Iguazu: putting Niagara and Victoria Falls to shame

One of the “Seven Natural Wonders of the World,” the jaw-dropping Iguazu Falls is an iconic spectacle straddling the border of Argentina and Brazil, easily ranking with Machu Picchu as one of South America’s most sought-after and classic adventure destinations.

A highlight of any trip to these nations — and indeed to South America more widely — Iguazu is an immense marvel waiting to be witnessed and experienced. This is Mother Nature at her most powerful as dozens of tributaries from the main Iguazu River join in an unforgettable manner. These currents unite to form an almost two-mile (3km) wide arc of no less than 275 individual cascades of water gushing over jagged cliff edges, some at a height of 260 feet (80m).
This is Iguazu Falls, a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Here, we present what we’ve found to be the top 10 attractions and features of these magnificent waterfalls.

NOTE: The Iguazu Falls are located within Argentina’s Iguazu National Park, a nature preservation area contiguous with Iguaçu National Park in Brazil. Together, the sister parks cover close to 1000 square miles (240,000 ha), located about 12 miles (20k) from the city of Puerto Iguazu, which has an international airport. 

La garganta del diablo (Devil’s Throat): Feeling the power of nature

Of the hundreds of cascades that make up Iguazu, the most impressive and largest waterfall is the ominously named “Devil’s Throat.” It’s a U-shaped, 82-meter-high, 150-meter-wide thundering torrent of water surging down from rocky cliffs and sending up a perpetual cloud of mist.

A half-mile-long walkway across the serene Iguazu River leads to this waterfall, which is one of the planet’s most spectacular sights. From the viewers’ platform suspended right over this powerful flood of water, visitors are exposed to a deafening cascade that plunges to a fog-veiled destination. This mist that sprays visitors also blurs the base of the falls but rises in a cloudy plume that can be seen from more than a mile away. This all makes for a place of majesty and awe.  

El parque de las aves (Bird Park): Where wild meets wonder

Located near the Brazilian entrance to the falls, the Parque das Aves (Bird Park) is home to a wide variety of bird species and other wildlife. The sprawling 41-acre (16.5 ha) bird park is one of the largest in Latin America, housing 500+ birds of 165 species in their natural habitat. It’s a shelter and an internationally recognized rescue center for hundreds of bird species and also serves as a preservation and breeding center for endangered breeds. Some of the species you may find are eagles, owls, parrots, toucans, and even butterflies and reptiles such as alligators and anacondas.

A visit here will allow you to explore vast tree shelters and immersion ponds for direct bird interaction. A 1–2-hour walking tour takes visitors inside the native forest and along trails to the aviaries and the large enclosures.

For those birders who want a break from the gatherings of tourists, there’s also a network of walking trails and birdwatching routes just waiting to be trodden. With over 400 bird species so far identified, this protected area is an ideal place to spot wildlife and enjoy the serenity of subtropical rainforests. Depending on how much time you have to spend in Iguazu, be sure to make the most of this vital, though largely unexplored ecosystem. 

Luxury accommodations: A taste of paradise in every stay

Luxury hotels, around Iguazu Falls — both on the Argentinian side (such as Gran Meliá and Loi Suites) and the Brazilian side (like Belmond Hotel das Cataratas and JW Marriott) — present a range of exclusive amenities and ultra-personalized services to heighten their guests’ experience amid the stunning natural surroundings.

Several of these luxury hotels are strategically situated so that visitors can enjoy stunning views of the cascading Iguazu Falls or the area’s lush tropical rainforest.

And though located in the primal rainforest, you can expect smart rooms, suites or villas with lush bedding, sophisticated furnishings, modern high-tech amenities, and deluxe bathrooms. Their recreational facilities include swimming pools and fitness centers; plus, several luxury Iguazu hotels have full-service spas where guests can request massages, facials, and wellness treatments, some incorporating local ingredients and traditional healing practices.

Complementing these high-end features are on-site restaurants serving gourmet food and beverages that fire on all cylinders. Their fine cuisine sometimes highlights local flavors and ingredients, with some meals served outdoors and featuring romantic views of the falls or the jungle.

