Iguazu Falls: Brazil vs Argentina

Dividing Brazil and Argentina in spectacular fashion, Iguazu Falls toss 1,500m³ of water over a horseshoe-shaped drop of 80 metres every second. The 275 cataracts stretch for 2.7 km across the Rio Iguazu making Iguazu wider than Victoria Falls and higher than Niagara. No photographs can prepare you for this awesome display of nature’s might.

Known as Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil and Cataratas del Iguazú in Argentina the Falls must be seen from both sides of the border to get the most out of this UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Argentina and Brazil both have National Parks alongside the Falls and both are very well organised with plenty of activities, including boat trips and hikes.

The undisputed star of the show is the Devil’s Throat. This almighty 260º display of tumbling water throws spray high above the top of the falls and can be seen from both sides although the Argentine side allows you to get much closer.

How to see Iguazu Falls

Allow at least two days. Start in Brazil and admire the Falls in all their panoramic glory then cross the border into Argentina (it’s an easy border crossing via a bridge that has views of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay) to spend a day wandering in and out of the spray. Make sure you have any visas in advance. (UK nationals do not need visas for Brazil or Argentina. Canadians and Americans need visas for Brazil.)

Iguazu Falls from Brazil

Brazil offers the best panoramas of Iguazu Falls, meaning the photo opportunities are endless and addictive. Go in the morning for the best light. The Brazilian tourist complex overlooks the Falls from across the river. A path runs the length of the Falls slowly revealing more and more of the majesty of the torrent as you follow it. Eventually you arrive at a platform that takes you out over the section of the Falls under Brazilian jurisdiction, near the Devil’s Throat.

Allow at least half a day to take in the view. Consider staying for a full day if you want to go on a boat trip or take part in any of the other activities on offer. Helicopter rides can be arranged in Foz do Iguaçu. Take waterproofs if you don’t want to get too wet.

Iguazu Falls from Argentina

About two thirds of Iguaza Falls are in Argentina and this side offers the chance to get up close and personal with the thundering Falls. A number of paths wind through the forest below the Falls; the Upper and Lower Trails lead you on a merry chase across the top of the Falls and deep into the spray beneath them. The Green Train of the Jungle carries you to a nerve-wracking footway that leads across the water up to the top edge of the Devil’s Throat, where the power of the Falls is hypnotic.

Allow a full day to fully experience everything Argentine Iguazú National Park has to offer. Bring a towel, plastic bag to waterproof your camera and a change of clothes if you intend to immerse yourself in the spray (and I recommend you do!).

Best time to visit

Iguazu Falls can be seen any time of the year. Spring, shortly after the rainy season, is the most spectacular time to visit. Temperatures and humidity are bearable but some boat trips and hiking trails may be unavailable due to the high water levels. Summer is very hot and humid and water levels are lower in winter.