Iguazu Falls - organizational issues. Iguazu Falls and the Three Borders, Argentina—Brazil—Paraguay How to get from Rio de Janeiro to Iguazu
As a result of a powerful volcanic eruption, which led to the appearance of a large crevice in the ground, Iguazu Falls(port. Cataratas do Iguaçu). They spread over 2.7 kilometers along the Iguazu River, 24 km away. from the place where it flows into. The waterfall located on the border of () and (), the river is divided into Upper and Lower Iguazu.
Waterfalls are included in the list of phenomenal natural sites World Heritage UNESCO, being an inseparable part of a unique, almost untouched tropical jungle biosystem, protected by the Iguazu National Parks, Brazilian and Argentine, on both sides of water flows. Two-thirds of the cascades are on the Argentine side of the river. Therefore, the view of the cascade from Brazil is much more impressive.
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The grandeur of one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world is revealed in all its grandeur during the rainy season (November - March), when the river’s water flow reaches 13 thousand m³/sec.
The origins of which are located nearby Atlantic coast Brazil, to the south, flows in a westerly direction inland. The river in the area of the waterfall is almost 4 km wide, and the stream rushes over this entire width from a grandiose semicircular cliff.
In fact, Iguazu is a complex of 275 waterfalls, some of which are over 80 meters high and most of them are 60-70 meters high.
The name Iguaçu means “Big Water” in the Guarani language.
These waterfalls unfold in streams and cascades: some of them rush straight into the basin located 82 m below, the rest are broken up into groups of smaller streams formed by steps of solid rock, falling on which the water turns into dense clouds of tiny spray. Sunlight completes the fantastic picture, creating sparkling rainbows.
The deepest part of the Iguazu system is (“Garganta del Diablo”), 82 m high and 150 m wide, shaped like a horseshoe. I. is the most beautiful and most convenient waterfall on the planet for tourists; it provides ideal conditions for viewing: standing at one point, you can contemplate all the cascades, having a 260-degree view.
The best way to admire the unique view is from the Brazilian side: 14 mighty streams falling from a height, the force of which is so powerful that the waterfall is always surrounded by a huge sparkling misty cloud. On the Argentina side there are no less beautiful areas. Here excursions are organized along narrow bridges stretching directly over the current flowing into the Devil's Throat (in total there are more than 2 km of bridges between the islands).
Quite remarkable are also the San Martin, Bernabe Mendez and Bossetti waterfalls. The system's multiple cascades are separated from each other by islands scattered in the middle of the current. If they formed a continuous, single wall of water, then he would be the widest waterfall in the world, ahead of South African Victoria with a continuous stream 1600 meters wide and 100 meters high.
Today, Iguazu is recognized as the record holder for the volume of falling water, which averages 1,700 m³/sec of water, which is more than Victoria and Niagara Falls s combined.
A little history
The discoverer of the waterfall is considered to be Don Alvaro Nunez Caseso de Vaca, a Spanish conquistador who in 1541 set out in search of gold in the South American jungle. Having landed on the coast of what is now Brazil and moving through the Brazilian Highlands to the west, hearing a dull distant rumble, a small detachment went to the waterfall. The cruel conqueror was incredibly impressed by the majestic natural phenomenon, giving it the name Salto de Santa Maria ("St. Mary's Leap"). Although the name did not stick, the name of Don de Vaca is immortalized on a stone slab near the Arayagaray cascade.
The Spanish-Portuguese colonialists were of little interest natural beauty, they were driven to America by the thirst for profit, for several centuries about grandiose waterfalls and didn’t remember.
It was only in the 19th century that the waterfalls were discovered again by the explorer Boselli, whose name is given to one of the Argentine cascades. Until 1864 they belonged, but Argentina and Brazil also laid claim to this territory. As a result of the military conflict - the bloodiest of all wars in American history, in 1864-1870, as a result of forced territorial concessions to Paraguay, South coast the Iguazu River went to Argentina, and north shore- Brazil.
Iguazu are represented by a complex of waterfalls located in South America and at the same time are the dividing line between Argentina and Brazil. According to general estimates, there are more than 270 waterfalls here. Several years ago, Iguazu was recognized as one of the newly recognized wonders of the world. Translated, Iguazu means “big water” and this is a justified name. European residents were the first to hear about this miracle from the Spanish traveler Cabeza de Vaca, the first European who decided to explore these lands.
