Deep in the heart of tropical South America, there remains a place that can still be called a Garden of Eden; one of the last remaining pieces of a pre-historic world. Located on the border of Brazil and Argentina, in the heart of two National Parks the place is still Sacred to the native Guarani Indians. There are no words to describe the feelings of those who come to this sacred land. Visitors can still hear the echoes of a distant past; the drums of the Guarani tribes venerating the natural beauty of this incredible place which they named Iguassu.
One the worlds natural 7 wonders the Iguassu falls is overshadowed by the more commercial Niagara falls. The discerning traveller who has experienced the Niagara will be astounded by the sheer magnitude of Iguassu. Strung out along the rim of a crescent-shaped cliff about 2.5 miles long, some 275 individual cascades and waterfalls plummet up to 269 feet into the gorge below. The thunderous roaring can be heard from miles away.
70% of Iguassu Falls is located on Argentinean territory, but most of the Falls face Brazil. For this reason it is advisable for the visitor to see the Falls from both the Brazilian and Argentinean sides.
As it falls and pounds the rocks, some of the water turns into a fine spray that rises in a cool plume over the falls area, dampening the miles of inconspicuous trails that line both the Brazilian and Argentine sides of the falls. Birds and insects flitter around a very special ecosystem where Iguassu launches constant mist into the surrounding vegetation.
Taller than Niagara Falls, twice as wide with 275 cascades spread in a horseshoe shape over nearly two miles of the Iguassu River, Iguassu Falls are the result of a volcanic eruption which left yet another large crack in the earth. During the rainy season of November - March, the rate of flow of water going over the falls may reach 450,000 cubic feet (12,750 cubic m) per second.
These matter of fact details do nothing to describe the grandeur of the falls, the tremendous amount of water (an average of 553 cubic feet per second) thundering down 269 feet, the tropical location and the sheer beauty that led Eleanor Roosevelt to say Poor Niagara. Four times the width of Niagara Falls, Iguassu Falls are divided by various islands into separate waterfalls.
The Argentinean side provides an intimate touch with the falls. Many walking trails were paved throughout the reserve, and a free train brings visitors from the gate to the falls themselves. These facilities allows a close encounter with the falls. Walking through the parks makes it possible to enjoy the rich flora and the huge amount of beautiful birds, butterflies (over 500 types in the area) and other animals.
The most impressive fall in the area is called La Garganta del Diablo, meaning "the Devil's throat" that has water pouring into it from three sides At one point a person can stand and be surrounded by 260 degrees of waterfalls
Excitement lovers can take a speed boat along the Devil's canyon up to the Garganta del Diablo falls. A Macuco Safari and/or the helicopter ride above the falls - available ONLY on the Brazilian side of the falls - are highly recommended.
Travel to reach the falls is relatively easy. There is an airport in Iguazzu but it has to be connected via Buenos Aires or Rio De Janeiro. An ideal way to see some of the best areas of South America are to combine a trip to the heart of the Amazon with an extension to Iguazzu.
