Located on the border between Brazil and Argentina, the waterfalls of Iguaçu They are a breathtaking natural spectacle.
With its 275 majestic waterfalls, reaching up to 80 meters high on the Iguaçu River, the place is home to the Iguaçu National Park, a vast conservation area covering 185 thousand hectares.
Thus, this sanctuary preserves a significant part of the Atlantic Forest, being an important center for scientific research and environmental education.
Furthermore, the park offers a unique ecological tourism experience, allowing public visits.
Therefore, with its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes, Iguaçu Falls is a memorable journey, where culture, history and nature merge into an unforgettable experience.
Continue with Itaipu Tourism and find out even more!
Iguaçu Falls: one of the 7 Wonders of the World
The Iguaçu Falls are so impressive that, in 1986, UNESCO decided they deserved to be recognized as a Natural Heritage Site of Humanity.
And that wasn't all!
In 2011, Iguaçu Falls won another incredible title: they were named one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World. This means they are among the most incredible and special places on Earth!
So, to celebrate this recognition, #CataratasDay was created, a special day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of preserving the Iguaçu National Park.
After all, this place is not just a beautiful landscape, but a biodiversity sanctuary, as it is home to a wide variety of plants and animals.
“My first visit to the Falls was something that was very memorable because we heard about it and, since I was in Foz do Iguaçu, because I was coming to Foz do Iguaçu for work, why not visit the Falls? So for me it was very exciting, I thought the whole landscape was so beautiful! … The Falls represent everything good we have in Foz do Iguaçu!”
That was the story by Antonio Silveira, a dam operator who came from the city of Tubarão, in Santa Catarina, to work on the construction of the Itaipu Plant.
“Seu Antônio was an essential player in the creation of the Itaipu Hydroelectric Plant and followed the years of evolution and development of what is considered one of the largest and most beautiful tourist destinations in the world, the Iguaçu Falls.”
And, to learn even more about the unmissable tourist destinations in Foz do Iguaçu, be sure to visit Itaipu!
Curiosities about Iguaçu Falls
To learn more about the destination, discover some interesting facts about Iguaçu Falls.
The Biological Importance of the Iguaçu National Park
The Iguaçu National Park, where the famous Iguaçu Falls are located, is part of a very important region for nature.
After all, connected to the Iguazú National Park, in Argentina, it forms a large green corridor – an essential area for the life of many animals and plants, being considered one of the most important regions for biodiversity in the Central-South of South America -.
Therefore, with more than 600 thousand hectares of protected areas, including ancient forests that remain almost untouched, the large preserved area is essential to guarantee the survival of many species of animals and plants.
Legend of the Falls and a Love Story
In the Guarani legend of Iguaçu Falls, Naipi, a beautiful young woman, was destined to marry M'Boy, a warrior from the local tribes.
However, she fell in love with Tarobá, a young enemy warrior and, to escape, the lovers fled in a canoe across the river.
Then, furious, M'Boy asked the gods for help to divide the river, forming the Falls and condemning the lovers to an eternal fall.
Thus, legend has it that they transformed into elements that we can observe today: Naipi solidified into a rock on the edge of the Cataract, while Tarobá became a nearby palm tree.
Foz do Iguaçu Falls is an ideal destination for bird lovers
The Iguaçu National Park is a paradise for birdwatching lovers, with more than 400 species recorded.
So, among them, the imposing harpy eagle and the vibrant toucan stand out, which add colors and life to the skies and forests of the park.
Furthermore, visitors have the unique opportunity to see a great diversity of birds in their natural habitat.
Tours in the Iguaçu National Park
There are several tours you can take in Iguaçu National Park, such as:
Dawn at the Falls
The tour starts at the Visitor Center, includes internal transport, trail and breakfast at the Porto Canoas Restaurant.
Another option is to start at Espaço Naipi, with panoramic views of the Devil's Throat at sunrise.
Night at the Falls
It offers an exclusive experience with views of the full moon and starry sky.
Then, starting at 19:30 pm at the Visitor Center, it includes a walk to the Devil's Throat and ends with a cheese and pasta dinner at the Porto Canoas Restaurant.
Picnic at the Falls
It's an outdoor experience in the Iguaçu National Park.
Thus, it includes a kit for 2 people with cold cuts, bread, fruit, sandwiches and drinks, all set up on the lawn overlooking the Falls.
Have lunch at the Falls – Porto Canoas
Have lunch in the heart of Iguaçu Falls!
With an all-you-can-eat buffet of Brazilian classics, you can choose between the air-conditioned indoor area or the balcony overlooking the Iguaçu River and the Falls.
Tickets to the Falls
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- Ticket for 1 day: Brazilian/Mercosur ticket, being the classic tour to see the Iguaçu Falls. Includes round-trip transportation within the park (12 km), a 1 km walk along the Cataratas Trail, elevator, walkway and several viewpoints
- Passport 2 Accesses: With the 2-day Passport, enjoy more adventures in the Iguaçu National Park. You get 40% discount and includes transport, trail, elevator, walkway and viewpoints
- VIP Pass: Get special access, priority boarding and discounts on meals, souvenir and photo shops
When is the best time to visit Iguaçu Falls?
