Iguazu Falls: reviews and practical tips

Visiting Iguazu Falls

First documented in the 16th century by explorer Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca, Iguazu Falls straddles the border between Brazil and Argentina. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984, the falls are widely considered some of the most impressive on the planet. The site is actually a collection of 275 individual cascades spanning a three-kilometer front. You can experience them from various angles by utilizing the three circuits and two trails within the Iguazu National Park. To get around, visitors can either walk or take the park train. The train, which departs every 30 minutes, provides access to the remarkable Gorge of the Devil trail.

Choosing Your Path

The first route is known as el paseo garganta del Diablo, or the Gorge of the Devil. This path offers the most dramatic perspective in the park. After walking to the end of a one-kilometer metal walkway, you stand directly over the section of the falls where the water volume is highest. The sheer power, noise, and spray of the cascading water make for an intense experience. The second option is the paseo superior (upper circuit). This path provides a top-down view of the falls, specifically those named Bossetti, Adan, and Eva. Expect to spend about an hour completing this loop. Finally, the circuito inferior (lower circuit) spans 1.4 kilometers. This is the longest and most physically demanding route in the park, so plan for about two hours to finish it. This circuit allows for close-up views of the water, with some sections winding through the surrounding jungle.