Cataratas de Iguazú/Foz do Iguaçu

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During my trip to South America in September, 2002, I took a side trip to Iguazú Falls. The Iguazú Falls are located on the border between Argentina and Brazil. They are called Cataratas de Iguazú in Argentina, and Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil.

The Iguaçu National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Brazil. The Iguazu National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Argentina.

The falls are a spectacular set of waterfalls, rivaling Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. I saw most of the falls from the Brazilian side. I only went to the Garganta del Diablo (the Devil's Throat) on the Argentinian side. In general, I think you have a better view of the falls in general from the Brazilian side. However, the Devil's Throat is in my opinion the most spectacular view of the falls. You can walk right up to that part of the falls on a walkway over the river. The noise is deafening, you are looking down into the small horseshoe shaped hole into which the river disappears. You are only a few meters away from this raging torrent of water. When you stand there, you understand the name "Devil's Throat".

On both sides a saw some wildlife, of which the Toco Toucan was the most spectacular. Unfortunately the weather was not very good, it was in the rainy season (which was a problem throughout my visit to South America, especially in Rio de Janeiro). I wish I had had more time to see the falls in more detail. You should have at least two days when you visit the falls.

All pictures are © Dr. Günther Eichhorn, unless otherwise noted.