Where are the Iguazu Falls

Travel Resources

The Iguazu Falls are one of the Seven Natural Wonders recognized by the world. Because of its unparalleled beauty, this paradise is one of the main tourist attractions in Argentina. A natural gem that everyone should enjoy sometime.

Iguazu Falls
The Iguazu Falls are one of the Seven Natural Wonders. Source: Flickr.

History of the Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls
Jordan Hummell was the explorer who led the first tourist trip to the Falls. Source: Flickr.

The history of the place goes back many years, to the year 1542 to be more precise, when Alvar Nuñez Cabeza de Vaca saw the immense waterfalls in the distance which he ended up baptizing as Saltos de Santa María. On the other hand, the indigenous people who lived there called this site Iguazú, which in their native Guaraní language means “big water” or “lots of water”.

By the year 1609, the process of evangelization in these natives began , a process that was carried out by the Jesuit priests, who ended up expelled from that place more than a century later by the Spanish crown.
After this, the falls began to lose relevance and were forgotten for a long time. A series of political and social events took place in the following years, including the separation of Missions with Current resulting in the appointment of its first governor.

On the other hand, Jordan Hummell was the explorer who led the first tourist trip to the Falls . This was the event that promoted the idea of tourism about this place that, with time, grew and innovated to turn the Falls into what they are today, a natural wonder that dazzles those who know it.

Where are the Iguazu Falls located?

Iguazú National Park
The falls are located within the Iguazú National Park. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Iguazu falls They are in the humid and quirky city of Puerto Iguazú , located in the largest yerba mate producing province in Argentina, Misiones.

It is said that millions of years ago in this region there was constant volcanic activity which, together with the work of erosion, formed the falls that today make up the 275 waterfalls that can be seen there.

The climate is a separate point because, in the middle of the jungle, a subtropical climate predominates with abundant humidity and persistent rains that irrigate the missionary mountain range causing a most unusual environment to prevail.

In the summer, temperatures exceed 30°C, for those who are not used to this type of temperature, the heat can become intolerable. For that reason, it is advisable to visit this site in winter, when it is much more pleasant to go for a walk or take an excursion in the open air.

The waterfalls are located within the Iguazú National Park, created in 1934 and that in 1970 adheres to a new reserve created to keep safe the flora and fauna that inhabit the surroundings. Thus, this site shows the importance of caring for the environment and protecting the biodiversity of each species.

As it is already known, the Falls are divided between the Argentine territory and the Brazilian territory, approximately 20% of the waters belong to Brazil leaving Argentina with the majority.

What are the Iguazu Falls famous for?

Waterfall Swift
The Cascade Swift is the official emblem of the Iguazú National Park.

The large number of jumps that make up these waterfalls are dazzling, but there is one in particular that captures even more attention, with more than 80 meters high and 150 meters wide, the Garganta del Diablo is undoubtedly the most massive jump.

With 67,720 hectares, the Iguazú National Park was recognized as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Among the more than two thousand native plant species that inhabit this park, the Palo rosa and the Lapacho negro stand out, trees that are distinguished for filling the path with color.

In its fauna, there is an immense variety of birds. The Cascade Swift is popular for nesting behind the jumps and was consecrated as the official emblem of the park. Butterflies are everywhere, there are many species that can be seen, one that we must point out is the traditional Amazonian butterfly Morpho, full of beauty thanks to the royal blue tones of its wings.
But these are not the only animals that can be seen, it is possible to cross paths with small groups of mammals such as coatis and playful monkeys , capable of stealing your food if you are careless.

They are various the authors who have decided to take this place as a reference to write stories and legends about your story or to conduct research on birds.

In the cinematographic field, a film called “The Mission” stands out, the scene of this film was filmed inside Puerto Iguazú. The story tells of the life of a former slave trader who seeks redemption by traveling to the Iguazu Falls to help with the Jesuit work of evangelization.

What to do in Puerto Iguazú?

Iguazu Falls
The Iguazú National Park is a world heritage site. Source: Flickr.

Puerto Iguazú is, for sure, the perfect place to relax enjoying the beautiful landscapes that nature offers . Not only in the National Park, the Botanical and Hummingbird Gardens show a colorful frame full of life.

There are countless routes, by bus, bicycle and great safaris in 4×4 to know the jungle . If we want to see the falls by water, there are boat trips, cruises, motorboats and kayaks. If a more aerial view is desired, helicopter rides will make for an unforgettable experience.

Before traveling, you should prepare your suitcase with the essential things to visit Iguazú. Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is at the top of the listIf you are planning to go in the summer, you should pack mosquito repellent and sunscreen of at least 30 SPF. On the other hand, for the winter you should pack a thick coat that makes the low temperatures of the jungle tolerable.

References:

Book your excursions in Iguazu

Book your tours

Search for your hotel

 

Related Posts

Iguazu Falls
Iguazú

Iguaçu Brazil

Located in the famous Triple Border shared with Argentina and Paraguay, Foz do Iguaçu is one of the famous tourist cities of Brazil.

Learn more

About the author

I am Matias, born in Patagonia, and a lover of my land.

For more than 20 years I help foreign travellers to organise their trip to Patagonia.

I also manage this exotic accommodation on the Atlantic coast.