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About

Iguacu National Park is located on the border of Argentina and Brazil and serves as the protected area for Iguassu Falls on the Brazil side of the falls. The national park encompasses an area of 660 square miles (1,700 sq km).

The trail along the canyon and falls, lookouts, and immediate rainforest along Iguassu Falls account for less than 1% of the Iguacu National Park protected area. This is the only area explored by visitors to Iguassu Falls.

Iguassu Falls is protected on the Argentina side by Iguazu National Park and collectively serves as the world’s largest waterfall system. There are 275 separate drops throughout the 1.7 miles (2.7 km) of falls.

The tallest point of the falls occurs at Devil’s Throat which stands at 269 feet (82 m) and is also the head of the shared border canyon. The falls range from the height at Devil’s Throat down to the shortest falls at 197 feet (60 m).

Iguacu National Park and the Iguassu Falls area are home to the giant otter and the giant anteater which are both endangered. Some of the other hoped-for wildlife sightings include jaguar, jaguarundi, ocelot, tapir, and toucans. Most visitors are fortunate to see the coati and an abundance of butterflies.

From the Brazilian side only, visitors can leverage a helicopter tour for one of the most stunning views of the falls from an aerial point of view. Additionally, there is a rappelling rope that drops straight down from an extended medal platform. This allows you to hang in the air and have a face to face view across the canyon toward the Argentina side of the falls.

The simplest way to experience the falls is to take the pathed trail along the canyon wall on the Brazilian side providing comprehensive views of the falls which occur on the Argentine side. There are lookouts along the way as well as a metal walkway out across the river that delivers up close and wet views of the falls.

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Iguacu National Park
Iguacu National Park
Iguacu National Park
Iguacu National Park
Iguacu National Park
Iguacu National Park
Iguacu National Park
Iguacu National Park
Iguacu National Park
Iguacu National Park
Iguacu National Park
Iguacu National Park
Iguacu National Park
Iguacu National Park
Iguacu National Park
Iguacu National Park
Iguacu National Park
Iguacu National Park
Iguacu National Park
Iguacu National Park
Iguacu National Park
Iguacu National Park
Iguacu National Park
Iguacu National Park
Iguacu National Park
Iguacu National Park
Iguacu National Park
Iguacu National Park
Iguacu National Park
Iguacu National Park
Iguacu National Park
Iguacu National Park
Iguacu National Park
Iguacu National Park
Iguacu National Park
Iguacu National Park
Iguacu National Park

Things to See

Iguassu Falls is without question the highlight of Iguacu National Park. The national park offers a variety of exciting ways of seeing and experiencing the falls with some activities increasing the sense of adventure.

Iguassu Falls

Iguassu Falls is a series of individual waterfalls that work together to create the largest waterfall complex in the world. There are a total of 275 separate drops throughout the 1.7 miles (2.7 km) of falls.  The majority of the falls occur over on the Argentina side whereas the most panoramic view occurs from the Brazilian side.

The highest point of Iguassu Falls occurs along the border at the end of of the canyon which is called Devil’s Throat.  At this point, the falls reach a height of 269 feet (82 m).  The Brazillian side only accounts for about 20% of the entire Iguassu Falls system.

Iguassu Falls is the internationally recognized name for the falls, however, the Spanish Iguazu Falls is more commonly used and searched.  This is also the name of the falls on the Argentina side.

Iguaçu Falls

Iguaçu Falls

Iguaçu Falls, one of the world’s most magnificent waterfalls, stretches across the border between Brazil and Argentina within Iguaçu National Park. This breathtaking natural wonder consists of 275 individual falls spread over nearly 1.7 miles (2.7 kilometers) along the Iguaçu River. The falls vary in height, with the tallest sections reaching up to 269 feet (82 meters).

The most iconic and powerful part of the falls is the Devil’s Throat—a massive U-shaped chasm that marks the border between the two countries. Here, water plunges with tremendous force, creating a thunderous roar and mist that rises high into the air, often forming vibrant rainbows on sunny days.

Surrounded by lush rainforest teeming with diverse wildlife, Iguaçu Falls offers visitors an immersive experience in one of South America’s most beautiful natural settings. The falls are accessible from both the Brazilian and Argentine sides, each providing unique perspectives. Elevated walkways, observation platforms, and trails bring visitors close to the cascades, allowing them to witness the incredible power and beauty of Iguaçu Falls up close.

