Iguazu Falls - one of 7 natural wonders Sveta. And this is not only a title obtained in the course of voting from 2007 to 2011, organized by a Swiss non-profit organization, but very, very close to the truth. There are many versions and reviews of which waterfalls can compete with Iguazu, the same Angel in Venezuela, Victoria Falls in Africa, Niagara Falls in the USA / Canada and Kaieteur Falls in Guyana. Angel Falls is the highest waterfall in the world, and Victoria is very impressive. Nevertheless, it was Iguazu Falls that became the best and there are several reasons for this:

1. Iguazu Falls are very large and are located on the territory of 2 countries: on the border of Brazil and Argentina.

Iguazu Falls are located on the territory of two countries: in Brazil (pictured right) and Argentina (pictured left)

2. Very picturesque trails have been laid to the falls, some of which come very close to the streams of water, especially on the Brazilian side.

3. Devil's Throat on the Argentinean side - this is one of the most powerful experiences of 2 days at the falls.

Devil's Throat - main waterfall Iguazu in Argentina

4. Visiting waterfalls is affordable for hundreds of thousands of people around the world. Of the central cities of Brazil and Argentina, there are relatively cheap flights to the waterfalls. Everyone can visit the waterfalls!

5. On the territory of the waterfalls there is a large number of animals, including the terribly cute, but treacherous coati from the genus nosuha, which makes visiting the waterfalls a special charm and unity with nature.

Coati in Argentina

Coati - mammals from the genus nosoha

Lovely coati from the genus nosuh - the stars of the waterfalls

Crested plush jay is a very talkative and beautiful bird of the Iguazu Falls

Typical Iguazu butterfly

The most beautiful butterfly of the Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls in Brazil

If you are traveling from Brazil, for example, from Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo, then it is definitely more convenient to visit the Brazilian side of the falls first. Inspection of the complex of waterfalls takes no more than 2 hours, even if you try hard and walk very slowly and take pictures at each observation deck. On the outskirts of the central platform you will be greeted by a couple of grandiose views and a few pretty coatis (nosuha).

The entire trail is no more than 900 meters and will take 20-25 minutes. The short length of the trail pays off with the last 100 meters under the spray of a raging stream, the contemplation of a double rainbow and stunning views. A large number of butterflies fly around and surround you, adding some kind of magical atmosphere. The point, of course, is not magic, but the fact that butterflies really like the sun and high humidity due to the proximity of the waterfall. All this creates some very pleasant atmosphere of a holiday and a happy moment.

Iguazu butterflies

Iguazu butterflies

The Brazilian side of the waterfalls impressed us very much and left an indelible impression. On top of that, 500 meters from the waterfalls there is a Tropical Birds Park, but we didn’t get into it, because. it closes very early, around 4:30 pm. Having shown ingenuity, we nevertheless looked into it with one eye, photographing pink flamingos and several other beautiful birds. Of course, it is much more pleasant to watch flamingos live, somehow in the Uyuni Salt Desert in Bolivia, but here you can get very close to them. By the way, the cost of visiting the Bird Park is 45 real, so we will assume that we saved 90 real.

Flamingos at Iguazu Bird Park

Bird park in Iguazu

Iguazu Falls in Argentina

The Argentine part of the waterfalls is much longer than the Brazilian part and for the most part is a long network of branched trails, with a total length of more than 4 km. Here 1-2 hours is not enough and there are 5 reasons for this:

1. Firstly, it is hot and it is very difficult to pass all the trails at once.

2. Secondly, there are a lot of tourists, so you won’t be able to go quickly.

3. Thirdly, along the way there are a huge number of observation platforms that beckon you to stop and enjoy the moment. Unfortunately, all the observation decks are a bit far from the streams of water, so you won’t be able to feel the power, as on the Brazilian side. But!

Some trails and lookouts in Argentina are very far from waterfalls

4. There are fourth - observation platform near the main and most powerful stream of water - the Throat or Throat of the Devil. You stand there and you can't believe this is happening to you. You look at thousands of tons of water that rush down from a deep cliff and come to the conclusion that water is definitely one of the most powerful elements of our planet Earth.

