
The name Iguazu comes from the Guarani phrase for ‘big waterfall’, yet to describe the Iguazu falls as merely a big waterfall is to somehow do it a disservice. The Iguazu falls area is 1.68 miles wide, encompassing 275 distinct falls, which cataract 65 feet farther down than those at Niagara. The falls are surrounded by the natural grandeur of the subtropical jungle, resplendent with lush flora and fauna, including orchids, begonias, flocks of colorful parrots, toucans, cacique birds, and a cornucopia of butterflies. Mist from the thundering water often cloaks the area in mystery, adding even more color to an already vibrant landscape in the form of rainbows in the billowing spray. The falls make up part of the border between Argentina and Brazil; the border with Paraguay is not far to the west. Consequently, the falls can be seen from either the Brazilian or Argentine side, and it is advisable to see both. The Argentinean side allows for a much closer inspection, while the Brazilian side gives a more panoramic view of the falls. For those wishing to visit the falls from the Brazilian side it is worth bearing in mind that citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan require visas to enter Brazil.
- ACCESS ROUTES
The town of Puerto Iguazu is the most convenient entry point to the falls. It is about 825 miles from Buenos Aires, and can be reached easily by plane or bus. On both the Argentine and Brazilian side, the falls are within the boundaries of national parks. The park on the Argentine side is about 11 miles south east of the town of Puerto Iguazú, from where buses to the park run every 45 minutes between 7:00am and 8:00pm, with a roughly 30 minute travel time. If you do not see the whole park in one day, or get tired, you can present your ticket stub the next day and enter at half price.
- ACCOMMODATION
There are a number of hotels to choose from in Puerto Iguazu, ranging from the moderate Hotel Saint George, to the Hotel Cataratas and the expensive Sheraton Internacional Iguazu, which is the only hotel located in the park itself; all of which offer different and unique experiences. If you want to stay on the Brazilian side, the larger town of Foz do Iguacu has equivalent accommodations in terms of comfort, and due to its size, a livelier night life.
- WHEN TO GO
The falls can be visited year round; in the winter, it rarely gets colder than 600 and in the summer, the average temperature is around 750. If you are planning to visit during July or Easter, be sure to book your accommodation in advance as these are the peak times during which Argentines travel. It is also advisable to avoid the parks on Sundays when there are numerous helicopter tours of the falls from the Brazilian side which can be quite noisy and bothersome. Keep in mind that owing to maintenance – on Mondays, the Brazilian park is only open from 1 pm to 5 pm.
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Excursions |
| Brazilian side of the falls: |

On this tour you will visit the Iguazu National Park , covering 185.000 hectares of subtropical forest. You will follow the walkways that border the canyon of the Iguazu River. It is possible to observe hundreds of small waterfalls including the last and most impressive; Floriano Falls. Here, a complete frontal view of Devil's Throat can be seen.
- Included: transport and English speaking guide.
- Time: 4 hours.
- Type: this excursion can be booked as a private or group service.
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| Argentinean side of the falls: |
During this tour you will pass the Iguazu River, to the Argentinean national park. Trails through the 55.500 hectare reserve provide a different, complete view of the falls, especially the biggest one, the devil's Throat. Lower and upper walkways permit a closer look at the waterfalls.
- Included: transport and English speaking guide.
- Time: 4 hours.
- Type: this excursion can be booked as a private or group service.

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| Hydroelectric Power Station: |
This tour visits the world's biggest hydroelectric power station. The impressive civil engineering work was built by Brazilian and Paraguayans across the Paraná, taking advantage of a 120 m difference in level along a 200 km river course. You will start the tour at the visitor's center, with a showing of an explanatory movie about the construction and operation of the plant. You will then continue by bus to the principal viewing platform where the giant spillways can be observed. The impressive water spectacle can be appreciated as well as a panoramic view of the entire power plant.

- Included: transport and English speaking guide.
- Time: 4 hours.
- Type: this excursion can only be booked as a group service.
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| Macuco Boat Safari: |
This tour takes you to the subtropical forests of the Brazilian Iguazu National Park . You get there in a jungle ride in an open jeep, followed by a spectacular boat trip. A specialized guide will provide interesting information about the ecology of the region. You continue by foot to the banks of the Iguazu River where a motor launch takes you as close as possible to the waterfalls, providing a thrilling adventure and unique view of the falls.
- Included: transport, English speaking guide.
- Time: 3 hours.
- Type: this excursion can only be booked as a group service, if combined with visit to Brazilian falls no additional transfer costs will be added.
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| Bird Park: |
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Foz do Iguazu is a real bird habitat. This five-hectare bird sanctuary, located near the Iguazu National Park, offers one great opportunities of seeing regional flora and fauna up close. While walking on the trails through native vegetation it is possible to observe many bird species in their natural habitat.
- Included: transport, English speaking guide.
- Time: 1,5 hours.
- Type: This excursion can be booked as a private or group service.
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| Dinner with a folk show: |
Self-service buffet with a wide variety of salads, hot and cold dishes, and desserts including an ice cream bar, all served first-class on traditional chopping clocks. While dining a live show can be enjoyed featuring many different native musicians and dancers who present authentic folk songs and folk dances from the cultures of Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil.
- Included: these can only be booked as private excursions. Ask us about possibilities and prices.
- Time: 3 hours.
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