Popular

Popular

Iguaçu National Park is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, thriving within its lush rainforest and near the iconic Iguaçu Falls. This biodiverse haven hosts a variety of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians adapted to the tropical environment.  Here are some of the more hopeful sightings:

Jaguars are South America’s largest wild cats, with powerful builds and striking spotted coats. Though elusive, they roam the dense jungle, hunting for prey.

Capybaras, the world’s largest rodents, are often seen by riversides near the water’s edge. They live in social groups and are commonly observed grazing.

Ocelots are agile wild cats with sleek coats and distinctive spots. They are smaller than jaguars and are known for their stealthy movements through the underbrush.

Giant Anteaters have long snouts and bushy tails and can be found foraging for ants and termites, using their keen sense of smell to locate food.

Tapirs, Brazil’s largest terrestrial mammals, are herbivores often spotted grazing on vegetation near water sources and play a crucial role in seed dispersal.

Howler Monkeys, known for their loud vocalizations, travel in groups through the forest canopy, adding a unique auditory experience to the park’s environment.

Caimans, small crocodilian reptiles, inhabit rivers and wetlands, often seen sunning themselves on riverbanks or swimming with only their eyes above water.

Green Iguanas are common along riverbanks and in trees, their striking green coloration making them easily visible as they bask in the sun or climb branches.

Coatis are curious and social animals with long, ringed tails. They are frequently observed scavenging along trails and in visitor areas, often in groups.

Bird Species

Bird Species

The rich ecosystems of Iguaçu National Park provide a sanctuary for numerous bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. The park’s diverse habitats, from dense rainforests to riverbanks, support a wide variety of birds, including some rare and endangered species.

Harpy Eagles, among the world’s largest eagles, have powerful talons and are seen in the rainforest canopy, preying on small mammals and birds.

Plush-Crested Jays are bright blue birds with distinctive crests, often spotted near visitor trails and known for their inquisitive behavior.

Toco Toucans have large orange beaks and can be found in treetops. They are easily recognizable and a favorite sight for visitors due to their unique appearance.

Blue-and-Yellow Macaws are iconic, brightly colored parrots often seen flying in pairs or flocks and heard throughout the park.

Great Dusky Swifts nest near the falls, using the cliffs and misty spray for protection, creating unique sightings close to the waterfalls.

Red-and-Green Macaws add vibrant color to the rainforest canopy, flying in pairs or small groups and feeding on fruits and nuts.

Black-Fronted Piping Guans are rare birds that forage in the lower canopy, recognizable by their black plumage and white throat patches.

Swallow-Tailed Hummingbirds are small, emerald-green birds seen darting among flowers, where they feed on nectar with remarkable agility.

Great Kiskadees are vocal birds with yellow plumage and distinctive calls, often seen in open areas and near water sources.

Jabiru Storks, large wading birds with long legs and distinctive red and black markings, are found near the park’s wetlands and marshy areas.

Accommodations

Hotel das Cataratas

Hotel das Cataratas

Things To Do

Where the Argentina side has the majority of trails around Iguassu Falls, the Brazilian side has the most activities.  Some activities are provided to get you outdoors to enjoy the habitat and others are to give you new and different perspectives of Iguassu Falls.

Helicopter Toor

One of the best ways to truly appreciate the magnitude of Iguassu Falls is to receive an aerial view from the comforts of a helicopter.  This birdseye view will leave you mesmerized by the impressive size of the falls.

Rappelling

Rappelling off a perfectly good platform is exhilarating enough for most people.  However, when you add a view of Iguassu Falls on the way down, it can’t get any better.

Kayaking

Kayaking on the river above Iguassu Falls is a wonderful way to discover the astounding size of the river that becomes the waterfall further downstream.  It also lets you see more of the rainforest.

Biking

For the most part, biking is an activity that you get to enjoy as you engage in some of the other activities. Biking through the forest is enchanting and exercise.  It is a great way to experience the forest surround Iguassu Falls. 

Rappelling

Rappelling in Iguaçu National Park offers adventure enthusiasts an exhilarating way to experience the park’s natural beauty from a unique perspective. Participants descend from a cliff overlooking the lush rainforest and can catch glimpses of the roaring Iguaçu Falls in the distance.

With safety equipment and guides on hand, rappelling is suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers. As you descend, the thrill of being surrounded by dense vegetation and the sounds of cascading water creates an unforgettable, adrenaline-filled experience.

Kayaking

Kayaking in Iguaçu National Park allows visitors to explore the Iguaçu River up close, navigating tranquil stretches and mild rapids amid the rich landscape. Guided by experts, kayakers journey through areas teeming with wildlife, offering unique opportunities to spot native birds and river creatures.