Devil's Throat in Iguazu

On the outskirts of the Devil's Throat

5. Oh yes, and fifthly, there are a couple of hundred of these coatis here, it's a pleasure to watch them.

Wild Coati

Lovely coati coati

Hungry Coatis

It is worth arriving not very late, in the first half of the morning (before noon). But even before 11, perhaps, you shouldn’t come either, otherwise you won’t be able to catch the almost empty Devil’s Throat, at 16:30-17:00 there is practically no one here.

Is it worth visiting the Iguazu Falls in both Brazil and Argentina?

Definitely worth visiting both sides of the falls. Brazilian with its splashes and views of the most beautiful part- Argentinean, by impression wins. But the Argentinean, with long trails and a pleasant atmosphere in the evening, and most importantly, with the Devil's Throat as the central point of the entire trip to Iguazu Falls, harmoniously complements the strong Brazilian part.

Brazil vs Argentina waterfalls

Waterfalls Brazil vs Argentina

Waterfalls in Brazil

Brazil vs Argentina

View of waterfalls in Brazil

Waterfalls in Argentina

What to choose if there is not enough time and money for both sides? According to the authors of the blog site, the Brazilian side leaves a stronger impression.

How to get to the waterfalls

The closest city to the Iguazu Falls in Brazil is Foz de Iguazu, and in Argentina it is Puerto Iguazu. From Rio to Foz de Iguazu, tickets for two came out for about 10,000 rubles. one way with one luggage. We bought through aviasales and, surprisingly, through this search engine it turned out cheaper (without luggage) than on the official website of the company. After buying tickets, we bought one piece of luggage for $10 when we were already in Brazil. From Russia, the link to pay for luggage did not open, I even corresponded with official representatives of the company about this problem (on Facebook - they answered the fastest there).

From the airport on a regular bus (stop on the left after exiting) you can either get to Foz de Iguacu or go straight to the waterfalls. It makes sense not to waste time traveling to the city and checking into a hostel / hotel and immediately go to the waterfalls - there are large cells for bags and backpacks, the token is bought at the general ticket office.

Back from the Iguazu National Park (and the waterfalls are part of this park), buses run regularly to Foz de Iguazu. If you are going to visit the waterfalls on the Argentinean side, then it makes sense to immediately leave for Puerto Iguazu, but for this you will have to change several buses or take a taxi. The cost of a taxi was not specified, but in Brazil there is an Uber (unlike Argentina), if you have Internet on the spot, it's worth checking.

If by bus, as we drove, then the option is this:

• Option 1 - take a bus to Foz de Iguacu in the park, say that you are going to Argentina, drive for 15 minutes, you will be dropped off at the bus stop at the entrance to the city, cross to the other side of the road and wait for the bus to Argentina. Option 2 - at the stop on the right, you are looking for a white bus to Argentina, it runs every 2 hours, not more often. Get in and drive to the Brazilian border. Option 3 - get off on the road leading towards Foz de Iguaçu and hitchhike, at least to the stop at the entrance to the city.
• You wait for a bus marked Argentina [Argentina], raise your hand, pay for the ticket (Brazilian reals and Argentinean pesos are accepted) and drive to the Brazilian border, where they drop you off and leave. The option that they will wait for you is extremely rare, except perhaps last bus per day, you have the gift of persuasion and very good Spanish. Although they could have waited, there is usually no one at the border, the exit stamp is set instantly, in general, the process takes 1-2 minutes. Don't throw away your bus ticket, you'll still need it.
• Further "more interesting": option 1 - wait for the bus of the same company so as not to pay for the ticket again, but it's 40-90 minutes, as you're lucky, or option 2 - take the first bus that comes across, the route serves 3 companies, so wait it will take no more than 15 minutes, pay again, at the Argentinean border the bus is waiting for everyone and now you are going to the city. You can ask to get off anywhere, usually it stops, the final one is a terminal in the city center. Option 3 - walk 100-200 meters from the Brazilian border along the highway and hitchhike. Option 4 - the strangest, but the least tedious - do not get off at the Brazilian border and go to the Argentine one, but there is a chance that the Argentine border guards, not finding the Brazilian stamp, will be sent back. We can say that you do not need a Brazilian stamp. If you don’t plan to visit anything besides waterfalls in Argentina, then on the way back you put an Argentine exit, but don’t go out at the Brazilian border and calmly continue to travel around Brazil according to the first stamp. There may be problems when leaving, but hardly. In any case, this is an option for the brave and fools.

