Iguazú

Iguazú refers to a major system of waterfalls on the Iguazú River, which mark part of the boundary between Argentina and Brazil. It is one of the largest and most famous waterfall complexes in the world, noted for its wide arc of cascades and the dramatic Garganta del Diablo or Devil’s Throat, a central cataract reaching substantial heights.

Geography and formation: The falls stretch across a 2.7-kilometer (about 1.7 miles) width with approximately 275 separate drops. The main vertical drop in the Devil’s Throat reaches about 82 meters (269 feet). The falls lie within subtropical rainforest and are fed by the Iguazú River, which runs through the region from the interior of South America toward the Paraná River basin.

Location and protection: The falls are located within two national parks that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Iguazú National Park in Argentina’s Misiones Province and Iguaçu National Park in Brazil’s Paraná State. The combined area protects a rich, biodiverse rainforest ecosystem and provides habitat for numerous plant and animal species.

Ecology: The surrounding rainforest supports a wide variety of life, including jaguars, capybaras, ocelots, toucans, macaws, and a rich understory of tropical flora. The parks are important for conservation, research, and ecotourism, representing a key example of subtropical rainforest in the region.

Tourism and access: Iguazú is a major international tourist destination. Visitors typically access the site from Puerto Iguazú in Argentina or Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil, with viewing platforms, catwalks, and boat tours that bring guests close to the cascades. The area offers both Argentine and Brazilian viewpoints and experiences, with safety and conservation guidelines in place.