This peaceful yet adventurous activity provides a refreshing way to experience the park’s waterways, making it perfect for those wanting a closer connection to the park’s natural beauty.

Helicopter Tour

A helicopter tour over Iguaçu National Park gives travelers a breathtaking aerial view of the falls and surrounding rainforest. The bird’s-eye perspective offers unparalleled sights of the falls’ massive scale and the lush landscape that surrounds them.

The helicopter flight, operated by experienced pilots, allows passengers to photograph Iguaçu Falls from above, capturing views impossible to see from the ground. For a truly awe-inspiring experience, this tour provides a once-in-a-lifetime perspective on one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.

Biking

Biking through Iguaçu National Park is an excellent way to explore its scenic trails and get closer to nature at a relaxed pace. Cyclists follow well-maintained paths through the park’s vibrant rainforest, often leading to observation points with spectacular views of the falls.

Along the way, riders may encounter various wildlife and tropical flora, enriching the experience. Bike rentals and guided tours are available, making this an accessible, eco-friendly option to immerse oneself in the park’s incredible biodiversity and beauty.

Many people combine the biking tour with the kayaking tour for a more comprehensive experience of the tropical jungle region above the falls.

Rappelling

Rappelling in Iguaçu National Park offers adventure enthusiasts an exhilarating way to experience the park’s natural beauty from a unique perspective. Participants descend from a cliff overlooking the lush rainforest and can catch glimpses of the roaring Iguaçu Falls in the distance.

With safety equipment and guides on hand, rappelling is suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers. As you descend, the thrill of being surrounded by dense vegetation and the sounds of cascading water creates an unforgettable, adrenaline-filled experience.

Kayaking

Kayaking in Iguaçu National Park allows visitors to explore the Iguaçu River up close, navigating tranquil stretches and mild rapids amid the rich landscape. Guided by experts, kayakers journey through areas teeming with wildlife, offering unique opportunities to spot native birds and river creatures.

This peaceful yet adventurous activity provides a refreshing way to experience the park’s waterways, making it perfect for those wanting a closer connection to the park’s natural beauty.

Helicopter Tour

A helicopter tour over Iguaçu National Park gives travelers a breathtaking aerial view of the falls and surrounding rainforest. The bird’s-eye perspective offers unparalleled sights of the falls’ massive scale and the lush landscape that surrounds them.

The helicopter flight, operated by experienced pilots, allows passengers to photograph Iguaçu Falls from above, capturing views impossible to see from the ground. For a truly awe-inspiring experience, this tour provides a once-in-a-lifetime perspective on one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.

Biking

Biking through Iguaçu National Park is an excellent way to explore its scenic trails and get closer to nature at a relaxed pace. Cyclists follow well-maintained paths through the park’s vibrant rainforest, often leading to observation points with spectacular views of the falls.

Along the way, riders may encounter various wildlife and tropical flora, enriching the experience. Bike rentals and guided tours are available, making this an accessible, eco-friendly option to immerse oneself in the park’s incredible biodiversity and beauty.

Many people combine the biking tour with the kayaking tour for a more comprehensive experience of the tropical jungle region above the falls.

Iguacu National Park Trails

The majorit of hiking around Iguacu Falls occurs on the Argentina side, however, the hiking on the Brazilian side provides the most comprehensive views of the different parts of the waterfall system.

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Iguassu Falls Trail

The trailhead starts across the street from the Hotel das Cataratas. It is an easy paved trail with various changes in elevation that are accomplished by stairs or slight slopes. The trail is taken leisurely along the canyon of Iguassu Falls.  The trail covers a distance of 2 miles (3.22 km) with an elevation change of 347 feet (106 m).

The trail is a point-to-point hike allowing visitors to capture a second look at the falls as they return. The majority of the falls occur on the Argentine side, however, the Brazilian has the most comprehensive views.  

Iguacu National Park

Cataratas Trail

Distance: 0.9 miles (1.5 kilometers)

Elevation Gain: Minimal, approximately 65 feet (20 meters)

Description:
The Cataratas Trail in Iguaçu National Park on the Brazilian side offers breathtaking panoramic views of Iguaçu Falls. This 0.9-mile (1.5-kilometer) trail winds along the cliffs, providing visitors with stunning vantage points of the falls across the river.

As you walk through the lush rainforest, you’ll encounter observation decks that showcase the grandeur of the cascading water.