Waterfalls constantly change their appearance and the power of water flows; this directly depends on the time of year. The most powerful water flows can be seen from November to March, when the amount of precipitation reaches its maximum. Also this mysterious place It is common to dry out completely, but only the lucky ones can see this phenomenon; this happens approximately once every 40-45 years. Iguazu Falls appeared due to strongest eruption volcano, and acquired their final form gradually, because the water eroded the soil every year, and this is what has survived to this day.
The largest and most powerful waterfall of this complex is called “Devil's Throat”. The waterfall is a horseshoe-shaped cliff 700 meters long and 150 meters wide. This waterfall is the official border of the two states and is located in Brazil.
In addition to the most beautiful landscapes, here you can constantly see a rainbow, sometimes more than one, bathing in the spray of waterfalls. At night you can see such a phenomenon as a night rainbow.
It is larger and wider than the world famous Niagara Falls. There are simply not enough epithets to describe the beauty of this miracle. All this must be seen with your own eyes. Residents of neighboring countries treat their heritage with care and concern. To preserve the beauty of Iguazu Falls, national parks were created in the surrounding areas, and they are also protected by the world organization UNESCO.
Every year, Iguazu Falls attracts millions of tourists who want to see this miracle in person. Everything for tourism has been equipped here for a long time, observation platforms, laid walking routes, infrastructure is developing. Tourists are provided with all the necessary things to make the most unforgettable walk of their life to the foot of the waterfalls. Most of the waterfalls of the complex are located in Argentina. In national parks you can get acquainted with local specimens of flora and fauna - flamingos, toucans, iguanas and this is only a thousandth part of what can be seen here.
How to get to Iguazu Falls from Argentina
From cities in Argentina, Iguazu Falls can be reached by plane or by bus to the nearest city of Puerto Iguazú. Near the city there is aCataratas del Iguazu International Airport(Cataratas del Iguazú International Airport). You can fly from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazu by direct flight in 1 hour 45 minutes.
From Puerto Iguazu, buses depart every 30 minutes to Iguazu Falls. You can also rent a car in advance online from the company
Puerto Iguazu Map
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On the border largest countries: South America, Brazil and Argentina there is a real cascade of waterfalls that falls from above into a deep gorge. The waterfall is called Iguazu, just like the river from which it was formed. The Iguazu River rushes off the edge of the Parano plateau with a strong noise and visually gives the impression that the river is boiling. Several rainbows created by jets of water hang in the air, shimmering in different colors.
How the waterfall was discovered
Iguazu Falls was discovered in the mid-16th century, thanks to the Spanish conquistadors' thirst for gold. One of them went into the jungle with the hope of finding one of the Indian treasures. Having landed with a detachment on the coast of Brazil, he went deep into the mainland. After crossing the Brazilian Highlands, the party heard a distant but constant rumble.
Heading towards the source of the sound, the conquistadors came to a waterfall, which amazed the squad members with its beauty to the core.
The name given to the waterfall shows how amazed and fascinated the conquistadors were by what they saw. “St. Mary’s Leap,” that’s what its discoverers called it. This name did not catch on. De Vaca, which was the name of the detachment commander, reported his discovery to Madrid. But the beauty of the waterfalls, like other places, was of little interest to the king of Spain. Only gold and other jewelry were of interest to the court. Therefore, about the waterfall on for a long time almost forgotten.
After a long time, in the 19th century, the majestic waterfall was rediscovered.
It was discovered by continental explorer Boselli. The land on which this natural wonder was located belonged to Paraguay at that time, but it was seriously claimed by larger and stronger ones from Brazil. Soon one of the bloodiest armed conflicts in the history of the continent broke out. As a result, Paraguay had to part with this part of its territory. One bank of the river began to belong to Argentina, the other to Brazil.
The legend of the origin of the waterfall
There is a beautiful legend about the origin of the waterfall. According to this legend, God fell in love with a local girl. But she had another lover and she and her beloved tried to sail downstream in boats to hide from God and live together. The angry God cut the river, resulting in a waterfall.
The young man was turned into a palm tree standing alone on the shore, and the girl into a black rock.
But there are moments when a rainbow appears, passing through a rock and a palm tree. This is a young man and a girl hugging against all odds.
Geological explanation of the origin of the waterfall
The geological explanation of the origin of the waterfall is much less prosaic. The waterfall was formed more than 150 million years ago due to volcanic activity on the plateau.
Moreover, initially, the waterfall was located downstream at the confluence of Iguazu and Parana, but due to soil erosion, it retreated to its current location.
