Taller than Niagara Falls, twice as wide with 275 cascades spread in a horsehoe shape over nearly two miles of the Iguazu River, Iguazu Falls are the result of a volcanic eruption which left yet another large crack in the earth.
These matter-of-fact details do nothing to describe the grandeur of the falls, the tremendous amount of water thundering down 270 feet, the tropical location, and the sheer beauty that led Eleanor Roosevelt to say Poor Niagara. Four times the width of Niagara Falls, Iguazu Falls are divided by various islands into separate waterfalls.
Iguazu Falls, called Foz do Iguaçu in Portuguese, and Cataratas del Iguazú in Spanish, lie on the Argentina - Brazil border and are a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.
Getting there is an easy matter, so why not add this short extension to our JOURNEYS Signature Trip, "Brazil's Wildlife, Wetlands, and Wonders," or other travel in Brazil?
Trip Itinerary
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| ANTICIPATED ITINERARY, ACTUAL ROUTE MAY VARY |
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| Day 1 § Rio de Janeiro / Iguazu Falls | Arrive in Iguazu and transfer to your hotel (Hotel Loi Suites, or similar), a comfortable hotel adjacent to the park. (B)
| | Day 2 § Iguazu Falls / Brazilian side | After breakfast, depart for the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls. Arrive at the Visitors Center at the entrance of Iguazu National Park, about seven miles from the main falls, which contains exhibits, supplies, ATM, and other facilities. After passing through the Visitors Center, the tour continues on the road that crosses the park and takes us to the wonderful Iguazu Falls. Along the way, our guide explains what we'll see on arrival. Once there, we walk on an easy 3/4-mile path, looking for coati as we approach the falls. At the end of the tour, enjoy a panoramic view of the Falls, from a misty platform where we can see the Floriano, Deodoro and Garganta do Diabo Falls. The tour ends on the upper part of the Falls, reached by a panoramic elevator. From here, we go to the Porto Canoas area and a nice view of the Upper Iguazu River.
In the afternoon, head out on the Macuco Safari Boat Tour, heading upriver in specially-equipped boats piloted by experience captains to get to the base of the falls to admire and feel their thunderous power up close. Whirlpools, waves, and currents created by the falls add adrenaline and lots of excitement to this unforgettable tour. Afterward, return to the hotel, where the remainder of the day and evening are at your leisure.
| | Day 3 § Iguazu Falls / Argentinean side | After breakfast, depart for a half day tour of the Argentinean side of Iguazu Falls for another perspective of this natural gem. From the Visitors Center, visitors will board a low environmental impact train to travel to several points of interest, the first of which is Cataratas Station from which the visit to the upper and lower part of Iguazu Falls begins. Afterward, board the train again for the Devils Throat Station, one of the most important observation points of the Falls.
Afterward, transfer to the airport for your flight home or onward. (B)
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| Duration |
3 days |
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| Group Size |
2-10 |
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| Lodging |
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| Grade |
I |
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