How much does it cost to visit the waterfalls

The Iguazu Falls in Brazil cost 70 BRL. The cost of visiting the Iguazu Falls in Argentina is 700 Argentine pesos. The discount is provided only to students of the MERCOSUR countries (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay).

Where to Stay to Visit the Iguazu Falls

Foz de Iguazu - relatively small town, but there are large supermarkets, restaurants and a huge number of hotels and hostels for tourists visiting the falls. Unfortunately, according to reviews, the place is not very calm, it is better not to walk the streets at sunset. When visiting both sides of the falls, you can stay in Argentina - it's safer here. The cost of hotels in Argentina is not more expensive. We liked Hostel El Guembe Suites - $15 per night for a room with a shared bathroom (1 toilet / shower for two rooms, usually it was always free), a simple breakfast is included, there is a kitchen and a pool. The staff is polite, although they don't speak much English.

Pros and Cons of Iguazu Falls

The large complex of 270 waterfalls is a unique sight;

Relatively inexpensive (each side ~16-18$)

It is convenient to inspect, worthy observation platforms, there are cafes and shops on the territory;

Good infrastructure (near cities, cheap hotels in cities, buses to waterfalls, train on site);

Waterfalls surrounds wild nature, in addition to coati, we saw many lizards, butterflies, in the forest we saw agouti (a large rodent that lives in South America).

At the Iguazu Falls

At the Iguazu Falls in Brazil

Cascades of Iguazu Falls

Visitors to the Iguazu Falls

— Quite touristy, on some observation platforms to the best places do not approach during rush hour (crowds are avoided by visiting the central points after rush hour, at 16-17:00);

- From Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paolo and Buenos Aires by bus is still very far away, besides, the cost of buses will be the same as the plane. To the cost of visiting waterfalls and hotels, you will have to add a mandatory plane ticket (about $ 75 one way or $ 120-130 round trip);

- Foz de Iguaçu - the nearest town to the waterfalls in Brazil - is quite a hectic city, with a bad reputation (avoided by spending the night in Argentina).

Conclusions about Iguazu

The Iguazu Falls complex is definitely worth a visit.

1. A good time is March-April.
2. Reserve 2-3 days to visit both sides: Brazil and Argentina. It is visiting both sides that will truly reveal the Iguazu Falls for you!
3. It is better to spend the night in Argentina (at least two nights).
4. It is worth allocating a whole day to the Argentinean side, and in Brazil you can visit the Bird Park (considered one of the best in the world).
5. The easiest way to get there is by plane from Rio de Janeiro.
6. The best time to visit is early in the morning or in the afternoon (there are very few tourists by the time of closing).
7. There are places to eat and shops at the waterfalls, but the prices are 1.5-2 times too high (not critical, but it's better to take a snack and water with you).
8. Stock up on a good camera or a good phone - photos will last a lifetime.
9. If possible, then on the Brazilian part it is worth protecting the camera with a splash cover.
10. It is not necessary to buy or carry a raincoat with you, clothes dry instantly in the sun.
11. Do not feed coati (nosuh), they may bite when trying to share your treat. Some coati gladly expose their bellies and backs to be stroked. The main thing - do not feed!
12. Look around, there are many birds around (predatory and not so), beautiful lizards, butterflies, centipedes.
13. Additional tours, such as walking safari along the trails, a boat tour to the foot of the falls and a helicopter flight over the falls are optional, optional, but absolutely not required to fully experience the complex of falls.
14. Relax and enjoy the views, take your time and don't pay attention to the tourists (there will still be a lot of them, because this is one of the most visited sites in South America).
15. Write a review about your visit to the waterfalls if you learned about them from this blog.

The Iguazu Falls in Brazil and Argentina is one of our biggest experiences around the world! This is an unreal place: 275 waterfalls, the power of falling water, and the "cherry" - the stunning waterfall of the Devil's Throat.

We visited both the Brazilian and Argentine parts of the Iguazu National Park.

