Iguazu Falls

Nestled in South America’s lush forests, Iguazu Falls straddles the border between Argentina and Brazil. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this awe-inspiring series of waterfalls ranks among the largest and most spectacular in the world. 

The name “Iguazu” originates from the Guarani or Tupi words “y,” which translates to “water,” and “ûasú,” meaning “big,” aptly describing the immense scale of the falls. A legend recounts how a deity, set to marry a beautiful woman named Naipí, was thwarted when she fled with her mortal lover, Tarobá, in a canoe. In a rage, the deity sliced the river, creating the waterfalls and condemning the lovers to an eternal fall.

In the late 19th century, Brazilian army officer Edmundo de Barros envisioned creating a national park at Iguaçu Falls. After boundary adjustments between Brazil and Argentina, each country established its own national park—Iguazú National Park in Argentina in 1934 and Iguaçu National Park in Brazil in 1939. The Argentine park gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 1984, followed by the Brazilian park in 1986. Combined, the two parks cover approximately 240,000 hectares. Together, they preserve a significant portion of the Interior Atlantic Forest.

Iguazu Falls comprises approximately 275 individual falls and cascades. The number of waterfalls varies depending on the season, with the rainy season from November to March offering the most spectacular views. The falls extend over an impressive 1.7 miles (approximately 2.7 kilometers) in width. The height of the falls varies between 197 to 269 feet (60 to 82 meters), with the Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo in Spanish) being the tallest and most majestic of the falls. The thunderous sound of water crashing down the Devil’s Throat can be heard from as far as about 8.7 miles (up to 14 kilometers) away.

The Iguazu River, which feeds the falls, runs through Brazil for most of its course, with the majority of the falls located in Argentina. At the heart of the two parks, the river forms a horseshoe-shaped bend. Less than 5.5 miles (25 kilometers) downstream from the parks, it joins the mighty Parana River.

The surrounding riverine forests and numerous river islands are perpetually drenched in large clouds of spray, fostering an extremely humid microclimate. This climate supports dense, lush subtropical vegetation, which in turn provides a habitat for diverse fauna. The subtropical rainforest shelters numerous rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, including 2,000 species of vascular plants, jaguar, the South American tapir, and various species of eagles and parrots. It is a haven for bird watchers, with over 400 bird species recorded, featuring the vibrant and elusive toucan, an iconic symbol of the region’s biodiversity.

Iguazu Falls stands as a monumental testament to the natural world’s beauty, power, and complexity. Whether viewed through the lens of a historian, a conservationist, or a simple admirer of natural beauty, Iguazu Falls is a source of endless fascination and inspiration, a place where the majesty of nature is on full display.