Situated amidst lush Atlantic rainforest on the border with Brazil and straddling both countries, Iguazu Falls lie on the Iguazu River in Iguazu National Park, 12 miles from its confluence with the Parana River, close to Paraguay.
Iguazu Falls are wider than Victoria and higher than Niagara (and many claim are more beautiful than both) and consist of around 275 separate cascades occupying an area three miles wide and 80 metres high. The surrounding rainforest contains almost 400 species of birds (including five members of the toucan family), over 100 species of butterfly and 40 species of mammal, including jaguar, ocelot and capybara.
A visit to both sides of the Falls is highly recommended. The Argentine side offers a variety of close up views, including the most spectacular from atop the Devil’s Throat, where the roaring majesty of water can truly be appreciated. It also has a more extensive trail network through the rainforest, including a long boardwalk, and visitors can ride a mini-railway.
The Brazilian side (of Iguacu Falls – note the spelling change) offers the most complete panoramic views, best seen in the morning when the light is better for photography, or at sunset.
