DESTINATION INFORMATION
The Iguaçu Falls are the most stunning in South America, and are located 32 kms from the city of Foz do Iguaçu.
The Brazilian National Park was founded in 1939 and the area was designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1986. Situated on the Rio Iguaçu, the border between Argentina and Brazil, the falls lie 19 kms upstream from the confluence of the Rio Iguaçu with the Rio Alto Paraná. Bridges connect the Brazilian city of Foz do Iguaçu with the Argentinian town of Puerto Iguazú and the Paraguayan city of Cuidad del Este.
The Iguaçu falls are situated in the middle of the national park, Parque Nacional Foz do Iguaçu that is divided between Brazil and Argentina. Due to the high humidity caused by the spray from the falls the park is very rich in superb flora and fauna. The animals you are most likely to see are the little red Brocket deer, South American coati, white-eared possum and a sub-species of the brown capuchin monkey, as well as the endangered tegu lizard. The area is also particularly rich with bird species, including five species of toucan, and butterflies.
Although geology research proves that the Iguaçu Falls were formed over 100 million years ago due to massive volcanic eruptions, they are steeped in myth and legend according to ancient native Indian beliefs of the tribes that lived on the borders of the Iguaçu River. One such legend among the Caingangue Indians tells of the creation of the falls as a result of a tragic love story involving the daughter of an indian chief.
The best time of year to visit is August to November, when there is least risk of flood waters hindering the approach to the catwalks.
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