A shared treasure: Iguazu Falls in Argentina and Brazil

There are few waterfalls as majestic as Iguazu – or Iguaçu, if you prefer the Portuguese spelling – Falls along the border of Argentina and Brazil. The falls are actually anywhere from 160 to 275 separate cascades (depending on the water level) with heights of roughly 263 feet (80 meters).

Sometimes also spelled Iguassu, the name of the falls comes from a Guarani Indian word meaning “great water.” An average of approximately 53,000 cubic feet (1,500 cubic meters) of water flows over Iguazu Falls each second.

The subtropical rainforest surrounding the falls contains more than 2,000 species of vascular plants and is home to an abundance of wildlife, including toucans, parrots, and more than 400 other species of birds; tapirs; jaguars; ocelots; giant anteaters; howler monkeys; coatis; a variety of lizards, and countless butterflies.

The falls and the surrounding forest are protected in national parks on both sides of the border: Parque Nacional Iguazu in Argentina and Parque Nacional do Iguaçu in Brazil. Both parks have been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Most of the waterfalls are located in Argentina, making it possible to get close to various sections of the falls from this side. A network of paved trails and catwalks lead to viewpoints overlooking different cascades. The Upper Circuit trail is about 4/10 of a mile (650 meters) long and has six viewpoints with good overall views of the falls. The Lower Circuit, just over a mile (1,700 meters) long, takes you closer to the falls and into the heart of the subtropical rainforest ecosystem. A tourist train runs from stops near the Upper and Lower Circuits to the Devil’s Throat station, where a catwalk (1.3 miles or 2080 meters roundtrip) leads out over the Iguazu River and some of the islands near the falls, ending at the powerful 492-foot (150-meter) wide horseshoe-shaped falls known as the Devil’s Throat. The catwalk goes right out to the edge of the falls, so be prepared for plenty of spray and mist.

On the Argentine side you can also hike the Sendero Macuco through dense jungle or take a jet boat ride up the Iguazu River to the base of the falls. (You will get completely soaked, but dry bags are provided to protect your belongings.)

The Brazilian side of the falls offers a more panoramic view, with a walkway that descends past several overlooks to a catwalk over the falls, allowing you to really get a sense of the power of the rushing water (again, prepare for a soaking if you choose to go all the way out). From the end of the main walkway, an elevator whisks you back up to street level at the top of the cliff (there’s also a trail up to the street if you prefer not to wait in line for the lift).

It’s well worth spending two or three days at Iguazu exploring the different trails and visiting both sides of the falls. There are a number of lodging options in the general area, in both Argentina and Brazil (and even in Paraguay, just 20 or so minutes away). On the Argentine side, there are plenty of hotels in Puerto Iguazu, where the closest airport is located. Inside the national park, there’s the Sheraton Iguazu Resort and Spa, located just steps from the trails through the rainforest to the brink of the falls. All the rooms have private balconies, many with views of the falls. Though not much to look at from the outside, it’s a very comfortable hotel, and you can’t beat the location, though you’re limited to the hotel’s somewhat expensive restaurants for meals unless you head into town or grab some fast food inside the park.

On the Brazilian side, the closest town to the falls is Foz do Iguaçu, which has numerous lodging options. There’s also a high-end hotel, the Hotel das Cataratas, inside the national park on the Brazilian side.

Be sure to check immigration requirements if you’re planning to visit both sides of the falls. Though crossing the border is fairly straightforward, many nationalities that do not need visas for Argentina, including Americans, are required to have them for Brazil.