Visiting Foz do Iguaçu
Foz do Iguaçu is a border town in Brazil, located at the intersection of three countries: Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. Its name in Portuguese translates to "mouth of the Iguaçu." This is where you will find the Iguaçu Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a massive stretch of cascades spanning 3 kilometers (nearly 2 miles) with individual drops reaching 80 meters (262 feet) in height. From Foz do Iguaçu, you can cross into Argentina via the Fraternity Bridge or into Paraguay over the Friendship Bridge.
The unique Iguaçu ecosystem
Foz do Iguaçu serves as a gateway to the Iguaçu National Park and its famous waterfalls. The park was designated as a site of public interest by Brazilian authorities in 1939, thanks to the lobbying efforts of aviation pioneer Santos-Dumont. A statue of him stands in town to honor his role in protecting the area.
The park and the Iguaçu Falls are a critical sanctuary for biodiversity. Endangered species such as jaguars, pumas, harpy eagles, and giant otters live here. While the site is split between Argentina and Brazil, Foz do Iguaçu offers the best panoramic views of the cataracts. You can follow marked trails to get close to the Devil's Throat, where the most intense water flow occurs. The national park encompasses several subtropical forest ecosystems, including the last remnants of the Atlantic Forest that once covered much of Brazil.
A multicultural city near Brazil's natural wonders
Nearby, visit the Bird Park (Parque das Aves), which spans 16 hectares (about 40 acres). It houses over 100 protected bird species and various reptiles. More than half of the animals here were rescued from illegal trafficking, deforestation, or poaching.
Foz do Iguaçu sits at the confluence of the Iguaçu and Paraná rivers. Water defines the region, so consider touring the Itaipu Dam, one of the world's largest hydroelectric plants. The dam stretches over 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) and generates nearly 30% of Brazil's electricity. For another outing, walk along the Paraná River to the Brazilian monument marking the triple border, where you will find an obelisk painted in the national colors of green and yellow.
The city itself is multicultural and lively. Spend some time walking along Avenida Brasil, where you will find the bulk of the local shops and restaurants.
When to go
The most pleasant months to visit Foz do Iguaçu and the falls are from March through September, with warmer temperatures in March and April.
How to get there
There is an international airport 15 kilometers (about 9 miles) from Foz do Iguaçu. Flights from the US typically require a layover in Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo.
If you want to visit Iguazu Falls, plan on spending at least one night in Foz. Of course, I am not talking to the consumerist tourists who might be able to fly back and forth in a day from São Paulo. I am talking to real backpackers who will make the trip by bus. For example, the trip there can be done during the day to admire the landscapes of Paraná, its hilly fields and its grain silos, and the return trip at night to save on a night of accommodation. Once in Foz, there is not much to do, though. But the border town vibe with Paraguay is interesting to discover. People speak as much Portuguese as Spanish, and you just hop across the border over the bridge.