Iguazu Falls

The world's widest waterfall system, straddling Brazil and Argentina, with the Devil's Throat walkway and helicopter views; a signature South American natural wonder and a model case for cross-border destinations.

Iguazu Falls lies on the Iguazu River where Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay meet. Before joining the Paraná River, the water plunges from basalt cliffs 60–80 m high, forming the world's widest waterfall system, 2.7 km wide and made up of 275 falls of various sizes. Brazil and Argentina each established a national park here, and both are World Heritage Sites. About 80% of the falls are on the Argentine side, so the rule is "details from Argentina, panoramas from Brazil." Argentina's Iguazú National Park (entered from Puerto Iguazú) has a small train, the Upper and Lower Circuits and a walkway reaching the edge of the Devil's Throat, and needs a full day. Brazil's Iguaçu National Park (entered from Foz do Iguaçu) has just one 1.2 km panoramic trail and takes half a day, and can be combined with the bird park, the Itaipu hydroelectric dam and the tri-border point. The climate is humid subtropical, with rain all year: March–May and September–November, at 20–28°C with moderate water volume, are the best seasons; December–February is summer at 35°C+ with the highest rainfall, when the falls are most spectacular but muggy and full of mosquitoes; June–August is winter at 10–20°C, with occasional cold fronts and possibly lower water volume. For 5 days around the full moon, the Argentine park opens for night visits to the Devil's Throat (Paseo de Luna Llena), which must be booked in advance. Getting there: Brazil's Foz do Iguaçu airport (IGU) has flights from São Paulo and Rio, and Argentina's Puerto Iguazú airport (IGR) has flights from Buenos Aires. The two towns are 20 km apart, and crossing the Friendship Bridge or Tancredo Neves Bridge takes about 30–60 minutes including border checks. Chinese citizens need separate Brazilian and Argentine visas (or may enter Argentina visa-free with a US visa), and must be sure to get entry and exit stamps. Buses run directly to the national park gates on both sides (Brazil's Line 120, Argentina's Rio Uruguay buses), and taxis and cross-border day tours are also convenient. We recommend 2–3 days: day one on the Argentine side all day; day two on the Brazilian side in the morning, plus the bird park or Itaipu in the afternoon. Notes: the walkways are misty, so bring a rain jacket and a waterproof phone pouch, and use a waterproof cover for your camera; coatis will snatch food and can bite, so do not feed them; sunscreen, insect repellent and non-slip shoes are essential; park tickets for foreigners are about BRL 120 and ARS 45,000 respectively (subject to exchange rates), and on the Argentine side re-entry on the second day is half price (get your ticket stamped on exit); Ciudad del Este in Paraguay allows a visa-free day of shopping, but safety is mediocre.

Top sights

Where to eat

Itineraries