This article will:

• photos, videos and descriptions of waterfalls,
• useful information: how to get there, prices and timetables, where it is better to stay, crossing the border,
• which part is better: brazilian or argentinian,
• what else to see near Iguazu.

Falls and Iguazu National Park: facts and legends

Iguazu is one of the most famous attractions in South America.

Just imagine a complex of 275 waterfalls 2.7 km wide and up to 82 meters high. Its capacity is 1750 tons of water per second!

The largest and most famous waterfall in Iguazu National Park is called the Devil's Throat (Spanish Garganta del Diablo) - a horseshoe-shaped cliff 150 wide and 700 meters long.

Iguazu Reserve is listed world heritage UNESCO and recognized as one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

Title in English: Iguazu Falls(Iguazu Falls), in Ukrainian Ihuacu. Emphasis on the last syllable.

The name Iguazú, translated from the language of the Guarani Indians, means Big Water ( y- water, guasu- large).

It was opened to Europeans in 1541 by the Spanish conquistador Alvaro Nunez Cabeza de Vaca.

As usual, legends about such places are connected with love affairs :) One of the gods fell in love with a local girl, but she already loved another and fled with him in a canoe. God got angry and cut the river to create a waterfall where they would fall forever.

Iguazu Falls is comparable to Victoria Falls and Niagara Falls:

Options	Iguazu	Victoria	Niagara
Height	64-82 m	108 m	51 m
Width	2700 m	1708 m	1203 m
Average water flow	1746 tons/s	1088 tons/s	2407 tons/s

Data from the English Wikipedia.

How many days does it take to visit Iguazu?

If you have only a few hours to see all the Iguazu Falls on both sides, then visit only the Devil's Throat - this is the most awesome place!

If there is not so much time, then the only alternative is this.

Video of Iguazu Falls

I would like to start with our old video. Here Argentina, Brazil and animal world. I reviewed it - and goosebumps: I remember how I didn’t want to leave there ...

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Brazilian side (Cataratas do Iguaçu)

In this part, there is one path along the river, about 2 km long, with many observation platforms. From here you have a wonderful panoramic view of the waterfalls.

Animal world

Butterflies and beetles.

Coati raccoons look cute and harmless, but in reality they are impudent thieves and robbers: they try to steal food from tourists.

Monkeys.

Ticket price in Iguazu Brazil in 2019: adult 68 reais, children (2-11 years old) 11 reais. An adult ticket may include 2 reais donations to charity, but this is not necessary. Tickets can be bought at the box office and online on the official website: cataratasdoiguacu.com.br.

Opening hours: daily from 9 to 17.

Argentine side (Cataratas del Iguazú)

Devil's Throat Waterfall (Garganta del Diablo, eng. Devil's Throat)

There are exotic birds.

The Argentine part of Iguazu is larger than the Brazilian part. There are 5 main tracks, 4 of which are marked.

1) Circuito Superior - a short track on top of the waterfalls.

2) Circuito Inferior - the track is longer along the bottom of the waterfalls. Main viewpoints: Salto Bossetti and Dos Hermanas. This trail also passes the pier with ferries to San Martin Island and boat tour operators.

3) Isla San Martin - there is access only on a free ferry, but it does not work periodically. Usually the ticket office says "san martin cerrado" if San Martin Island is closed. There are two viewpoints and a lot of birds.

4) The Garganta del Diablo waterfall is the coolest place on both sides of the Iguazu! To the Devil's Throat, you first need to take a free train (it runs every half an hour), and then walk 1 km along the bridge paths.

5) Sendero Macuco is an unmarked but easy path through the jungle (about 7 km). Sometimes closed for unknown reasons.

In addition to walking, you can swim by boat right under the waterfall. Mass of adrenaline!

But the coolest thing is to fly over the Iguazu Falls in a helicopter.

Ticket price in Iguazu Argentina 2019: adult 700 pesos, children (6-12 years old) 180 pesos, parking 140 pesos. You can pay either in Argentine pesos or by card, other currencies are not accepted.

Opening hours: daily from 8 am to 6 pm.

Official site www.iguazuargentina.com.

Attractions near Iguazu

What to see and do in Iguazu, apart from the waterfalls?

