Warning: May Cause Extreme Happiness and Wet Clothes
The Iguazu Falls, located on the border of Argentina and Brazil, are one of the most stunning natural wonders in the world. With over 275 individual falls stretching for nearly 2 miles, the Iguazu Falls are a breathtaking sight attracting millions of visitors annually.
The falls are surrounded by lush rainforests and are home to a wide variety of wildlife, making them a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Iguazu is a word of Guarani origin, an indigenous language spoken in Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina. In Guarani, “Iguazu” means “big water” or “large water.” The word is commonly used to refer to the Iguazu River and the famous Iguazu Falls, located on the border between Argentina and Brazil.
The Iguazu Falls are a significant tourist attraction in South America and are considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. If you’re planning a trip to see the Iguazu Falls, there are many ways to experience their beauty from both the Argentine and Brazilian sides. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best ways to see the Iguazu Falls from both sides of the border.
There are several ways to see the Iguazu Falls from both the Argentine and Brazilian sides.
Here are some options:
- Visit the Argentine Side: You can start by visiting the Argentine side of the falls. Several walkways and trails lead to different viewpoints of the falls, including the Upper Circuit, Lower Circuit, and Devil’s Throat. You can also take a boat tour and get up close to the falls.
- Visit the Brazilian Side: Next, head to the Brazilian side of the falls, which offers panoramic views of the falls from a distance. The walkway along the Brazilian side is shorter but offers a different perspective of the falls.
- Guided Tours: You can book a guided tour that takes you to both the Argentine and Brazilian sides of the falls. These tours typically include transportation, park entrance fees, and a guide who can provide information about the falls and the surrounding area.
- Helicopter Tour: Another option is a helicopter tour, which offers a unique view of the falls.
- Rafting: For a more adventurous experience, you can book a rafting tour that takes you down the Iguazu River and lets you see the falls from a different angle.
- Combo Tours: Some tour companies offer combo tours that include activities on both sides of the falls, such as a boat tour on the Argentine side and a helicopter tour on the Brazilian side.
Did you know?
One thing you may not know about Iguazu Falls is that it is surrounded by a lush and biodiverse rainforest known as the Iguazu National Park, which is home to over 2,000 species of plants, 400 species of birds, 80 species of mammals, including jaguars, ocelots, and giant otters.
The park was established in 1934 and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, recognizing its importance as a natural and cultural landmark.
A little history:
The history of Iguazu Falls goes back thousands of years, when various indigenous groups, including the Guaraní people, inhabited the area. They believed the falls were a gift from the gods and called them “Big Water.”
In the late 1500s, the first European explorer, Alvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, arrived and reported seeing the falls. However, it wasn’t until the mid-19th century that the falls were officially “discovered” by European explorers, including James Holman, who named them “Iguazu” after the indigenous Guaraní word.
The area was eventually declared a national park in 1934 by the Argentine government and later expanded to include the Brazilian side of the falls.
The park is jointly managed by Argentina and Brazil and is a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty and cultural significance.
