Iguazu Falls

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Introduction

Iguazu Falls

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These amazing and famous waterfalls are truly one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Bordering Brazil and Argentina, the Iguazu Falls comprise of 275 waterfalls which cascade along the cliff edges for some 2700 metres, falling from heights of up to 80 metres.

The falls can be viewed from both Brazil and Argentina, however with more than 70% of the falls located within Argentina, visitors are advised to allow more time on the Argentinean side to appreciate this spectacular sight. Wilst the Argentinean side of the falls allows you get "up close and personal", the Brazillian side offers spectacular panoramic views.

The falls are jointly located in the Iguazú National Park (Argentina) and the Iguaçu National Park (Brazil) and were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 and 1986.

The biggest attraction at the falls is Devil's Throat, right at the top of the cliffs 70 to 80 metres above the river. Here the largest volume of water passes with a strong and impressive roar that can be heard several miles away. Stroll the 2.2 km dirt track and then walk along the board walk over the swollen river to view this part of the falls from only a metre or two away. There is also a free passenger train from the lower part of the falls to reach the board walk.

Opening Hours

The Brazilian side of the falls opens daily at 9:00 am and closes at 5:00 pm during the winter and 6:00 pm in the summer. The Argentinean side can be visited between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm.

Cost

An entry fee is payable on both the Brazilian and Argentinean side of the falls upon entering the National Park.

Getting There

Lots of private tour companies offer transport to and from the falls, or alternatively both the Brazilian and Argentinean public bus system offer stops at the falls.

By Air

The airport at Foz do Iguaçu is served by flights from Curitiba, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. The falls are located approximately 4 km from the airport.
Cataratas del Iguazu airport (IGR) has flights to and from Buenos Aires multiple times a day.

By Bus

Local buses run from Foz do Iguaçu city to the falls on a regular schedule. Buses cost 1.85 reals and run every 20 minutes from Centro. The bus terminus on Avenida Juscelino Kubitschek has a Tourist Information Office where they speak excellent English.

From Sao Paulo to Iguassu will cost approximately USD $79.00 leito (sleeper bus - Pluma). Conventional or executive buses will cost approximately US$49. Travel time - 16 hours. From Sao Paulo, buses normally depart in the evening and arrive the next morning.

If you are planning to come to the Iguazu Falls by bus from Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo, try to take an Argentinean bus as they are more comfortable and have more legroom.

Frequent bus connections from Puerto Iguazu exist to and from Buenos Aires (18 hours), Cordoba (Argentina) (23 hours), Corrientes (9 hours), Posadas (5 hours) and San Ignacio (4 hours). Many more cities are served though, just ask around. Buses also go to Foz do Iguacu in Brazil and Ciudad del Este in Paraguay.

By Car

Taxis from the center of the city to the falls should cost around 40-50 reals.

By Train

By Car

By Boat

Eat

Drink

Sleep

There are possibilities of staying very near to the falls, but those are generally expensive upmarket hotels. It's better to stay in either Foz do Iguacu on the Brazilian side or (much better) the Argentinian town of Puerto Iguazu, which might be smaller than Foz, but is a great place to stay with less problems regarding safety. Here you will find a list of most budget accommodation in Puerto Iguazu, Argentina.

Budget

Mid-Range

Upscale