Iguassu Falls, Brazil: A Magnificent Spectacle

I visited Iguassu Falls in the late 1990s, and I have wanted to go back ever since. I finally got my chance. As someone who has traveled the world and seen many awe-inspiring places, I have to say that Iguassu is still one of the most spectacular of them all. Unfortunately, no photos can do it justice.

The expanse of these Falls is not to be believed unless you see them in person. Iguassu is at least three Niagaras. They are easy to visit, as they’re in a national park in Brazil with concrete walkways, railings, and stairs.

There is a bit of climbing stairs up and down in both directions, and if you stop to gawk along the way (as you will), it will take you at least 30 minutes to get to the end in one direction, which is called “Devil’s Throat.” But it still doesn’t take an exceptional amount of exertion.

The walkway at Devil’s Throat goes out far enough that you will get wet. It’s a powerful section of the Falls with significant spray. Take a rain poncho and enjoy it!

This is a rainforest, so give yourself enough days there to make up for the possibility of a day of hard rain. It can also be slightly buggy, although with some natural repellent, I didn’t get bitten. (Dengue fever is a slight risk these days.) There are numerous gorgeous butterflies along the walkway by the Falls, so be sure to notice them.

The town of Iguassu Falls is about 1-1/2 hours by air from Sao Paulo, so if you’re in Brazil, this site is not to be missed. There are a number of hotels where you can stay while in the small city, but read my review of Hotel das Cataratas, the only hotel within the national park and right across the street from the Falls. It’s an expensive property, but if you can afford it, there’s no better place to stay.

One of the most popular ways to see the Falls is via helicopter ride. The heliport is just a short walk from the entrance to the national park. The ride lasts only about ten minutes, but it provides mind-boggling views of the Falls from above.

If you’re so inclined, you can also skydive over the Falls. I’m not entirely sure how that works since you wouldn’t want to land in the water, but I’m sure they have it figured out.

Another popular thing to do in Iguassu is the Macuco Safari, which is a boat ride into the Falls. You will be sublimely wet, but it’s an exciting experience.

The other place people visit while in Iguassu is Parques des Aves – a bird park that has many species of birds that are either in large enclosures or free-flying around you. They also have a lot of tropical plants and a butterfly/hummingbird garden. It’s a highly recommended place to include while you’re in town.

I have visited both Niagara Falls in New York State and Victoria Falls in southern Africa, and they’re both marvels. But with my apologies to both of them, no waterfall in the world beats Iguassu. It’s the best – bar none. There’s just no comparison.

So I can’t emphasize enough how wonderful it is to visit this place. If you have the opportunity, please do it. You don’t need to be tremendously fit physically, and there’s just no other place in the world like it.