The Iguazu Falls are formed by 275 waterfalls, close to the mouth of the Iguazu River on the Parana, a point that serves as a natural border between Brazil (Foz do Iguaçu) and Argentina (Puerto Iguazu).
The falls are located in the Iguaçu National Park in the state of Parana, Brazil, and in the Iguazu National Park in the province of Misiones in Argentina.
Visiting the Iguazu Falls is a unique experience and to have the full experience you’ll have to visit both sides of the falls.
In 2011 the Iguazu Falls were chosen as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
Curiosities about Iguazu Falls in Brazil and Iguaçu National Park
1. The Iguaçu National Park was created in January 1939
Photo Credit: Christhian Gruhn
The waterfalls on the Brazilian side are inside the Iguaçu National Park.
2. The Iguaçu National Park is a UNESCO Natural Heritage
Photo Credit: Christhian Gruhn
In 1986 UNESCO gave the title of Natural Heritage of Humanity to the Iguaçu National Park.
3. The Iguaçu National Park has a total area of 185,262.5 hectares
Photo Credit: Guilherme Madaleno
The Iguaçu National Park is the largest area in Brazil for the preservation of the Atlantic forest.
4. The Park is the second most visited National Park in Brazil
Photo Credit: Douglas Lopez
The Iguaçu National Park is the second most visited National Park in Brazil, in the first place is the Tijuca National Park, where Christ the Redeemer is located.
5. Iguaçu means “Big Water”
Photo Credit: Gabriella Chuffi
The word Iguaçu comes from Guarani and means “Big Water”.
6. It is Possible to observe Rainbows at any Time of the Day at Iguazu Falls
Photo Credit: Christhian Gruhn
The rainbow is one of the most beautiful phenomena to observe. The ingredients are simple: sunlight and drops of water.
Summer storms can cause surprising scenarios, but the rainbow does not always need rain to rise. At Iguazu Falls it is possible to observe this phenomenon at any time of the day.
Curiosities about Iguazu Falls in Argentina and Iguazu National Park
1. The Iguazu National Park was created in October 1934
Photo Credit: Derek Oyen
The waterfalls on the Argentine side are inside the Iguazu National Park.
2. The Devil’s Throat is shaped like a “U”
Photo Credit: Fabien Moliné
A large part of the water from the falls in the Devil’s Throat, a great chasm with 82 meters high, 150 meters wide, and 700 meters long.
3. Two-thirds of Iguazu Falls are on the Argentine Side
Photo Credit: Ondrej Bocek
4. The Iguazu National Park is a UNESCO Natural Heritage
Photo Credit: Christhian Gruhn
In 1984 UNESCO gave the title of Natural Heritage of Humanity to the Iguazu National Park.
5. The Iguazu National Park has a total area of 67,720 hectares
Photo Credit: Jonatan Lewczuk
6. The Argentine side has a Lower Walkway and an Upper Walkway
Photo Credit: Jonatan Lewczuk
The upper walk consists of a walk along flat walkways with panoramic views of the falls, from the Iguazu River.
The lower walk is a walkway that crosses below the falls to appreciate the jungle in all its splendor.
Plan your trip to Iguazu Falls
The Brazilian Side of the Falls
- It offers the most beautiful panoramic views of the falls
- It can be visited in one day
- It is worth combining the tour with the Parque das Aves
Tickets are available to be purchased online at the official park website. Also, it is possible to buy tickets through agencies, and some sell shared transportation to the falls.
Rodovia das Cataratas, km 18
Opening Hours: Every Day from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Official Website: cataratasdoiguacu.com.br
The Argentine Side of the Falls
- It offers exciting walkways and circuits
- It is recommended 2 days to see all the attractions
Tickets are available to be purchased online at the official park website.
Address: Ruta 101, Puerto Iguazú, Argentina
Opening Hours: Every Day from 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Official Website: iguazuargentina.com
Best Time to Visit the Iguazu Falls
Iguazu Falls can be visited at any time of the year.
Iguazu Falls during Spring and Summer
Between October and March, it rains more often and the maximum temperature frequently is around 30ºC. October is the rainiest month historically. The hottest: December, January, and February.
Iguazu Falls during Autumn and Spring
Between April and November, it rains less and can be cold. The driest months historically, are July and August. The coldest months are June, July, and August when the minimum temperature can drop to 10ºC. Sunny days however usually have a large thermal amplitude, and even in the colder months, the maximum temperature can reach 25ºC.
Ecotourism
The two National Parks, on the Brazilian and Argentine sides, offer activities that go beyond contemplating the falls.
Related Tours & Services:
- Iguaçu Falls Helicopter Ride
- Foz de Iguazu Private Day Trip
- Transfers in Foz de Iguacu
- Iguazu Falls Tour Argentina
- Puerto Iguazú Free Walking Tour
- Puerto Iguazú Sunset Cruise
- Ciudad del Este Day Trip
- Dinner at the Argentine Experience
- Madero Tango Show
- Brazilian Dinner and Dance
Best Iguazu Falls Hotels in Brazil
There are excellent hotel options in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil. Check out our list of the 6 best hotels to stay on the Brazilian side of the falls.
1. Belmond Hotel das Cataratas
Located inside Iguaçu National Park Brazil, Belmond Hotel das Cataratas offers amazing views of the falls.
Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, minibar, and air-conditioning.
The hotel has a swimming pool, a spa, and a sauna.
Distance from Foz International Airport: 13 km
Rodovia Br 469, Km 32, s/n Parque Nacional, PR
Site: belmond.com
2. Wish Foz do Iguaçu
Wish Foz do Iguaçu is located 11,3 km from the falls.
