Iguazu Waterfalls: A Scenic Retreat To Nature In Argentina

A beautiful panoramic view of the Iguazu Waterfalls

The Iguazu waterfalls, located on the border of the Argentine province, is situated on the Iguazu River. It is a semicircular waterfall that is at a height of 80 m and 2700 m. This waterfall was actually a result of a volcanic eruption that left a huge crack in the earth. This waterfall crashes through a subtropical jungle with various butterflies and wildlife. The river later flows through Brazil, while most of the falls are located on the Argentina side of this waterfall system.

Location

 A view of the Iguazu Waterfalls from the lower circuit

Photo: DINOCBA / Wikimedia Commons

The Iguazu waterfall is situated on the Iguazu River that borders the Argentina province and Brazilian state. The Iguazu River rises near Curitiba. Most of the waterfalls are located on the Argentina side, whereas the river flows through Brazil. The water collected in a canyon at the lower part of Iguazu goes into the Paraná River, which is at a short distance from the Itaipu Dam.

How To Reach

Iguazu Airport is the nearest one to reach Iguazu Waterfalls

Photo: Vmzp85 / Wikimedia Commons

By Air: The Iguazu Airport is the nearest one to reach the Iguazu waterfalls, which is located 7.7 km away.

By Rail: The rainforest ecological train located on the Argentina side is available for the visitors to reach this waterfall.

By Road: There are bus terminals in the town where buses leave every 2 minutes to major parts of the city. There are also taxis and cabs available. There are also double-decker buses from the Brazilian side to reach the waterfalls.

Places To Visit In And Around Iguazu Waterfalls

Here are a few places to visit in and around Iguazu Waterfalls to explore and make the best out of your trip:

1. Parque Das Aves

Many birds found at a bird sanctuary near Iguazu Waterfalls

Photo: Julio Cesar R. Lopes / Wikimedia Commons

Parque Das Aves is a sanctuary that is a shelter for birds located in Parana state, Brazil. This place has a collection of various birds along with many animals and butterflies. This park is located in an area of 16 hectares of forest that was opened in 1994. The main purpose of the park is to study, breed and protect the birds. There are more than 75 species of birds that are being protected from extinction within the Atlantic rainforest. Along with these, there are more than 800 species of birds.

Location: Parque das Aves, 9GM8+H4 – Av. das Cataratas, 12450 – KM 17, 85859-899, Brazil
Distance From Iguazu Waterfalls: 12 km

2. Itaipu Dam

An Amazing view of the Itaipu Dam located near Iguazu Waterfalls

Photo: Deni Williams / Wikimedia Commons

The Itaipu Dam, located on the Paraná River, is a huge hydroelectric dam between Brazil and Paraguay. This dam was built between 1975 and 1982, which is 196 m high. It is considered to be the third largest hydroelectric dam in the world. This dam is famous for its nighttime light shows and amazing views from the central area. Near this, there is a museum of the Guarani land that exhibits indigenous culture. On the north of the dam, there is Tati Yupi Sanctuary, a wildlife reserve with a collection of birds and beautiful trails.

Location: Presa De Itaipu
Distance From Iguazu Waterfalls: 44.1 km

3. La Aripuca

A view of the building at La Aripuca made out of wood logs near Iguazu Waterfall

Photo: Herr stahlhoefer / Wikimedia Commons

La Aripuca is a famous tourist attraction in Argentina that gives a beautiful explanation about the relationship of nature. The main structure of this place was built with 30 native species of huge logs of wood without cutting the tree. This building is known as a traditional trap, which is 17 m high. There are four structures on this site. One is a handicraft shop that is built with a local stone and rustic aesthetics. Another is a local produce shop built as rural housing. Next, there is a small bar that serves juices and ice cream and last there is a restaurant that serves lunch with regional food.

Location: La Aripuca, 4 1, RN 12 2, Puerto Iguazú, Misiones, Argentina
Distance From Iguazu Waterfalls: 26.7 km

4. Wonder Park Foz

A beautiful light show organised at Wonder Park Foz located near Iguazu Waterfalls

Photo: Eden, Janine and Jim / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Wonder Park Foz is a famous theme park in Brazil that is known for its various rides and themed restaurants. It is a funny place to visit with family and friends with many races and other things organised at this place. Each room is amazingly decorated with a variety of cars. Along with the display of cars, there is also a lumina park and water fountain light show. It is especially entertaining for kids to enjoy the day.