Every year the waterfall moves downstream, although this movement is negligible for humans and amounts to only a few millimeters, so it is practically invisible to the eye.
Excursions to the waterfall
Currently, in the vicinity of Iguazu Falls there is a national park in which you can observe many representatives of the flora and fauna of the region. Boat excursions are offered along the Iguazu and Parana rivers, which are very loved and popular among tourists.
You can also visit the Itaipu River Dam, which is one of the largest in the world.
National parks, with mandatory visit Iguazu Falls are very popular in tourist circles. Every year, many thousands of people come here to view the magnificent beauty.
A standard tour of the waterfalls looks something like this. First, a short walk from the entrance to the reserve to railway station. Then the journey itself in the carriages, during which you can slightly explore the territory of the park. After disembarking from the train, you will have to walk along hanging bridges, and the journey along them is quite long.
And finally, the waterfall itself appears. This gorgeous sight makes tourists sigh and groan in admiration.
The view of the waterfall is truly mesmerizing. When the delight caused by viewing this miracle of nature subsides somewhat, tourists make their way back to the camp, from where the jeep journey begins into the interior. national park.
A visit to the national park on the border of Argentina and Brazil is worth the long journey. And the Iguazu Falls itself will be a kind of “cherry on the cake” of your trip.
In the last blog I had almost all the interesting waterfalls in the world. But now we have to show you these again wonderful places. Moreover, many confused this waterfall with Niagara. So, let's go...
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Iguazu Falls is one of the world's largest and most famous waterfalls. It is located approximately 24 kilometers from where the Iguazu River flows into the Paraná and lies on the border of Argentina and Brazil. The opening panorama fills viewers with feelings of fear, delight and admiration for the perfection of nature. Visiting a waterfall and being in contact with wildlife, the spectacle of the waters awakens emotions that many hope to experience at least once in their lives.
Iguazu Falls in Brazil and Argentina, Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Zambia, and Niagara Falls in the USA and Canada are the three most big waterfalls in the world. Iguazu consists of 275 waterfalls over 3 km in total width and 80 m in height, making it wider than Victoria Falls, higher than Niagara Falls and more beautiful than either of them. The word "Iguazu" means "big water" in the local language.
Iguazu Falls is a world landmark. The deepest part of the waterfall is called "Garganta do Diablo", or "Devil's Throat", or "Akuma no Nodobue".
Iguazu Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. The Iguazu River spews out an average of 1,700 cubic meters of water per second, bigger than Niagara Falls and Victoria Falls combined . Waterfalls occur in both cascades and streams.
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During the dry season, visitors can see two separate waterfalls in the shape of two crescents. Each crescent is 732 meters wide. During the dry season, there are fewer rainfalls and the water level of the Iguazu River decreases. Iguazu Falls receives less water, so it splits into two separate falls.
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During the wet season these two crescents join together to form one big waterfall approximately 4 kilometers wide. This happens because more rain falls during the wet season, so more rainwater feeds the Iguazu River in northeastern Brazil.
The waterfall was discovered in 1541. Spanish conquistador Don Alvaro Nunez Caseso de Vaca, who went to the South American jungle in search of gold and adventure.
Iguazu Falls is one of the world's greatest attractions. Thousands of people from all continents crowd daily on the walkways built on the banks of the Iguazu River, just to get at least a few more meters closer to the Garganta do Diablo (Devil's Throat). This is the most terrifying and mysterious of all 275 waterfalls in the Iguazu Cascade - the largest group of waterfalls on the planet.
The waterfall is one of the most beautiful spectacles in nature at any time of the year. The beauty of its dancing streams varies depending on the volume of water in the Iguazu River. The average volume is 1.2 million cubic meters per second. When the river floods, this number triples. During dry seasons, thin streams wash the rocks formed by numerous volcanic eruptions approximately 120 million years ago.
In the vicinity of Iguazu there is a national park where visitors can explore the wildlife and vegetation. Boat excursions are available on the Parana and Iguazu rivers. People can also visit the Itaipu Dam, one of the largest hydroelectric dams in the world.
Here's another good view of the observation deck.
Most of the waterfall is located on the Argentine side, but best view opens from the Brazilian side. Iguazu is the second most important tourist attraction in Brazil. It is located on the border of Brazil and Argentina at the confluence of the Parana and Iguazu rivers. The spectacular 80-meter drop of water is impressive in itself. But this is not just one, but as many as 275 interconnected waterfalls, forming a cascade of horseshoe-shaped streams of falling water. It’s like tropical birds are flying high, forming a rainbow in the spray and giving the waterfall incredible beauty.