1. There is a 10-minute walk from the exit from the Brazilian side of Iguazu. It is quite possible to have time to visit both the waterfalls and the bird park in one day, if you leave Iguazu early.

2. In Paraguay, not far from the border is located. The tour is free. The same hydroelectric power station can be visited from the Brazilian side, but already for money.

3. There is more three border sign(Marco Das Tres Fronteiras), but there is nothing to see there.

Iguazu Falls on the world map

Where is Iguazu Falls located? It is located on the Iguazu River, which flows into the Parana River. This is in South America, right on the border and next to.

On the map, I put the entrance to the waterfalls from two sides, bus stations, airports and interesting places around Iguazu.

How to get to Iguazu Falls

Flying to Iguazu

There are three airports near Iguazu:

ARGENTINA: Aeropuerto Internacional Cataratas Del Iguazú (IATA code: IGR)

Timetable Buenos Aires - Puerto Iguazu:

BRAZIL: Foz do Iguaçu International Airport(IATA code: IGU)

Timetable Rio de Janeiro - Foz do Iguacu:

PARAGUAY: Guaraní International Airport (IATA code: AGT)

Where to buy cheap flights

To find cheap flights, I usually compare prices using several aggregators. They all have the same principle - they look for tickets in the databases of hundreds of airlines, but their databases may differ, so the price will be better in one or the other - check everything at once.

• - unrealistically flexible search, and there is a guarantee of connection, even if you fly with low-cost airlines and the first flight is delayed!
• - the best prices for tickets from Russia and Kazakhstan, a convenient calendar low prices.
• - there are good prices for tickets from Ukraine.

By the way, KIWI gives 20 euro coupons for airline tickets to new users, but they can only be received by email. Who needs - I can send an invitation.

Get 20€ on kiwi.com ➜

From the point of view of the road to the city and waterfalls, Foz do Iguaçu airport is ideally located - within walking distance from the entrance to the National Park. The other two airports are outside the city.

Airfare low price calendar:

How to get to the waterfalls from the city

1. Public transport

Argentina: any bus from the Terminal de Omnibus that says "Cataratas". Ticket price from 150 pesos, they go every 20-30 minutes.

Brazil: bus number 120 ("Parque Nacional") runs from the bus station to the Iguazu National Park and passes the airport and the Bird Park. Ticket price 3.80 reais, interval: every 20-30 minutes.

Brazil-Argentina: there is bus service between bus stations in Brazil and Argentina. In Foz do Iguaçu it stops outside the bus station, at the corner of Rua Mem de Sá and Rua Tarobá, in Puerto Iguacu it stops at the bus station.

Attention! This bus does not stop at Brazilian customs. If you are going back and forth, then this is ok, save space on stamps. If you are going to cross the Brazilian border through other checkpoints, then tell the driver to stop at the border, put stamps and go on the next bus.

2. Transfer

Hotels offer transfers to the national park by minibuses. We did not use this, we traveled on ordinary buses.

3. Rented car

We usually compare prices and conditions on aggregator sites that collect offers from different rentals and choose the most profitable option:

When choosing a car, also make sure that there is permission to cross the border.

4. Taxi

A taxi across the border will cost from 40 USD one way.

Tours and excursions

There are no Russian-language excursions to Iguazu (more precisely, there is one in which). It’s not cheap, but if time is limited, then it’s a great option to still get to Iguazu.

There are plenty of English-language options on and GetYourGuide.

Hotels

Where to stay - in Argentina's Puerto Iguazu or Brazil's Foz do Iguazu - is not important. From any of these cities, you can go to the waterfall on your own in one day, just choose accommodation closer to the bus station.

Accommodation in Puerto Iguazú

• When to go: seasons, climate and weather when there are fewer people

  In general, Iguazu Falls can be visited all year round. During the dry season, the weather will be better, but there will be less water. In the rainy season, the waterfalls are full of water, but there is also a greater risk of getting wet.

  Rainy season: December, January, February. Dry season: April-June.

  Hottest: December-March. Coolest: June-August.

  From July to October and from February to April there will be good weather and fewer tourists.

  Peak seasons: end of December (between Catholic Christmas and New Year), week of Catholic Easter, holiday season (January-February).