Generally, the months of April to June and August to October are considered ideal.
After all, during these periods, the climate is milder, with pleasant temperatures and less chance of heavy rain. This provides a more comfortable experience and better visibility of the falls.
However, it is important to be aware that the falls have a seasonal water flow, reaching their peak during the months with the highest rainfall — between November and February.
Therefore, if the objective is to appreciate the falls in all their grandeur, the rainy season may be more suitable.
In any case, it is always recommended to check the weather conditions and water levels before visiting.
Hotels in Foz do Iguaçu – Close to the Falls
Check out 4 hotels near the Falls.
- Hotel das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel: Located inside the park, it offers comfortable rooms, restaurants, spa and varied activities. Therefore, it is a great option for those who want to enjoy nature comfortably.
- Sanma Hotel: Close to the entrance to the Iguaçu National Park, it offers comfortable accommodation, a restaurant with varied dishes, and various activities for guests — such as picnics in the forest and Swiss fondue at the WineBar
- Canzi Cataratas Hotel: is located 500 meters from the entrance to the Iguaçu National Park and has comfortable rooms, swimming pool, ecological trails, varied breakfast and is pet-friendly
- Hotel Colonial Iguaçu: it is 800 meters from the Iguaçu National Park. Offers comfortable rooms, swimming pool, ecological trails and restaurant with breakfast and à la carte options
Where to Eat in Foz do Iguaçu: Restaurant Tips
At Iguaçu Falls itself there are restaurant options within the park, as well as cafeterias and kiosks for snacks and drinks during the visit.
However, if you want to take the opportunity to get to know the surrounding area, check out other restaurant alternatives.
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- Itaipu Hydroelectric Power Plant: Take advantage of your visit to Iguaçu Falls to visit the Itaipu Hydroelectric Plant, which offers several tours. In addition, there you will find restaurants such as Itaipu Bistrot in the Visitor Reception Center and Mirante Vertedouro, with options for savory snacks, snacks, desserts and drinks.
- Rafain Churrascaria Show: offers a varied buffet with barbecue, Brazilian and international dishes. The restaurant also presents Latin American cultural shows during dinner.
- Bufalo Branco Steakhouse: option for those who like all-you-can-eat meats and grilled dishes, as well as a varied buffet with salads and Arabic cuisine
5 Questions Answered About Iguaçu Falls
See the main questions about the Falls.
1. How much does the ticket to Iguaçu Falls cost?
Full admission to the Iguaçu Falls costs R$97,00, with a voluntary contribution of R$3,00 to the Iguaçu Tourism Development and Promotion Fund.
For visitors from Brazil and Mercosur countries, the ticket costs R88,00, with the same contribution of R$3,00 to the fund.
Children up to 6 years old are exempt from admission, but they must present an original document with photo.
2. Where are the Iguaçu Falls?
The Iguaçu Falls are located in the city of Foz do Iguaçu, in the state of Paraná, southern Brazil.
Foz do Iguaçu is a tourist city known internationally for its proximity to the waterfalls and its rich cultural and natural diversity.
3. What time does Iguaçu Falls open?
The Iguaçu Falls are open for visits at the following times:
- Monday to Friday: 9 am to 16 pm
- On Saturdays and Sundays: from 8:30 am to 16 pm
4. How to get to Iguaçu Falls?
To get to Iguaçu Falls, you have several options.
For example, if you're staying at a hotel, check to see if they offer guided tours.
After all, many have partnerships with agencies who organize transport to the park.
But if you prefer to drive, rent a car could be a good choice. The park offers private parking, ensuring convenience.
For fans of public transport, bus line 120 connects the center of Foz do Iguaçu directly to the park, passing through the city's main streets and avenues.
Also, there are os taxis and transport apps, which are a convenient option and available almost everywhere in the city.
It is important to highlight that, for this last option, in low season it is easy to find available drivers. However, during holidays and vacations, you may need a little more patience due to the increase in tourists.
5. What to do in Foz do Iguaçu besides the Falls?
In addition to the Falls, Foz do Iguaçu offers other unmissable attractions, such as the Itaipu Hydroelectric Power Plant – which is one of the largest hydroelectric plants in the world and provides various activities for visitors.
So you can make a scenic tour which offers spectacular views of the dam and spillway.
There is also a more technical tour, suitable for all audiences, with easy-to-understand language, where it is possible to learn about the internal operations and leave understanding how energy production works.
And, for nature lovers, the Bela Vista Biological Refuge, located within the Itaipu complex, is an excellent option, as it houses several species of native animals and plants, offering an educational and engaging experience.
In addition, there is the Itaipu Ecomuseum, another interesting attraction that features exhibits about the plant's history and environmental impact.
At night, the dam lighting show is an unmissable event, combining lights and music.
So, did you enjoy getting to know a little more about the Iguaçu Falls?
Enjoy and check out more about what to do in Foz do Iguaçu and collect memorable experiences.
And, if you have more tips on how to enjoy the city, leave them here in the comments. We would love to receive your impressions!
Image source: Freepik and Zig Koch – MTUR
