Iguazú Falls

gdfgfdgfd

By Dr. Crit Minster

Approximately two hundred and forty thousand gallons of water passes over Iguazú falls every minute, passing through more than 250 separate waterfalls before falling 170 to 350 feet and crashing to the rocks below. The deafening roar can be heard for miles.

To the Guarani, the falls area was a spiritual place, and they named it Las Cataratas del Iguazú, or “Great Water.” As it falls and pounds the rocks, some of the water turns into a fine spray that rises in a cool plume over the falls area, dampening the miles of inconspicuous trails that line both the Brazilian and Argentine sides of the falls. Birds and insects flitter around a very special ecosystem where Iguazú launches constant mist into the surrounding vegetation. The souvenir vendors who hawk t-shirts and post cards keep a respectful difference, and the nearest Big Mac is in Buenos Aires. Small motorboats take visitors right to the roaring base of the falls, where they joyously shout to each other and come back as soaked as if they’d fallen in the river.

The most inspiring section of the falls is “The Devil’s Throat”, which is comprised of fourteen different falls that drop 350 feet to the rocks below, sending a plume of spray one hundred feet into the air. Between January to March is the rainy season and the falls becomes even more impressive. There are five star hotels on both the Argentine and Brazilian sides near the falls. These are convenient, but there are cheaper options nearby. There are small towns which service the area.

The falls area was formed ages ago when successive volcanic flows over the region formed. These volcanic layers erode at different rates, and the falls was formed where the water flows from a slowly eroding layer into one that erodes more easily. The falls are inching backwards as the water slowly erodes the upper layer of rock. Don’t worry: it’ll be a few more millennia before the river runs out of rock to erode.

Once you’ve finished gawking at the falls (which may take a while), you can visit the parks themselves, which are home to a number of animal and bird species. Iguazú National Park, in Argentina, was established in 1934 and covers 67,620 hectares. On the Brazilian side, the government has set aside 170,000 hectares as protected land. These parks have been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984 due to their beauty and biodiversity. There are many mammals, including five species of giant cat. There are also more than 450 species of birds in the area, including parrots, toucans and the rare great dusky swift.

Iguazú is considered one of the four most spectacular waterfalls in the world, along with Niagara Falls (United States of America), Angel Falls (Venezuela) and Victoria Falls (Zambia and Zimbabwe). Collect all four!

Places in Iguazú Falls

• Santa Fe
• Puerto Iguazú
• Buenos Aires

All Activities in Iguazú Falls

Top Rated Hotels

100% - 1 ratings

0% - 0 ratings

0% - 0 ratings

Top Rated Restaurants

83% - 2 ratings

75% - 2 ratings

0% - 0 ratings

Traveler Reviews of Iguazú Falls

Iguazu falls

Rating: 100%

When I went in April, the river was flooded due to rains and the falls were going strong. The majesty and power of the falls were amazing. I stayed at the hotel on the Argentinian side, on the grounds of the National Park, which was convenient to reach the trails, the falls and other attractions.

By V!VA User from USA, May 09, 2007

Great V!VA Travel Guides Books about Iguazú Falls

V!VA List Latin America, 333 Places and Experiences that People Love Packed with tales of travels from Tijuana to Tierra del Fuego, this compilation provides firsthand knowledge about places to visit, things to do, and where to stay, as well as insight into local cultures and customs. Get it from Amazon, Barnes&Noble or direct from V!VA. Download free chapters from this book. Download free Google Earth version chapters.

Buy the world's most up-to-date guidebook about Peru. Get it from Amazon or direct from V!VA. Or download free chapters from this book.