  For the photo: the sun rises on the Brazilian side and sets on the Argentine side. So it is better to visit the Brazilian side of Iguazu in the afternoon, and the Argentinean side in the morning.

  What to bring

  1) Protection from water on the phone and camera: there is a lot of water suspension near the waterfalls, everything gets wet instantly.

  2) A polyethylene raincoat to protect yourself from water drops.

  3) Comfortable, quick-drying shoes with non-slip soles. Ideal - sports sandals.

  4) Food and water.

  5) Sun protection: cream, glasses, cap.

  6) Repellent.

  Our review and which side is better

  According to tourists, the Argentine side is more beautiful. We have been on both sides and we believe that it is better not to save time and money and visit both parts of the Iguazu Falls: they are different and each is beautiful in its own way.

  The Brazilian side is a panoramic view of the falls, but you don't get very close to them.

  On the Argentinian side, you will walk along the paths right above the roaring water and see the Devil's Throat - the most powerful and impressive waterfall on Iguazu, but you do not see the whole panorama.

Every year, several million tourists come to see the main South American natural wonder - the Iguazu Falls. Despite the fact that the complex was found in the first half of the 16th century, national park Iguazu was created only at the beginning of the last century. At the same time, the place was equipped for visiting tourist groups and gained worldwide fame.

Where are the Iguazu Falls on the map?

The Iguazu Falls complex is owned by two countries at once - Argentina and Brazil. If you look at the location of the Iguazu Falls on the map of South America, you can see that they are located on the river of the same name, which separates the states from each other. You can look at the cascade from the territory of each country, but visitors are advised to visit both parts of the park.

A significant part of the waterfalls of the complex is located in the Argentinean territory. Trekking trails, pedestrian crossings between various waterfalls are equipped here, and a large number of observation platforms have been built.

On the territory of Brazil, first of all, the attention of tourists is attracted by the observation deck, from where a breathtaking view of the central waterfall systems - Garganta del Diablo, or "Devil's Throat".

What is the best way to get to Iguazu Falls?

It doesn’t matter where you come from to Iguazu National Park - from Argentina or Brazil, if you wish, you can see the waterfalls on both sides of the park in one trip. Moreover, with both countries, Russia and Ukraine have visa-free regime. Below we tell you how to get to the Iguazu Falls if you are traveling from Brazil or Argentina, as well as the most convenient way to move between the two parts of the park.

From Argentina to Puerto Iguazu

If you are in Argentina, go to the city Puerto Iguazu. It's the closest to the falls locality. It is located just 17 km from the complex. Buses run daily between the bus station in Puerto Iguazu and the national park. The road to the waterfalls takes only 30 minutes.

Iguazu International Airport in Argentina(Cataratas del Iguazu International Airport) is located 20 km from the center of Puerto Iguazu and only 9 km from the entrance to the waterfall complex. Every day, several flights per hour, planes fly here from Buenos Aires, there are also flights from the cities of Mendoza, Salta and Cordoba.

The majority of flights to Cataratas del Iguazu are operated by the Argentine flagship Aerolineas Argentinas and the Brazilian-Chilean airline LATAM. For budget travelers, since 2018, low-cost flights FlyBondi and Andes Lineas Aereas and even Norwegians have appeared in Argentina, which can get you to the waterfalls from $60 without luggage. True, in the case of FlyBondi, you will have to depart from the remote El Palomar airport. Andes Lineas Aereas and Norwegian operate from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery, which is located within the city.

Unfortunately, Iguazu Airport is not connected to the city in any way via public transport. Therefore, if you did not book a transfer at the hotel or it is not included in the tour, you will have to take a taxi on the spot, rent a car or buy a ticket for a tourist bus and go straight on an excursion to the waterfalls.

From Brazil to Foz do Iguacu

From Brazilian territory, the city closest to the waterfalls is Foz do Iguacu. From here to the main observation deck over the "Devil's Throat" you need to drive about 40 minutes along the highway. Every half an hour a regular bus runs from the central station of the city to the park with waterfalls.

