Iguazu falls or Foz de iguasu as they’re referred to in South America had long been on my list and when I was planning the itenary, a visit was always going to be on the cards! When I started to research the area, it became apparent that there were a number of ways that Iguazu Falls could be enjoyed and I sure wanted to see the majestic spectacle of these 275 falls from as many perspectives as possible.
BACKGROUND
The falls are also known as Iguazu Falls, Iguassu Falls and Iguaçu Falls and originate from the Iguassu River. They are located on the border of Brazil’s, Paraná state and Argentina.
The name of Iguazu Falls originates from the Tupi or Guarani language and means big water. While the ancient Brazilian tribes knew of its thunderous beauty, it was only officially ‘discovered’ in 1541, when the European explorer, the Spanish Conquistador Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, came across its awe-inspiring beauty.
The falls are owned by two UNESCO world heritage site, Iguazú National park in Argentina and Iguaçu National Park in Brazil. They stretch in width for 2.7KM (1.7 miles) and their height can vary between 60 metres (200 FT.) and 82 metres (269 FT).
Most people opt to stay on the Brazillian side of Iguazu Falls in Foz de Iguaҫu or on the Argentinian side in Puerto Iguazu. Each of these have a lot of accommodation options, but if you’ve read my other South American posts, you will know that I stayed at The Belmond das Cataratas Hotel on the Brazilian side of the falls.
DEVILS THROAT
A huge proportion of the water thrusts down what is known as Devil’s Throat, a long crevasse which is 82 metres high and 150 metres wide and 700 metres in length. It has a recognisable U shape.
FIVE WAYS TO EXPERIENCE THE FORCE THAT IS IGUASSU FALLS
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