5 Reasons Why You Must Visit Iguazu Falls
Brazil is not just samba, sun, and sea. This country that speaks Portuguese instead of Spanish like most of its neighboring countries is a vast land with nature galore. Of the many, one that stands out is the Iguazu Falls.
Iguazu Falls is located in the Brazilian state of Parana and bordering the Misiones Province in the Northeastern tip of Argentina. It takes
one hour 32 minutes to fly directly from Sao Paulo to Foz do Iguacu Airport (IGU) in Brazil. It takes
one hour 49 minutes directly from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazu (Argentinian name for Iguazu Falls) Argentina.
It was chosen as one of the new 7 wonders of the world. Here are 5 reasons why you must visit Iguazu Falls:
1. Appreciate the beauty of nature
To appreciate the immense size of the waterfalls and to appreciate the beauty, you must go on a helicopter ride with Helisul at the entrance of the Iguacu National Park in Foz do Iguacu (Brazilian name for Iguazu Falls), Brazil.
Take the 10-minute ride and enjoy the aerial views of the famous Devil’s Throat (Brazil), San Martin Waterfall (Argentina), the Parana River and lush sub-tropical forests in three countries (Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay).
Note: A tour of Iguazu Falls is not complete without a helicopter tour and it is only available from the Brazil side.
2. Contribute to the discussion of “Which is better, Argentina or Brazil’s side of the Fall?”
About three-quarters of the total length of the Iguazu Falls is located in Argentina. You are not getting the full picture of the falls if you are visiting just one side of the falls. We suggest spending a day at the Brazil side and another at the Argentinian side.
The main attraction in Brazil’s side of the Iguazu Falls is the Devil’s Throat. You’ll get soaked without a poncho when you walk on the path to the lookout point. This is one of the most thrilling parts of visiting Iguazu Falls.
The walkways and trails on the Brazil side are relatively short compared to those found in Argentina’s side. In Argentina, you’ll find miles of trails and wooden walkways that get you close to the hundreds of small and large falls in the park. Here you’ll be closer to nature and have plenty of opportunities to encounter wildlife.
The best part of the Argentinian side of Iguazu Falls is the Gran Adventura boat ride to the edge of San Martin Fall.
3. Go on a boating adventure
The Gran Adventura boat ride takes visitors to several small falls before venturing to the edge of San Martin Fall. This exhilarating boat ride is not for the faint-hearted as the boat rocks by the sheer force of the waterfall.
Note: You’ll get wet even with a poncho. Wear swimwear if you are taking the boat adventure. Life jackets and waterproof bags are distributed to all tourists before boarding the boat.
4. Add Iguazu Falls to your UNESCO World Heritage Sites visited
Even if you don’t have a list to check off, Iguazu Falls is worth visiting. Iguazu Falls was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1984. This means it is an outstanding place and is worth preserving for the enjoyment of future generations.
According to
UNESCO, Iguazu Falls is among the world’s visually and acoustically most stunning natural sites for its massive waterfalls. Apart from the waterfalls, there are around 2,000 plant species, 400 bird species several wildcat species and rare species found in the Iguazu National Park.
Note: To see some of the bird species we suggest visiting the Iguassu Falls Parque das Aves (Bird Park) near the entrance of the Iguacu National Park in Foz do Iguacu, Brazil.
5. Best way to tick off passport stamps
When visiting Iguazu Falls, you have the opportunity to visit not just one country, but three – Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. Cuidad del Este, a small town in Paraguay is about
13 miles from Puerto Iguazu, Argentina and
14 miles from Foz do Iguacu airport in Brazil.
You can stay in Foz do Iguacu in Brazil, visit Iguazu Falls in Brazil, take a day trip to Argentina Iguazu Falls and enjoy the nightlife in Cuidad del Este in Paraguay – all in three days.
Note: Make sure you have your tourist visas (if needed depending on your citizenship) for Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay before traveling.
Have you been to Iguazu Falls? Which is better- Brazil’s side or Argentina’s side?