The trail culminates in a platform near the base of the falls, where visitors can feel the mist and experience the thunderous roar up close. The Cataratas Trail provides a memorable, immersive experience of one of the world’s natural wonders.

Iguacu National Park

Cataratas Trail

Distance: 0.9 miles (1.5 kilometers)

Elevation Gain: Minimal, approximately 65 feet (20 meters)

Description:
The Cataratas Trail in Iguaçu National Park on the Brazilian side offers breathtaking panoramic views of Iguaçu Falls. This 0.9-mile (1.5-kilometer) trail winds along the cliffs, providing visitors with stunning vantage points of the falls across the river.

As you walk through the lush rainforest, you’ll encounter observation decks that showcase the grandeur of the cascading water.

The trail culminates in a platform near the base of the falls, where visitors can feel the mist and experience the thunderous roar up close. The Cataratas Trail provides a memorable, immersive experience of one of the world’s natural wonders.

Park Protection

Iguacu National Park protects the Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls.  This is the world’s largest waterfall complex and Brazil and Argentina governments collaborate together to protect both sides of the falls.  Both are also protecting the surrounding pristine tropical rainforest which is home to species like the jaguar, the toucan, and many others.

FAQ’s

Where is Iguaçu National Park located?

Iguaçu National Park is situated in the state of Paraná, Brazil, along the border with Argentina. It encompasses a section of the Iguaçu River, which flows between Brazil and Argentina, creating one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls, Iguaçu Falls.

The park is part of a transboundary conservation area, with Argentina’s Iguazú National Park located on the opposite side of the river, together forming a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What is the closest city to Iguaçu National Park?

The closest city to Iguaçu National Park is Foz do Iguaçu, located in the state of Paraná, Brazil. This vibrant city lies just a few miles from the park entrance and serves as the primary gateway for visitors on the Brazilian side of the falls.

Foz do Iguaçu offers a range of accommodations, dining, and transportation options, making it an ideal base for exploring the park and the surrounding area.

What is the closest airport to Iguaçu National Park?

The nearest airport to Iguaçu National Park is Foz do Iguaçu/Cataratas International Airport (IGU).

Located about 9 miles (14 kilometers) from the park, this airport offers both domestic and limited international flights, primarily connecting from major Brazilian cities and neighboring countries.

It provides convenient access for visitors traveling to see Iguaçu Falls and explore the surrounding region.

How many falls does Iguaçu Falls have?

Iguaçu Falls consists of an impressive 275 individual waterfalls spanning nearly 1.7 miles (2.7 kilometers) along the Iguaçu River. The falls vary in height and width, with the tallest sections reaching around 269 feet (82 meters).

The most iconic and powerful of these is the Devil’s Throat, a massive U-shaped cataract that marks the border between Brazil and Argentina and creates a stunning spectacle of water, mist, and sound.

Where is Iguaçu National Park located?

Iguaçu National Park is situated in the state of Paraná, Brazil, along the border with Argentina. It encompasses a section of the Iguaçu River, which flows between Brazil and Argentina, creating one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls, Iguaçu Falls.

The park is part of a transboundary conservation area, with Argentina’s Iguazú National Park located on the opposite side of the river, together forming a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What is the closest city to Iguaçu National Park?

The closest city to Iguaçu National Park is Foz do Iguaçu, located in the state of Paraná, Brazil. This vibrant city lies just a few miles from the park entrance and serves as the primary gateway for visitors on the Brazilian side of the falls.

Foz do Iguaçu offers a range of accommodations, dining, and transportation options, making it an ideal base for exploring the park and the surrounding area.

What is the closest airport to Iguaçu National Park?

The nearest airport to Iguaçu National Park is Foz do Iguaçu/Cataratas International Airport (IGU).

Located about 9 miles (14 kilometers) from the park, this airport offers both domestic and limited international flights, primarily connecting from major Brazilian cities and neighboring countries.

It provides convenient access for visitors traveling to see Iguaçu Falls and explore the surrounding region.

How many falls does Iguaçu Falls have?

Iguaçu Falls consists of an impressive 275 individual waterfalls spanning nearly 1.7 miles (2.7 kilometers) along the Iguaçu River. The falls vary in height and width, with the tallest sections reaching around 269 feet (82 meters).

The most iconic and powerful of these is the Devil’s Throat, a massive U-shaped cataract that marks the border between Brazil and Argentina and creates a stunning spectacle of water, mist, and sound.

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