Foz do Iguaçu/Cataratas International Airport(Aeroporto Internacional de Foz do Iguaçu/Cataratas) is located 13 km from the city and 12 km from the park entrance. The airport is connected to central station with the help of the city bus, which then continues its route directly to the waterfalls.

Several Brazilian airlines fly to Foz do Iguaçu, including the major LATAM and low-cost carriers Gol and Azul, as well as Avianca Brasil. You can buy tickets to Iguazu Falls from Campinas (Viracopos / Campinas International), Guarulhos (Aeroporto Internacional Guarulhos) and Congonhas International Airport - all airports are located in the Sao Paulo area, as well as from Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte and Brasilia.

A one-way flight from Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro will cost $45-50 if you fly with a low-cost airline, or about $100 with a full-service airline.

Between Puerto Iguacu and Foz do Iguacu

There are many buses between Puerto Iguacu in Argentina and Foz do Iguacu in Brazil. They leave every 15 minutes, and the journey takes no more than half an hour, not counting the border crossing.

Be careful! locals can cross the border without any formalities. Citizens of other countries need to go through border control and be sure to put stamps in their passports.

When boarding a bus between two cities, be sure to tell the driver that you need to go through border control. Otherwise, he may simply not stop at the border. Also, when you get off the bus, take free ticket for travel on the next bus on this route. Often drivers scheduled buses continue their journey and do not wait for tourists at the border. In this case, you will need to leave on the next bus on this ticket.

This landmark of South America is actually a collection of hundreds of large and small flowing streams of water. They are sometimes referred to in the plural as "Iguazu Falls". It is believed that there are 275 of them, but if you look at them, it is not entirely clear how the count was made. In addition, depending on the season, the volume of flows, and, accordingly, their number are different. In our humble opinion, you should not recalculate the number, but you just need to accept the fact that Iguazu (unlike Angel or Tugela) is a whole water complex, and not one powerful stream.

Iguazu Falls are located on the border of Brazil and Argentina in the riverbed of the same name (in the original Iguazu River), which separates two National Parks (Argentinean and Brazilian) with the same name, of course "Iguazu".

Iguazu Falls on the map

• Geographic coordinates (-25.695139, -54.436530)
• Distance from the capital of Brazil about 1300 km in a straight line
• Distance from the capital of Argentina, the city of Buenos Aires, 1100 km in a straight line
• The nearest airport Foz do Iguacu (in the original Aeroporto Internacional de Foz do Iguacu - Cataratas) is only 13 km away

The shape of the canyon here resembles the letter "U". At the lowest point of this letter is the Devil's Throat - the most big waterfall in complex. Brazilian territory is located on the right bank of the river, there are a little more than 20% of the waterfalls, Argentina is already on the left bank, here the remaining 80%. The total length of the flows is about 2.7 kilometers. Max Height the fall of the water is 82 meters (this is just in the Devil's Throat), the rest do not exceed a height of 60 meters.

Iguazu is the most powerful waterfall in the world. During the rainy season, the flow of water is up to 13,000 m3 per second. And the maximum recorded flow rate was 45,700 m3/s. The record was recorded on June 9, 2014. In this parameter, even Victoria in Africa and Niagara in America are far behind.

The name of this miracle of nature was transformed from "Yuasu", which in the Guarani language means "big water". "Y" is translated as "water" and "uasu" means "big".

We have repeatedly mentioned that the Indians are recognized masters in creating legends and myths. Naturally, Igausu also has his own legends.

The most famous of the legends tells of a beautiful girl named Naipu, who lived nearby in an Indian tribe. The girl was so beautiful that the Great Indian God himself wanted to take her as his wife. But the girl had a fiancé, and they escaped from the tribe in a canoe across the calm and serene water surface. When God noticed the loss of Naipi, he cut the river in a rage and turned the girl into a stone cliff, and her lover into a tree on the shore. This is how the waterfall was formed, and the lovers are still looking at each other, but they cannot reach.

Here, meticulous scientists intervened and ruined everything. They have a different opinion on this matter. They claim that basalt deposits in these places were formed about 130 million years ago. The faults appeared as a result of volcanic activity, and the attraction itself 20,000 years ago was where the Iguazu River flows into the Parana, which is 25 kilometers to the northeast on the border with Paraguay. Every year, the waterfall, cutting through the basalt layers, “creeped away” from Parana by 1-2 meters. As a result, he "came" to where we observe him.

