. Iguazu Falls have an average flow rate of 62,010 cubic feet per second (1,756 m³/s).

Iguazu National Park and the Iguazu Falls region feature a spectacular family of wildlife that unfortunately often rarely seen. Predator species include the jaguar, jaguarundi, and ocelot. Some intriguing endangered species include the giant otter and the giant anteater.

Toucan can be seen more easily on the Argentine side of Iguazu Falls; however, it takes some effort and patience because sightings are more common during the early morning hours just prior to sunrise. Sightings are still possible, but this timeframe offers the greatest probability.

The coati is similar looking to a raccoon type of creature. The good news is that this is fairly tame and is often experienced along the trails of the lower or upper falls trails. Butterflies are numerous near the location where the train ends on the way to Devil’s Throat.

Photos

Things to See

Iguazu Falls are the highlight attraction of Iguazu National Park. Since the majority of the falls occur on the Argentine side, there are more trails and varied views of the falls. The best way to experience the falls is by taking the various trails that provide postcard views of the falls.

Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls is the largest waterfall system in the world. Depending on the definition of a waterfall, there are either 85 or 275 individual waterfalls that are part of the larger Iguazu Falls system.

Iguazu Falls span 1.7 miles (2.7 km) along and over the border between Argentina and Brazil. Devil’s Throat that measures 269 feet (82 m) and is the tallest drop across all the falls. The various falls vary in height from 197 feet (60 m) to 269 feet (82 m). This highest point is locally called Garganta del Diablo, which translates as Devil’s Throat. The collective span is wider than Victoria Falls located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Iguazu Falls have an average flow rate of 62,010 cubic feet per second (1,756 m³/s). Niagara Falls on the border of Canada and the United States has a higher volume of water, but Iguazu Falls is wider and taller. Many would claim, that Iguazu Falls is the most beautiful waterfall in the world.

Moonbow

Each month during a 5-day window where there is a full moon, visitors are allowed to purchase a train trip up at night to see Devil’s Throat under the light of the moon. It is possible to see moonbows, which are rainbows created by the mist of the falls and the light of the moon.

Things To Do

Hiking amongst the falls is the primary activity of the national park, however there are other ways to engage Iguazu Falls and the rainforest that surrounds it.

Speed Boat Falls Tour

Enjoy a thrilling speed boat tour of the river below the falls. You will get to see the falls from a new perspective. Be ready, because your captain is going to drive you into the falls and you will get wet, or should we say soaked.

River Rafting

You can take a river rafting trip which starts near the falls and travels down the river between the canyon walls. Depending on the water levels, this can be a fun adventure.

Upper Falls Eco-Float Tour

After visiting Devil’s Throat, you can opt to take a float trip on the river above the falls. Your guide will take you in and out of islands allowing you to see different facets of nature along the way. This is a relaxing trip enjoying the river and forest.

Train to the Top

Take a train ride to the top of the falls where you can see directly into Devil’s Throat and the canyon below. You can also access other activities like a float trip on the river.

Iguazu National Park Trails

You can hike below the falls, on top of the falls, around the rainforest, and out to Devi’s Throat which is the highest point of the falls. Hiking allows you to experience up-close views of the falls as well as other postcard worth views.

Upper Falls Trail

The Upper Circuit is distinguished by trails sitting on top of the falls and looking out over the waterfall edges. The first lookout occurs at Mbigua Waterfall. Then the trail crosses the river to look out over San Martin Waterfall which is the second largest of the falls. The upper trail travels a distance of about 1-mile feet (1.6 km) and is a casual 2-hour excursion. Picturesque postcard views.

Lower Falls Trail

The Lower Circuit features a trail that meanders through the forest providing different views of the falls from below. The trail leads past a couple of postcard views and out to a platform at the base of San Martin Waterfall, which is the second largest of the falls.

Devil’s Throat Trail

Devil’s Throat trail starts with a train ride from the park entrance area up above the falls. Once the train arrives visitors will take a variegated iron walkway across the top of the river to a lookout station that provides views directly over Devil’s Throat and down into the canyon. The iron walkway travels a distance of 3,608 feet (1,100 m). The estimated time of the outing is about 2 hours.

Green Trail

This is a simple alternative route to the Train. It travels a distance of 2,148 feet (655 m). It is a walk through the rainforest which provides casual visitors with a chance to see birds, coati, and monkeys.

Macuco Trail

The trail travels a distance of 4.34 miles (6.98 km). The trail starts off fairly easily for most of the way, but it gets more challenging toward the end. The trail delivers hikers to the Arrechea Stream falls which has a height of 65.6 feet (20 m). The trail ends looking out over the canyon before returning back to the base. It takes most of the day to explore.

Park Protection

Iguazu Falls National Park protects the world’s largest waterfall complex and the surrounding rainforest habitat that supports jaguar, coati, toucan, and other wildlife species. Argentina teams with Brazil by establishing sister parks that protect both sides of the falls.

Sources

All Trails, Iguazu Falls National Park, https://www.alltrails.com/parks/argentina/misiones/iguazu-national-park, retrieved June 2020.
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Brazil.org, Iguazu Falls, https://www.brazil.org.za/iguazu-falls.html, retrieved September 2019.
Iguazu Falls, Argentina Side, https://iguazufalls.com/national-park/, retrieved September 2019.
IUCN World Heritage Outlook, Iguazu National Park, https://www.worldheritageoutlook.iucn.org/explore-sites/wdpaid/10901, retrieved September 2019.
Lonely Planet, Iguazu Falls, https://www.lonelyplanet.com/argentina/iguazu-falls, retrieved September 2019.
Travel Triangle, Iguazu National Park, https://traveltriangle.com/blog/iguazu-national-park/, retrieved September 2019.
UNESCO, Iguazu National Park, https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/303/, retrieved September 2019.