2 min summary When to go Map & highlights Things to do Rio De Janeiro Iguazu Falls Pantanal Amazon Rainforest Paraty & Ilha Grande Families Advice Responsible tourism

Iguazu Falls

The Iguazú Falls span the frontier between Argentina and Brazil, and what a frontier it is. This is the largest waterfall system on the planet, a ceaseless spectacle of foaming river plunging over hundreds of cascades, surrounded by tropical rainforest. This is one of the most sought after visitor destinations in Brazil, and surely among the most unforgettable.

Home\South America\Brazil

Iguazú Falls in Argentina

Multi-country overland South America holidays, especially those focusing on Argentina and Brazil, will often cross the border at the Iguazú Falls, just a two hour flight from Rio de Janeiro or from Buenos Aires. As an introduction to Brazil, you could hardly hope for a canvas more dramatic in scale or spectacle than this majestic natural marvel.

This is the largest falls in South America, the result of a volcanic eruption, although local legend has it that the horseshoe-shaped canyon was cleaved by a furious deity, spurned by the girl he loved. If true, he must have been pretty angry, because the Iguazú Falls are simply colossal. The falls is actually a cluster of cascades, over 270 in total, and some of them up to 80m in height. The main action happens at the Devil’s Throat, a long and narrow chasm down which about half of the turbulent Iguazú River’s flow hurtles, throwing up dense clouds of vapour.

See all our Brazil Holidays

Give us a call

Our Brazil Holidays

‘Poor Niagara’

It is said that when the then First Lady of the United States, Eleanor Roosevelt, first laid eyes upon the Iguazú Falls, she was heard to say “My poor Niagara!” And really, who could blame her for feeling that the iconic American falls would pale in comparison to this phenomenal sight, which is taller and twice the width, and where the landscape seems to be reshaped every day depending on the river volume and speed, or the weather conditions. If you’re prepared to deal with the rain, the falls is at its most impressive during the wet season between December and February, but unlike Victoria Falls, say, which can thin to a trickle at certain times of year, Iguazú is spectacular all year round.

If you hope to catch the famous rainbow over Devil’s Throat in your viewfinder then your best bet is to admire it from the Brazilian side where you can capture the full sweep. Keep an eye out also for the tiny swifts ducking in and out of the falls – they nest behind the tumbling curtain of water to stay safe from predators. The Argentinean side offers a closer – and wetter – view with boat rides to the base of the falls.

Travel Team

If you'd like to chat about Brazil or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.

01273 823 700

Calling us from outside the UK?

rosy@responsibletravel.com

01273 823 700

Calling us from outside the UK?

rosy@responsibletravel.com

Activities around Iguazú Falls

Foz do Iguaçu is the gateway to the falls in Brazil, with Puerto Iguazu its Argentinean counterpart. Many itineraries will spend a day or so in the area as there are so many (usually optional) activities available, and many of them can be booked from either city.

You might take a thrilling Zodiac jet boat right up to the base of the falls, for a good soaking from the spray, take a scenic stroll along the boardwalks, or get your airborne kicks with a helicopter sightseeing flight which ensures sensational bird’s eye panoramas. On both sides of the falls there are walking trails that pass a series of stunning viewpoints and on the Brazilian side, one trail culminates in the heart of the Devil’s Throat itself, a deafening and overwhelming experience.

Other popular activities at the Iguazú Falls include touring the vast Itaipu dam, which amazingly provides almost half the hydroelectric power needs of Argentina and Brazil combined. Or you can head into the subtropical national park that surrounds the Iguazú Falls, home to tree climbing coatis, 200 species of bird and around 2,000 species of plant.

The 1986 film The Mission brought to the screen the fate of indigenous Guarani communities that have lived in this area for thousands of years. The Guarani attribute great spiritual significance to the falls, believing they can hear the sounds of ancient battles in the water. Very few of these communities still exist but some travel providers do arrange visits, where you can learn about their ways of life and of course share a traditional cup of mate, which is boiling water poured over yerba leaves.

Iguassu falls was extraordinary… and the boat ride both terrifying and exhilarating... a must!

– Maria Lawford on a Brazil highlights holiday

More about Brazil

Best time to visit Brazil

The best time to visit Brazil may well be swayed by the carnival in Rio or temperature & rainfall with the Pantanal and Manaus both experiencing varying conditions as displayed in our easy to use chart.

Brazil travel guide

Find out more about what we rate & what we don’t as you samba your way through our comprehensive Brazil travel guide, leaving no stone unturned when it comes to how to travel like a local.

Brazil highlights

Reading up on travel times in Brazil as well as classic highlights & itineraries is always a great idea before travelling and our interactive Brazil map is an equally advisable option.

Things to do in Brazil

Explore Rio de Janeiro, go wildlife crazy in the Pantanal, cruise the Amazon or get soaked at the Iguazu Falls, things to do in Brazil never cease to amaze, enthrall and inspire in equal measure.

Amazon rainforest tours in Brazil

Journey into mysterious parts of the Amazon rainforest, usually travelling by boat, to explore complex, beautiful ecosystems with naturalist guides and discover the planet’s richest store of biodiversity.

Things to see & do in the Pantanal

The open marshland of the Pantanal wildlife reserve is unquestionably the best place for wildlife-spotting in Brazil, with an astonishing variety of flora and fauna to see here, including the elusive jaguars.

Things to see & do in Paraty & Ilha Grande

Situated on Brazil’s gorgeous Emerald Coast, Paraty is a popular destination for a laidback getaway, home to over 100 beautiful beaches and waters teeming with marine life from whales to penguins.

Rio Carnival

The Rio Carnival, held every year in the week before Lent, is the world’s biggest party, with millions of revellers taking to the streets to watch as flamboyant dancers parade alongside floats and bands.

Things to see & do in Rio de Janeiro

Home to iconic landmarks such as the Christ the Redeemer statue, world famous beaches and a legendary nightlife scene that pulsates with rhythm, Rio de Janeiro is Brazil’s most popular visitor destination.

Travelling in Brazil with kids

Discover activities for families in Brazil and what to do with little ones from experts like Guy Marks and Anna Scrivens who have been travelling in Brazil with kids and would happily return and do it all over again.

Brazil travel advice

This page is packed full of Brazil travel advice and tips from our friends in Brazil so all you have to do is sit back and read all about it as you find out how to travel safely in Brazil.

Responsible tourism in Brazil

Responsible tourism in Brazil concerns the important issues affecting the environment, culture and the people living in the favelas within Brazil’s inner cities, and what you can do to travel better in Brazil.