The waterfall can be reached by land, air, or water. The walking trail climbs upward, passing through numerous observation platforms. At the end, the lift will take you to the top where there is a gift shop and observation post to view the upper plateau of the Iguazu River. There are also excursions by helicopter and boat on the river. And all this splendor is located in the middle wildlife. Atlantic a tropical forest approaches directly to the hotel buildings.
Over the past years, the waterfall program has included all new tourist activities. The choice is varied and offers adventure-filled ecological, scientific and cultural tourism. One of the most exciting trips is along the Iguazu River. Boats take groups of tourists to the waterfall canyon itself. The thrill of moving under some waterfalls is indescribable. Some tourists return to relive them a second, third, fourth time.
The adventure is preceded by a trip in open jeeps through Iguazu National Park. Bilingual guides explain the local fauna and flora to groups of visitors - during the trip you can usually see lizards, birds and a large number of insects
You can also admire the waterfalls from above from a helicopter. The seven-minute flight provides a wider view of the entire panorama of the falls; together with the flight over the city and the Itaipu power plant, this is approximately 35 minutes.
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And here, by the way, is the observation deck of Niagara Falls, with which many confused Iguazu.
Let's virtually explore the surroundings from the Iguazu observation deck. Click on the pictures below and imagine yourself in BRAZIL
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Iguazu is an integral part of a unique, virtually untouched jungle ecosystem protected by Argentine and Brazilian national parks on both sides of the Cascades. Two-thirds of the cascades are on the Argentine side of the river. Here you can take a tour of Iguazu National Park and see the real jungle with its pristine flora and fauna.
The greatness of the Iguazu Falls is impossible to describe, you need to see it with your own eyes - a huge amount of water falling from a height of 80 meters, the purity and beauty of the tropics around, untouched nature. Next to Iguazu, even Niagara Falls looks very dim. Iguazu is divided into many waterfalls by islands located in the middle of the current. The most famous waterfall is the Devil's Throat. Also notable are the San Martin, Bossetti and Bernabe Mendez waterfalls.
To visit the waterfall and fully enjoy all its views, you need at least two days. The view from the Brazilian side is the most breathtaking; from here you can observe the entire panorama of the waterfall, book a helicopter tour or sail on boats directly under the falling water. Set aside a separate day to visit the Argentine side. Also be sure to visit the Bird Park and the world's largest hydroelectric power station, Itaipu - a masterpiece of technological thought.
Where is Iguazu Falls?
Iguaçu Falls (Cataratas do Iguaçu) is a waterfall located in the UNESCO-listed Iguaçu National Park, on the border between Brazil (Parana State) and Argentina (Misiones Province), consisting of 275 waterfalls on the river of the same name. Recognized as one of the seven natural wonders Sveta.
Distance from Rio de Janeiro = 1460 km (2 hours flight), from Sao Paulo = 1040 km (1 hour 25 minutes flight).
Russian guide at Iguazu Falls
If you need to be accompanied by a Russian-speaking guide at Iguazu Falls, then you need send a request via the order form. In response, I will send you all the necessary information, support options and answer your questions.
Photo 6174. Russian guide Alexey at Iguazu Falls - Makuku Safari attraction
Allocating time
If you have one day, then I definitely recommend visiting the Brazilian side of the reserve, the bird park, taking a ride on the Makuku Safari inflatable boat and, if money and time allow, then going up in a helicopter and looking at the waterfalls from a bird's eye view. The peculiarity of the Brazilian side is beautiful views to the waterfalls themselves. There are many observation platforms along the entire falling water massif.
If you have two days, then in addition to everything listed above, devote the second day to visiting the Argentine side. Both sides are very different and worth a visit. On the Argentine side, almost all observation platforms are located above the waterfalls, so you will see fewer panoramas with falling water, but there is a place that cannot be reached from the Brazilian side - this is the Devil's Throat. This is the place to visit.
Photo 6158. Russian guide Alexey in front of the Devil's Throat waterfall
Well, if you still have time and part third day, then you can keep yourself busy by visiting the world's largest hydroelectric power station, Itaipu, built jointly by two countries - Brazil and Paraguay. Eat sightseeing tour on an open bus with several stops, and there is a special tour inside the station itself, which is much more interesting. If you take a sightseeing tour by bus, I recommend sitting in the right lane if you look in the direction of travel - you will see more there and there will be a chance to take photos from the power plant itself, which cannot be taken from the left lane. In addition, on the same day, be sure to visit the Buddhist monastery, which is located not far from the power plant.