To make the very most of your Iguazu exploring experience, these hotels provide guided tours of the falls, private wildlife safaris, and cultural excursions to nearby communities, as well as within-the-hotel cultural activities like workshops, performances, or demonstrations showcasing local arts, crafts, and traditions.

For those who love nature and seeing the power of it up close, these accommodations are hard to beat. 

Ecological Jungle Train excursions: All aboard the rails to adventure

The Iguazu Falls “Ecological Jungle Train” is a key attraction, offering a convenient, scenic, and environmentally friendly way to explore the natural beauty of the area.

This narrow-gauge railway provides visitors with a smooth and leisurely ride that’s a relaxing way to travel through the dense jungle. This makes the park more accessible to visitors of all ages and physical abilities, making it easier to reach key attractions without extensive walking.

As this small ecological train chugs cheerfully through the rainforest, its open-sided cars offer unobstructed views of the lush rainforest, allowing passengers to fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings and spot wildlife along the way. As you travel under the thick foliage, keep an eye out for local wildlife, including coatis, monkeys, and various bird species. The train’s guides will also help in pointing out such creatures, as well as providing information about the park’s history, ecology, and the significance of Iguazu Falls.

At the same time, the train moves at a speed not exceeding 12 miles per hour (20 kph) to avoid damaging the environment. Also, it’s powered by liquefied petroleum gas, a non-polluting fuel that makes a minimal environmental impact and helps preserve the park’s delicate ecosystem.

In short, the Ecological Jungle Train is not just a mode of transportation; it’s an integral part of the Iguazu Falls experience.  

Wildlife watching: Nature without barriers

Iguazu represents a natural wonderland that has dazzled wildlife explorers and travelers for many years. Wildlife watching in Iguazu’s national parks offers a rich and diverse experience due to its unique ecosystem and abundant biodiversity, making Iguazu a nature-lover’s dream.

As the area’s dense rainforest canopy is home to over 400 species of birds — including toucans, parrots, hummingbirds, and eagles — birdwatching enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities to spot these colorful and diverse avian species.
Similarly, along the park’s trails or near its waterfalls, visitors can encounter several mammal species. Among these animals are coatis, howler monkeys, capybaras, and even the elusive jaguar.

In addition, various reptiles, such as dragon-like iguanas and brilliantly colored frogs, inhabit the park’s lush environment, while the park is also home to a wide array of exotic insects and colorful butterflies.

So that travelers can experience and witness this amazing biodiversity, guided tours of the parks are led by knowledgeable park rangers or naturalists who can enhance your wildlife-watching experience. There are also designated viewing platforms strategically placed to observe wildlife in their natural habitats.

Overall, visiting Iguazu National Park offers a fantastic opportunity to witness a wide range of wildlife species in their natural habitat, making it a memorable experience for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike. 

Breathtaking helicopter tours: Taking your wanderlust to new heights

A helicopter tour over Iguazu is a thrilling way to see this natural wonder from a new angle, giving you a clearer sense of the sheer scale, power and beauty of the falls. The bird’s eye aerial perspective reveals the true grandeur of the falls and the surrounding lush rainforest, making it an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or just looking for a unique adventure, a helicopter tour is a fantastic addition to your Iguazu Falls itinerary.

Though typically these tours last just 10 to 15 minutes, this is enough time to see the full extent of the falls, numerous cascades, and the vast surrounding rainforest. The flight path usually takes you over the Iguazu River, giving you a sweeping view of both the Argentine and Brazilian sides of the falls, including the impressive Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo).

Some tours provide headsets with commentary in multiple languages, giving you interesting facts and insights about the falls and the surrounding area. And rest assured that the helicopter tours are conducted with a high emphasis on safety. Pilots are experienced, and helicopters are maintained to strict standards. A safety briefing is usually provided before the flight.

Helicopter tours over Iguazu Falls offer an exhilarating and breathtaking way to experience one of the world’s most impressive natural wonders from a unique perspective. For those who are looking to have a truly memorable experience of the falls, there’s absolutely nothing like looking down into the falls from 300 feet above!  

