Attraction in Argentina
Devil's Throat, Iguazú Falls
Thundering waterfall horseshoe with rainbows and massive spray. Bring waterproof camera protection. Walkway puts you directly above the abyss for dramatic shots.
Garganta del Diablo — the Devil's Throat — is the centrepiece of Argentina's Iguazú National Park and the most powerful section of the Iguazú Falls system, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the border between Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. At this point in the Iguazú River, water from 14 separate cataracts converges into a single U-shaped chasm approximately 80 meters wide and 80 meters deep, generating a continuous roar audible from kilometers away and a permanent column of mist that rises 30 meters above the falls.
Access is via a 1.1-kilometer elevated walkway extending from the park's Upper Circuit train station, built directly over the Iguazú River on stilts. The walkway ends at a viewing platform cantilevered over the very lip of the horseshoe where visitors look directly down into the churning white water. The experience combines extreme noise, constant spray, rainbow-filled mist, and the physical sensation of standing above one of South America's most powerful natural forces. Waterproof protection for cameras and electronics is essential at this platform.
The surrounding park infrastructure includes an electric train connecting the main visitor center to the Garganta del Diablo walkway and to the Upper Circuit and Lower Circuit trail systems. The full Iguazú park experience covering all circuits and the Garganta del Diablo typically requires one full day. The Lower Circuit trail descends to the river bank and passes behind several smaller falls for closer views of spray and wildlife, including toucans, coatis, and tropical butterflies.
Mid-morning, when the sun is positioned to generate rainbows in the Garganta del Diablo's permanent mist cloud, produces the most spectacular photographic conditions. Water volumes peak during and immediately after the rainy season (June and July), when the falls reach maximum power but the mist can at times obscure direct views of the chasm. The Argentine side of the park is generally considered superior to the Brazilian side for close-access immersive experience and diversity of walkway perspectives.
Entry to Parque Nacional Iguazú is through a ticket booth at the main visitor center. Admission prices differ for Argentine residents and foreign visitors. The electric train and all walkway circuits are included in the park entry fee.
Location
-25.6953, -54.4367 — View on map
Highlights
- Viewing platform cantilevered directly above the 80-meter U-shaped Devil's Throat chasm with continuous spray and rainbow-filled mist
- 1.1-kilometer elevated walkway over the Iguazú River leading to the edge of South America's most powerful single waterfall convergence
- Mid-morning rainbows in the permanent mist column rising 30 meters above the falls — the park's most photographed natural phenomenon
- Lower Circuit trail passing behind cascading falls with close-range wildlife including toucans, coatis, and tropical butterflies
- Electric park train connecting all circuits without backtracking for efficient coverage of the full Argentine park system
Tips
- Carry a waterproof bag or case for cameras, phones, and documents — spray at the Garganta del Diablo platform is heavy and unavoidable.
- Arrive at park opening (8 AM) and take the first train directly to Garganta del Diablo before crowds build at the platform.
- Wear quick-dry clothing — getting thoroughly wet at the viewing platform is unavoidable regardless of the weather.
- Visit mid-morning for the best rainbow conditions in the mist; overcast days reduce rainbow visibility significantly.
- Allocate a full day to include both the Garganta del Diablo and the Lower Circuit trail for the complete Iguazú park experience.
FAQ
How long does a visit to Devil's Throat take?
The walkway to the Garganta del Diablo platform and back takes 45–60 minutes including train time. Most visitors spend 4–7 hours in the park overall to also cover the Upper and Lower Circuits.
Is photography allowed at Iguazú Falls?
Photography is fully permitted throughout the park. Waterproof protection for cameras and phones is strongly recommended at the Garganta del Diablo platform due to intense spray. Tripods are manageable on less crowded walkway sections.
Is the Argentine side or the Brazilian side better?
The Argentine side (Parque Nacional Iguazú) offers the most immersive experience with multiple trails and up-close access to individual falls including the Devil's Throat. The Brazilian side provides a panoramic viewpoint of the entire 2.7-kilometer falls system. Most travelers visiting for two or more days see both.
Accessibility
The Garganta del Diablo walkway is flat and paved, accessible by wheelchair via the electric park train. The Lower Circuit has some steps but much of it is navigable. The park provides accessibility route information at the main visitor center. The train accommodates wheelchairs.
When to visit
Mid-morning (9–11 AM) for optimal rainbow conditions in the Garganta del Diablo mist when the sun angle is ideal. The dry season from April to November offers clearer views; June and July bring the highest water volumes and most dramatic raw power after the rainy season.