Igauzau Falls is an impressive spectacle and UNESCO World Heritage Site, located on the border between Argentina and Brazil. The falls divide the river below into the upper and lower Iguazu.
Consisting of 275 waterfalls across a distance of 2.7 km, Iguazu Falls is the largest waterfall system in the world and relates well to its name which literally translates to “big water” in Guarani or Tupi.
Abundant in wildlife and with breathtaking views, the falls are a real highlight on our trips to South America.
To help you out before you head to see the phenomenon for yourself, we thought we’d give you a few tips and tricks so you enjoy the experience as much as possible:
What to wear
A trip to Igauzau Falls is by no means a fashion show. It is very likely you will get wet, if not completely drenched. In order to deal with this, make sure you pack a poncho and a change of clothes. Luxury Gold umbrellas will also be on hand to help you stay dry. Despite the heat, the water is cold. To remain as comfortable as possible, we advise you to also bring a towel and to layer your clothes. Comfortable shoes with grip will keep you secure as you marvel at the sensation.
What to bring
It won’t just be you but potentially a few of your possessions getting wet, particularly if you are walking on the Argentinian side of the falls, close to Devil’s Throat. Make sure to have a waterproof bag to protect your belongings. We would also recommend purchasing a waterproof camera. Bring along sunscreen to protect your face, a hat for the sun and bug repellent as lots of mosquitos can make an appearance near the water.
Wildlife
The falls tumble through a subtropical forest, making the location the perfect home to more than 2,000 species of plants and animals. Keep your eyes peeled for birds, including the beautiful band-tailed manakin, eared pygmy-tyrant and the odd, brightly coloured toucan. Other wildlife found in the rainforest includes jaguars, howler monkeys and the largest rodent in the world, the capybara. With this in mind, make sure you don’t leave any food around that could either attract animals or harm them.
When is the best time to go to the falls?
You can go to the falls at any time of year, though to see them in their most impressive roaring state, you should head there in the hot, wet season between December and March. However, beware that during this time the trails can sometimes be closed if deemed too slippery and thus unsafe.
For a quieter experience, go during March and April, or August and September. As a bonus, this isn’t the peak time to visit and there should be fewer tourists.
To see the falls for yourself join our Classic South America trip.
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