Photo 6160. Makuku Safari attraction
What to take with you
If you are going to the waterfalls, be sure to take with you raincoat. Give preference to photos and videos technology with moisture protection. For phones, purchase special waterproof cases in advance. Don't be lazy and take it with you dry clothes and flip flops. This will be especially useful for you after the Makuku Safari. It is simply impossible to leave some observation platforms dry, but it is very emotional and interesting. Take a bottle of water, because The climate in this region is very hot and the air is very humid. Don't forget to take sunscreen And mosquito spray, because you will be visiting a national park where these animals will be enough to spoil your experience a little.
Photo 6170. Guide Alexey at the Makuku Safari attraction under the cascades of Iguazu Falls
Money for the road
Everywhere on the Brazilian side local money is needed - reals or credit cards. There are also ATMs. By the way, on the Brazilian side there is a good restaurant where for a fixed price you can eat as much as you want. And this is 3-4 times cheaper than in the national park on the Argentine side.
Photo 6162. Alexey in Buddhist monastery to Foz do Iguaçu
But on the Argentine side things are a little worse. The ticket office only accepts cash in local pesos to purchase tickets to the national park. You can exchange currency and reals from taxi drivers or at an exchange office nearby, but this is a terrible rate, almost 50% less than what you can do in any big city Argentina. I don’t recommend going to local establishments for a bite to eat, because... you will pay 4 times more money for everything you buy, especially for non-national currency. The cost of a sandwich can be the same as lunch in good restaurant from the Brazilian side.
- Makuku Safari. Be sure to try the motorboat ride under the waterfalls on the Brazilian side. Everything is very well organized, dosed and absolutely safe extreme. Everyone who swims will be soaking wet, so it’s better to swim in shorts and a T-shirt, and then change into dry clothes from the storage room. The organizers also offer an option without driving under the waterfall itself, i.e. You won’t get wet, but you definitely won’t get such vivid impressions. If you don’t have rubber shoes, it’s better to swim barefoot, as many people do. A raincoat will only leave a few dry spots on your clothes.
- On the Brazilian side carry a raincoat, but in Argentina this is not so necessary, you won’t get very wet there unless you go by boat. Although it depends on the wind. Boats on the Argentine side are a less interesting experience.
- On the Argentine side, if you didn't get on the train right away at the entrance to the Devil's Throat, do not wait for the next 30 minutes, but walk 10 minutes along the path to the next station. Everyone transfers there. Walking in this case will save you time.
- If you are going to visit the waterfalls on the Argentine side for 2 days, then save the ticket after the first visit - this will give a 50% discount on the ticket for the second day. Please note that you may be asked to show photographs taken in the park yesterday - to ensure that the tickets were not purchased from intermediaries.
For what not worth it Waste time
This is just a recommendation and it doesn’t mean that it won’t be interesting at all, but. There are places that are described in guidebooks, but in reality they are not that interesting and you can sacrifice them and visit them only if you have a lot of free time.
- Border of three countries . Both the Brazilian and the Argentine sides are nothing special. Concrete mark in the colors of the country.
- The Wax Museum not far from the airport. This is entertainment for everyone.
- Jeep tour (safari) on the Argentine side . A very boring and uninformative activity.
- Take photos from photographers on the Argentine side. These photographers are standing at the Devil's Throat. The photographs on hand used for advertising are of good quality, but in reality you get 2 photographs of disgusting quality, printed on an inkjet printer, for 1,500 rubles. Photos are paid for in advance, and you receive them at the exit from the park, so there is no one to show to them.
- Fly over waterfalls in a helicopter. The impressions from the waterfalls “behind the glass and from above” are so much dull than “live and close by” that there are practically no memories left from the helicopter ride. It’s not for nothing that the helipad is located at the entrance to National Park Iguazu.
Photo 6163. Russian guide in Brazil Alexey at Iguazu Falls
If you rented a car
One single piece of advice, because... The tourist doesn’t know for sure about this. If you are planning to travel from Brazil to Argentina, you must pre-book with your car rental company. green card- This is the insurance that is required to visit Argentina. Without this paper you will not be allowed to cross the border from the Argentine side.
Photo 6167. Tourist bus at Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian side
Please take into account the fact that if you came to Brazil as a tourist, then you need to go to the federal police reception window yourself and put a stamp on crossing the border, otherwise there may be problems at the entrance to the country from which you have not left with documents.
