Iguazu Falls, Argentina: Nature's Power Unleashed

John Keats once said, “The poetry of the earth is never dead.” One look at the stunning pictures of Iguazu Falls Argentina and you understand the essence of the famous quote.

Located on the border of the Brazilian state of Paraná and the Argentine province of Misiones Parana, the Falls are one of Argentina’s most imposing natural attractions. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was discovered by Spanish Conquistador Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca in 1541.

When we think of the largest waterfalls in the world, Niagara Falls generally comes to mind, right? Wrong! Iguazu Falls is higher and consists of 275 falls along 2.7 kilometres, twice the size of Niagara. When the First Lady of the United States, Eleanor Roosevelt first saw the falls, she exclaimed, “Poor Niagara”!

Legend Has It

There are many unique folklores associated with the creation of the Falls, the most popular one attributes it to unrequited love. When Naipí, the girl that God wanted to marry fled with her mortal lover Tarobá in a canoe, out of wrath, he sliced the river and condemned the lovers to an eternal fall.

Adventure Ho!

Having been featured in many movies including the blockbuster Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Iguazu Falls is a great place to indulge in adventure activities. Bring out your dare-devilish side when you take the footbridge to either the lower circuit that leads you to the base of the Falls or the upper circuit with panoramic views of the 270 falls in this area. Photographers have a field day trying to capture the ferocity of The Devil’s Throat (269 feet) and the Cataract (490 by 2,300 feet), the most impressive of all the falls.

The subtropical forests surrounding the area are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Don’t forget to take a guide to visit the forest area where you might spot Giant Anteaters, Howler Monkeys, Jaguars and Caymans. One of the most popular trails is the Macuco Trail, 3 kilometres of a walking path leading to another waterfall near Salto Arrechea. You can also take a boat ride on the Iguazu River and see tortoises blissfully sunbathing on the banks of the river.

When Can I Go?         

A visit to the Iguazu Falls takes you back to nature in its most elemental and pristine form. The best time to visit is in April and May during the summer months or during December to March when the Falls are at its fullest even though the rains can be a dampener.

Whether you’d like to see the Falls up close from the Argentinian side or marvel at the grand overview from Brazil, you are bound to feel nature’s power unleashed. So make those flight bookings now for a truly thrilling experience!