Iguazú Falls

Iguazu National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The semi circular waterfall at the heart of this site is some 80 m high and 2,700 m in diameter and is situated on a basaltic line spanning the border between Argentina and Brazil. Made up of many cascades producing vast sprays of water, it is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. The surrounding subtropical rainforest has over 2,000 species of vascular plants and is home to the typical wildlife of the region: tapirs, giant anteaters, howler monkeys, ocelots, jaguars and caymans.

Across a width of almost three kilometres the Iguazú or Iguaçu River, drops vertically some 80 meters in a series of cataracts. The river, aptly named after the indigenous term for “great water” forms a large bend in the shape of a horseshoe in the heart of the two parks and constitutes the international border between Argentina and Brazil before it flows into the mighty Parana River less than 25 kilometres downriver from the park. Large clouds of spray permanently soak the many river islands and the surrounding riverine forests, creating an extremely humid micro-climate favouring lush and dense sub-tropical vegetation harbouring a diverse fauna.

We only had time to visit the Argentinian side of the falls, if you have time try to do both. About 80% of the waterfalls are on the Argentinian side. The key highlights are the Upper Circuit, Lower Circuit, and the dramatic walk out to the Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo) viewing platform which is the closest point to the actual border which runs right through the main horseshoe-shaped cataract. I visited this point as part of the IBRG SATEX-25 expedition.

The “lighthouse” at Iguazú National Park on the Argentine side of the falls is actually an unused observation tower or faux lighthouse rather than a true maritime lighthouse.

The primary mammals with long tails commonly seen around Iguazú Falls are the South American coati and the black capuchin monkey. They are the unofficial symbol of Iguazú National Park. They travel in groups (“bands”) and are notoriously bold around tourists, often scavenging or swiping food from park pathways. The only place to safely eat food is in a cage!