The first European who discovered in 1541 this amazing and beautiful place, was the Spaniard Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca. He traveled here in search of the fabulous golden city of El Dorado. There is evidence that Alvar himself did not really admire these views. Either he really saw already all the sights of the world, or the thirst for gold overshadowed his mind and eyes.

No, Alvar did not cook in it, and therefore the Old World learned from him about the existence of such a beautiful and powerful attraction in South America. True, the discoverer himself called it Salto de Santa Maria, but this name did not take root, and soon they completely forgot about this place. It will appear on maps only in the 19th century.

And now it is one of the most famous attractions in the world, annually attracting up to two million tourists. Due to the presence of islands, it was possible to lay pedestrian bridges and paths, and viewing platforms are almost above the abyss.

Therefore, to consider all the surrounding beauty is obtained as efficiently as possible. The famous Devil's Throat, the pearl of the entire complex, looks especially attractive.
But besides it, there are still smaller streams, awarded their own names. These are Salto Bossetti, Salto Mbigua, Salto San Martin, Salto Santa Maria.

The tourist infrastructure is very developed here. In the vicinity there are hotels and hostels, cafes and restaurants, souvenir shops and ordinary shops. As well as everything related to the entertainment of tourists. You can just walk along the wooden decks and click on a lot of photos, or order sightseeing tour by helicopter. Special boats will take you to the minimum possible, but the maximum safe distance to the noisy streams of falling water.

Boat trips to the foot of the falls

And some more photos

Rainbow over the waterfall

Iguazu are represented by a complex of waterfalls located in South America and at the same time are the dividing line between Argentina and Brazil. According to general estimates, there are more than 270 waterfalls here. A few years ago, Iguazu was recognized as one of the newly recognized wonders of the world. In translation, Iguazu means "big water" and this is a justified name. European residents first heard about this miracle from the Spanish traveler Cabeza de Vaca, the first European who decided to explore these lands.

Waterfalls are constantly changing their appearance and the power of water flows, it directly depends on the time of year. The most powerful water flows can be seen from November to March, when the amount of precipitation reaches its maximum. Also this mysterious place it is inherent to completely dry up, but only the lucky ones can see this phenomenon, this happens approximately once every 40-45 years. The Iguazu Falls appeared as a result of the strongest eruption volcano, and gradually acquired their final form, because the water eroded the soil every year, that's what has come down to our days.

The largest and most powerful waterfall of this complex is called the "Devil's Throat". The waterfall is a horseshoe-shaped cliff 700 meters long and 150 meters wide. This waterfall is the official border of the two states and is located in Brazil.

In addition to the most beautiful landscapes, here you can constantly see a rainbow, sometimes more than one, bathed in the spray of waterfalls. At night, you can see such a phenomenon as a night rainbow.

It is larger and wider than the world famous Niagara Falls. In order to describe the beauty of this miracle, there are simply not enough epithets. All this must be seen with your own eyes. Residents of neighboring countries treat their heritage with care and concern. To preserve the beauty of the Iguazu Falls, national parks have been created in the surrounding areas, and they are also protected. world organization UNESCO.

Every year, Iguazu Falls attracts millions of tourists who wish to personally see this miracle. Everything for tourism has long been equipped here, observation platforms, hiking trails infrastructure is being developed. Tourists are provided with all the necessary things for the most unforgettable walk of their lives to the foot of the waterfalls. Most of the waterfalls of the complex are located in Argentina. AT national parks you can get acquainted with local specimens of flora and fauna - flamingos, toucans, iguanas and this is only a thousandth of what you can see here.

How to get to Iguazu Falls from Argentina

From the cities of Argentina to the Iguazu Falls can be reached by plane or by bus to the nearest city of Puerto Iguazu (Puerto Iguazú). Near the city there isCataratas del Iguacu International Airport(Cataratas del Iguazú International Airport). You can fly from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazu by direct flight for 1 hour 45 minutes.

Buses to Iguazu Falls leave every 30 minutes from Puerto Iguazu City. You can also rent a car in advance online at the company

Puerto Iguazu Map