Rooms are elegantly styled with classic wooden furniture and soft décor.
The hotel has a swimming pool, a sauna, and a spa.
Distance from Foz International Airport: 6,1 km
6845 Av. das Cataratas – Tamanduá, Foz do Iguaçu – PR
Site: wishgolfresort.com.br
3. Bourbon Cataratas Convention & Spa Resort
Bourbon Cataratas Convention & Spa Resort is located on the borders of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay, 18 km from the falls.
Rooms are tastefully decorated and equipped with a flat-screen TV, minibar, and air-conditioning.
The hotel has a swimming pool, a spa, and a sauna.
Distance from Foz International Airport: 10 km
Av. das Cataratas, 2345 – Vila Yolanda, Foz do Iguaçu – PR
Site: bourbon.com.br
4. Recanto Cataratas – Thermas, Resort & Convention
Recanto Cataratas – Thermas, Resort & Convention is located 9,8 km from Three Borders Landmark.
Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, air-conditioning, and minibar.
The hotel features a water park with thermal pools
Distance from Foz International Airport: 15,2 km
3500 Av. Costa e Silva – Parque Pres. 1, Foz do Iguaçu – PR
Site: recantocataratasresort.com.br
Click to check availability and price
5. Mabu Thermas Grand Resort
Mabu Thermas Grand Resort 17,1 km from the waterfalls.
Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, minibar, and air-conditioning.
The hotel features outdoor pools, a swim-up bar, and hot tubs.
Distance from Foz International Airport: 8,9 km
3175 Av. das Cataratas – Vila Yolanda, Foz do Iguaçu – PR, 85853-000
Site: hoteismabu.com.br
6. San Martin Resort & Spa
San Martin Resort & Spa is located 400 meters from the Iguaçu National Park entrance.
Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, minibar, and air-conditioning.
The hotel has a large swimming pool surrounded by gardens, a spa, and a sauna.
Distance from Foz International Airport: 2,8 km
Avenida das Cataratas, Km 21, s/n – Parque Nacional, Foz do Iguaçu – PR
Site: hotelsanmartin.com.br
Best Iguazu Falls Hotels in Argentina
Puerto Iguazu also offers excellent hotel options, check out our list of the 6 best hotels to stay on the Argentinean side of the falls.
1. Gran Melia Iguazu
Located inside Iguazu Park, Gran Melia Iguazu features an outdoor pool and spa facilities.
Rooms have large private balconies and some of them overlook the waterfalls.
Distance from Misiones Airport: 10,8 km
Parque Nacional Iguazù S/N, N3370 Puerto Iguazú, Catamarca, Argentina
Site: melia.com
2. Panoramic Grand – Iguazu
Panoramic Grand – Iguazu offers a panoramic view of the Iguazu River and the Triple Frontier.
Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, minibar, and air-conditioning.
The hotel has a swimming pool, a spa, and a sauna.
Distance from Misiones Airport: 21,3 km
Cordoba y, Félix de Azara, N3370 Puerto Iguazú, Misiones, Argentina
Site: panoramicgrand.com
3. Amérian Portal Del Iguazú Hotel
Located 17,9 km from the Iguazu waterfalls, Amérian Portal Del Iguazú Hotel features spa facilities and two swimming pools.
Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, air-conditioning, and minibar.
Distance from Misiones Airport: 21,9 km
Av. Tres Fronteras 780, N3370XAJ Puerto Iguazú Misiones, Misiones, Argentina
Site: portaldeliguazu.com
4. Loi Suites Iguazu Hotel
Loi Suites Iguazu Hotel features a spa, an outdoor pool, and suspended bridges.
Some rooms feature ample balconies with beautiful jungle views.
Distance from Misiones Airport: 21,1 km
Site: loisuites.com.ar
5. Iguazu Grand Resort Spa & Casino
Iguazu Grand Resort Spa & Casino features 2 swimming pools and spa facilities.
Rooms have French-style furniture and are equipped with seating areas, mini-bars, and balconies with garden views.
Distance from Misiones Airport: 19,1 km
Ruta 12 KM 1640, N3370 Puerto Iguazú, Misiones, Argentina
Site: iguazugrand.com
6. Mercure Iguazu Hotel Iru
Located in the heart of the Iryapu Jungle, Mercure Iguazu Hotel Iru features an outdoor swimming pool.
Rooms are elegant and equipped with a flat-screen TV, air-conditioning, and minibar.
Distance from Misiones Airport: 18,3 km
Selva Iryapu S N Predio 600 Has, N3370 Puerto Iguazú Misiones, Argentina
Site: accorhotels.com
How to Get to Iguazu Falls
Iguazu Falls are served by two airports, one located on the Argentine side and the other located on the Brazilian side.
Iguazu Falls Airports
Iguazu Falls Airport Argentina
Located 9 km from Iguazu National Park, the Iguazu Falls Airport Argentina (IGR) is the 7th busiest airport in Argentina.
Camino Anexo Ruta Provincial 101, N3370, Misiones, Argentina
Site: www.aa2000.com.ar
Search Flights to Iguazu Falls Argentina
Iguazu Falls Airport Brazil
Iguazu Falls Airport Brazil (IGU) is the 20th busiest airport in Brazil. It is located 3,2 km from Iguazu National Park.
Rod. BR 469, Km 16,5, s/n – Aeroporto, Foz do Iguaçu – PR
Site: infraero.gov.br
Search Flights to Iguazu Falls Brazil
Featured Photo Credit: Pau Sayrol
Book Your Trip
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See also
70 Best Luxury Hotels in Brazil
South of Brazil: Popular Cities and Attractions
Gramado Brazil: Top Things to do, Best Hotels & Map