Elevated walkways: “A new way of seeing things”

The elevated walkways at the falls offer unequaled contact with one of the world’s most stunning natural wonders. Walking along these paths, visitors can sense the immense power and hear the thunderous roar of the water as it plunges below.

Extending for a grand total of 3.67 miles, these pathways provide visitors with safe, accessible, and immersive experiences of the falls and the surrounding rainforest on both the Argentinian and the Brazilian sides of the park.
The most famous walkway extends about 0.7 miles (1.1km) over the Iguazu River and leads directly to the Devil’s Throat. At the end of this walkway is a viewing platform where you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views and get the sensation of being surrounded by cascading waters.

However, there are several other elevated walkways (the Upper and Lower Circuit Walkways, the Bosetti and Adjoining Falls Walkways, the Cataratas Trail, the Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat) Walkway and the platform over the Devil’s Throat) each offering stunning views, close encounters with the cascades, and opportunities to observe the rich biodiversity of the area.

For anyone seeking such panoramic vistas and close encounters with the falls, and the chance to explore the rich biodiversity of the lush rainforest, these walkways provide priceless photographs and those all-important everlasting memories of this truly unfathomable, natural wonder.  

Jungle activities: “May the forest be with you”

Get ready for some jungle adventure! Explore the lush Iguazu rainforest as you enjoy nature and adventure. After a drive deep into the jungle, a short trek will allow you to identify the different species of plants in this kingdom of flora filled with ferns, giant stinging nettles, orchids and trees more than 150 years old.

Safely climb a secure stairway to the top of a tree, and then get hooked into a zipline for a heart-racing, adrenaline-pumping trip out over the forest canopy. Fly like a bird from station to station, enjoying amazing views of the rainforest along the way.

La gran aventura (The Great Adventure): Journey into the heart of the wild

Are you an adrenaline junkie? Then La Gran Aventura (The Great Adventure) is an excursion that you cannot miss on your visit to Puerto Iguazu. Known as the “Baptism of the Falls,” this tour combines the adrenaline of being just meters away from the world’s most spectacular waterfalls, with a 4×4 jungle tour.

La Gran Aventura (The Great Adventure Tour) begins within Iguazu National Park (the Argentinian side), where you will board a 4×4 truck that will take you miles into the depths of the Misiones jungle.

The tour will continue with a 350-foot descent to board the semi-rigid boat that will take you three miles along the Iguazu River. On this adrenaline-packed boat ride, you’ll reach the foot of the majestic Devil’s Throat, and even sail behind the falls themselves! As such, you’ll experience this impressive natural icon differently, as the views you’ll get will be unforgettable!

Later, you’ll tremble with excitement as you come face to face with two other waterfalls (San Martín and Tres Mosqueteros), enjoying the famous “baptism of the mists.” Be prepared, because on this ride… you’re going to get soaked! But don’t worry, the water isn’t that cold.

In any case, as the sights, sounds and landscapes are wonderful, you’ll want to capture the moment. So, if you prefer to protect your camera or cell phone, you can get a video recording of your entire adventure at the end of the tour.  

Conclusion: Go with the flow..!!

Twice as high as Niagara Falls and two times the width of Victoria Falls, Iguazu Falls is a truly unforgettable experience.

But aside from the main event, why not strap on your walking boots for a birdwatching tour, a nature hike, or maybe even a 4×4 off-road drive through the forest for anyone looking to get fully off-the-beaten-track? With tours available on both the Brazilian and Argentine sides of the Iguazu River, complemented by a stay at a superb boutique hotel, these awe-inspiring waterfalls are simply not to be missed. If you are looking for the adventure of a lifetime, think Iguazu. You simply can’t lose.

Alfonso Tandazo

Alfonso Tandazo is President and CEO at Surtrek Tour Operator. Surtrek Tour Operator is a well-established firm, specializing in custom-designed luxury tours in Ecuador, the Galapagos and throughout the rest of South America. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.