Iguazu National Park

　　Iguazu National Park (Iguazu National Park) is situated in a basalt region, standing 80 meters high, with a diameter of 2,700 meters. Spanning the border between Argentina and Brazil, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world lies at the heart of this area. Numerous smaller waterfalls are arranged in rows, cascading down in tiers and creating massive sprays of water. The surrounding subtropical rainforest, home to over 200 species of vascular plants, is also a happy habitat for representative South American wildlife such as tapirs, anteaters, howler monkeys, ocelots, jaguars, and giant caimans.

　　Known as the “No. 1 Wonder of South America,” Iguazu Falls is the largest waterfall in South America and one of the world’s five most famous waterfalls. “Iguazu” means “great water” in the local Guarani language of the indigenous people. Iguazu Falls is located at the junction of northern Argentina and Brazil, in the lower reaches of the Iguazu River, about 23 kilometers from where the Iguazu River meets the Paraná River. The Iguazu River originates in southern Brazil, gathering streams along the way, passing through the Victoria Pass, and surging towards the plains at the border of Brazil and Argentina with tremendous force. Suddenly, at Iguazu, it is obstructed by Isla Grande (Agustín Island), causing the river channel to widen to 3 kilometers and forming a lake with a depth of only about 1 meter. When the lake water flows to the cliff edge, it plunges down as a massive group of waterfalls.

　　The Iguazu Falls are arc-shaped, with an average drop of 72 meters. There are a total of 275 large and small waterfalls, grouped into three major waterfall clusters, with an average flow rate of over 1,750 cubic meters per second, reaching up to 12,700 cubic meters per second during the rainy season. The highest and most spectacular cluster is called the “Garganta del Diablo” (Devil’s Throat), located right in the center. It earned this eerie name because the thunderous roar of the waterfall as it plunges into the abyss, combined with the deafening echoes from the depths, is truly breathtaking. The northern wing of the falls lies within Brazilian territory and consists of two-tiered platforms of various-sized cascades. The southern wing is located in Argentina and features two sets of double-tiered waterfall groups. During the flood season, the three major waterfall clusters merge into a vast curtain hanging from the cliffs, blending water and sky. When sunlight hits the mist, colorful rainbows appear all around, creating an extremely magnificent scene. Iguazu Falls is in a tropical monsoon climate zone, with the rainy season from November to March each year. During this time, the water level of the Iguazu River rises sharply, and the enormous volume of water—averaging over 10,000 cubic meters per second—covers the cliffs, converging into a semi-circular waterfall curtain that cascades down with the force of a thousand galloping horses.

　　The magnificent scenery of the falls has made it a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. Argentina and Brazil have each established national parks on the southern and northern sides of the falls. The park built by Argentina is called Iguazu National Park, covering an area of 55,000 hectares. The park features widespread forests and swamps, where wild boars, ocelots, monkeys, and other animals roam. The best time to visit is from August to November each year.

　　In Argentina, there are two main routes to view the falls, each offering a different perspective. One is called the upper route, where Argentina has built a small green-railed bridge stretching 3,000 meters. The winding bridge leads to the edge of the falls, allowing visitors to look down from the railing and witness the spectacular sight of the Iguazu River flowing into the Paraná River. The other route focuses on viewing the Devil’s Throat Falls, where the cascades resemble an open folding fan. After plummeting into the valley, they form a narrow, turbulent river channel, which also serves as the border between Argentina and Brazil. On the Argentine side, there are four waterfalls including Mitre and Belgrano, while on the Brazilian side, there are five including Floriano. The nine waterfalls plummet from the skies into the deep gorges. On sunny days when the sunlight shines on the waterfalls, a myriad of rainbows emerge, transforming the entire valley into a dreamlike paradise.

　　The Brazilian national park surrounding the falls covers an area of 170,000 hectares and is home to a wealth of wildlife, making it the largest forest reserve in Brazil. The park houses a natural history museum and also features a waterfall lodge. Guests staying at the lodge can enjoy a panoramic view of Iguazu Falls without even stepping outside.

　　Major attractions: Iguazu Falls, the spectacular Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat), Macuco and Yacariatá tourist routes, the ruins of the San Ignacio Jesuit Mission, San Martín Island, and more.

　　Activities: Rafting, hiking, and horseback riding at El Dorado.

　　Address: Iguazu region, Misiones Province, Argentina.

　　Transportation: The park is easily accessible, with numerous domestic and international roads and highways. By land, visitors can take bus No. 12 or other buses to reach the park. By air, it is reachable from São Paulo, Brazil. Additionally, Iguazu Airport is just 7 kilometers away from the falls.

　　Tip: The climate here is warm, with an average temperature of 15°C between June and July, and 25°C in December and January. Annual rainfall is 2,000 mm, with relative humidity ranging from 75% to 90%.