Iguazu Falls - the largest waterfall in the world
It's a contentious issue, of course, and all the main contenders have their protagonists, but in our view Iguazu Falls are quite definitely the best waterfalls in the world. Wider than Victoria, higher than Niagara and more accessible than either, Iguazu is one of Brazil's real highlights and something we urge everyone to try and fit into their Brazil holiday.
Straddling the border between Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil, Iguazu Falls lies mainly within Argentina and the largest waterfall of all, the "Devil's Throat" forms the actual recognised border between Argentina and Brazil. It's certainly hard to think of a more dramatic border and you wouldn't want to try and sneak across it!
Iguazu Falls vs Victoria Falls vs Niagara Falls...
On seeing Iguazu Falls, Eleanor Roosevelt reportedly exclaimed "Poor Niagara!" and we really don't believe there's any comparison between the two: Iguazu wins all ends up. It's much more of a straight fight where Victoria Falls are concerned, and by many direct measurements, Victoria comes out on top...
However, mere statistics don't tell the whole story and Victoria definitely loses out when you come to the all-important views. Accessible by walkways on both sides, you can get great views from both above and below Iguazu Falls, as well as flying over the falls in a helicopter, or under the falls in a speedboat. The walkways on the Argentinian side in particular take you right out into the arc of the falls and witnessing the sheer power of the water from here is an incredible experience.
How long should I spend at Iguazu Falls?
Although you could fit in the Iguazu Falls as part of your Brazil holidays with just a short overnight stay, we'd really recommend taking a full two days to visit this natural wonder. Here's why... In some ways the two sides of Iguazu Falls are almost two different waterfalls and certainly you get two different experiences from the Brazilian side and from the Argentinean side. The jury is out as to which is the best, but we really recommend you pencil in the two full days to make the most out of what each side has to offer.
The best place to get an overview of the falls is from the Brazilian side and this is where you'll get your great panoramic photos. Another thing not to miss on the Brazilian side is the Mancuco Safari. On this safari you'll be driven up to the base of the falls and get a new perspective on them as tons of water comes crashing down from above. Expect to get wet!
The Argentinean side of the falls is where you can expect to witness the raw power of the falls. A series of walkways lead around the falls allowing you to peer over the edge as the water slips away into the mist rising from below. The real highlight of the Argentinean side is the Devil's Throat, where a U-shaped drop means that tons of water converges in on itself as it drops over the edge in one almighty thunderous roar. You will hear the Devil's Throat before you see it, and once you've seen it you will never forget it!
Getting to and from Iguazu Falls
Although road links to both the Brazilian town of Foz do Iguacu and the Argentinean town of Puerto Iguazu are good, most people will arrive by air. Each town has its own airport, and you can fly direct to Foz do Iguacu from both Rio and Sao Paulo. If you're looking to work in a trip to Iguazu Falls into a longer South American itinerary, then you'll be pleased to hear that there are also new flights direct to Foz from Cusco in Peru, so you can fit in that visit to Machu Picchu as well!
If you are extending your holiday to Argentina, there are several flights a day between Buenos Aires and the airport in Puerto Iguazu, so you are just a tango away from Argentina's famous capital!
For those of you who would like to get further off the beaten track, you can also cross a third border to the Paraguayan city of Ciudad del Este and travel onwards to Asuncion - one of the most charming but least-visited South American capitals...