Location: Wonder Park Foz, Av. das Cataratas, 11547 – Parque Nacional do Iguaçu, 85853-881, Brazil
Distance From Iguazu Waterfalls: 12.8 km

5. Wanda Mines

A stunning view of the stones found at Wanda Mines

Photo: LBM1948 / Wikimedia Commons

Wanda Mines is one of the most amazing and unique places to visit near Iguazu waterfalls. This place is known for various types of mines of semi precious stones. This is the best place for people who are more interested in mines and geology. There are tours organised in this place on how the stones are extracted, processed and carved into beautiful jewellery. Different types of crystal stones, agate and many more are found in various colours and shapes, which is very interesting to look at.

Location: Minas de Wanda, C. Boleslao Jejer S/N, N3376 Puerto Wanda, Misiones, Argentina
Distance From Iguazu Waterfalls: 74.6 km

Where To Stay

Luxurious hotel rooms providing all the facilities near Iguazu Waterfalls

Photo: Paul R. Burley / Wikimedia Commons

There are a few hotels in the national park where the waterfall is located, like Gran Melia Iguazu and Hotel Das Cataratas. These are luxurious hotels providing amenities like jungle views, waterfall views, outdoor pools, spas, restaurants and many more. There are also various other hotels near the waterfalls that provide all the necessary facilities and safety and security along with a beautiful view of nature. Some more of these hotels are Gran Melia, Iguazu Falls Hotel, Rainforest Hotel and Vivaz Cataratas Hotel Resort.

Where To Eat

Delicious local cuisine served at restaurants near Iguazu Waterfalls

Photo: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

There are many market stalls and restaurants available near Iguazu Waterfalls that provide delicious local cuisine and international cuisine. The restaurants available near the waterfalls maintain hygienic surroundings. Some of these restaurants and food stalls are Y Restaurant, El Fortin Cataratas, Naili Restaurant, Ipe Restaurant, Restaurant Garganta Del Diablo, Restaurant Proto Canoas and many more.

Best Time To Visit

A beautiful view of the milky white waterfall

Photo: Nataliaeconomia2008 / Wikimedia Commons

It is a peak season where it is a bit crowded and everywhere there is a queue.

Other Factors To Consider

A stunning side view of the Iguazu Waterfalls.

Photo: Deni Williams / Wikimedia Commons

The best time to visit Iguazu Waterfalls is between the months of July to October and February to April because during these months the weather is ideal to roam around, and it is not very crowded during this time. The Iguazu Waterfalls can be visited anytime throughout the year. During the months of November to January, it’s the peak and crowded time.

Average Cost Of The Trip

The entry to the waterfalls is through the park where the entry fee to the park is $39 / ₹3,400. Taking into account accommodation, food and transportation for sight-seeing, it can cost around $129 / ₹11,100 per person.

Tips For Travellers

  • Carry a waterproof bag, extra clothes, snacks and water.
  • Dress up according to the weather conditions.
  • Set a meeting point if visiting with a group.
  • Rest often, be hydrated and be careful, especially with kids.

Iguazu Waterfalls is one of the most beautiful and popular places to visit between Argentina and Brazil. This confluence of the waterfall is the largest in the world that is known for its amazing scenery of the milky white waterfalls and lush green surroundings. With many places to visit nearby to explore nature, it is a must-visit place once in a lifetime to connect with nature. To know more about these waterfalls and for further planning, visit TripXL.

Cover Photo: Alé2199 / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit Iguazu Waterfalls is between the months of July to October because during these times the weather is ideal to explore many places.
By air, Iguazu Airport is the nearest. By road, there are different ways, like double-decker buses and bus terminals, available. There are also taxis and cabs available. By train, the rainforest ecological train in Argentina is the nearest.
There are many places to visit near Iguazu Waterfalls like La Aripuca, Itaipu Dam, Wonder Park Foz, Parque Das Aves and many more.
Yes, there are many hotels inside the park and also nearby with all the necessary facilities provided to the visitors.
Iguazu Waterfalls is famous for being the largest waterfall system in the world that is considered to be one of the wonders of the world. It is also famous for its incredibly beautiful scenery.

Recommended Articles

Leave a Reply

Top Travel Destinations by Month