in Puerto Iguazú, Misiones Province, Argentina
Iguazú Falls
One of the world's most spectacular natural wonders, this massive waterfall system straddles Argentina and Brazil with 275 individual cascades. The Argentine side offers intimate walkways including the thrilling Devil's Throat lookout where water thunders 80 meters below.
Iguazú Falls is one of the great natural wonders of the world, located within Iguazú National Park in Misiones Province, northeastern Argentina, on the border with Brazil. The system comprises 275 individual cascades spread across nearly three kilometers of the Iguazú River, making the complex significantly wider than Niagara Falls and taller than Victoria Falls. The Argentine side of the park places visitors in intimate proximity to the water via an extensive network of raised metal walkways and boardwalks threading through subtropical forest.
The centerpiece of any visit is the Garganta del Diablo — Devil's Throat — a massive horseshoe-shaped chasm where roughly 14 cascades converge in a thunderous curtain of white water. A dedicated Eco-Train and walkway system leads directly to a platform above the canyon where the spray drenches visitors standing at the railing. The roar is deafening, and rainbows form constantly in the mist. Standing directly above this 80-meter drop is one of the most visceral natural experiences in South America.
The park offers two main walking circuits. The Lower Circuit (Circuito Inferior) descends to river level, providing upward views of individual falls and access to the free boat crossing to San Martín Island, from which panoramic views across the full curtain of falls are unmatched. The Upper Circuit (Circuito Superior) follows the cliff edge above the falls, offering aerial perspectives of the cascades and the canyon below. Both circuits together require three to five hours; combining them with the train to Devil's Throat fills a full day.
Wildlife is abundant throughout the park. Coatis — raccoon-like mammals — roam the walkways boldly and must not be fed. Toucans, parrots, and swifts dart through the spray zone, and blue morpho butterflies land on visitors in the forest sections. During wet season (November to March) water volume swells dramatically. During dry season (May to August) levels drop, individual falls become more distinct, and rainbows appear reliably in the afternoon sun.
The park opens at 8:00 AM and closes at 6:00 PM. Visitors should arrive at opening to secure places on the first Eco-Train to Devil's Throat before midday heat and crowds intensify. A full visit covering both circuits, Devil's Throat, and San Martín Island requires a minimum of five to six hours.
Hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily
Best for: nature lovers, photographers, families, adventure seekers
Visit / Book / Contact
Location
Parque Nacional Iguazú, N-12, 3370 Puerto Iguazú, Misiones
-25.6953, -54.4367 — View on map
Highlights
- Garganta del Diablo — stand directly above the roaring 80-meter Devil's Throat chasm as a curtain of spray drenches the viewing platform
- Lower Circuit boardwalk descends to river level for close-up cascade views and the free boat crossing to San Martín Island
- Upper Circuit trail follows the clifftop edge, revealing aerial perspectives of the full waterfall system and the forested canyon below
- Abundant coatis, toucans, and blue morpho butterflies encountered throughout the forested park interior
- Seasonal spectacle: wet-season floods amplify the falls to maximum drama; dry season reveals distinct individual cascades with frequent afternoon rainbows
Tips
- Visit early morning to avoid crowds and heat
- Bring waterproof protection for cameras and phones
- Wear quick-dry clothing as you will get wet near Devil's Throat
- Consider a two-day pass to explore both circuits thoroughly
FAQ
How long does a visit to the Argentine side take?
A thorough visit covering the Lower Circuit, Upper Circuit, and Devil's Throat via the Eco-Train takes five to six hours. Arriving at the 8:00 AM opening allows time for the San Martín Island boat crossing and wildlife watching along the walkways.
Is photography allowed throughout the park?
Photography is unrestricted throughout the park. The Devil's Throat platform generates heavy spray that soaks cameras and phones, so waterproof cases or dry bags are strongly recommended at that section.
Is the Argentine side better than the Brazilian side?
Both sides offer distinct perspectives. The Argentine side places visitors inside the falls via multiple walkways with close access to Devil's Throat. The Brazilian side provides a panoramic view of the entire curtain. Many visitors experience both over two days.
Is the park accessible for visitors with mobility limitations?
The Upper Circuit and Devil's Throat walkways are paved and wheelchair accessible with ramps. The Lower Circuit has some stepped and uneven sections. The Eco-Train connects major trailheads and significantly reduces walking distances between circuits.
Accessibility
The Upper Circuit and Devil's Throat walkways are fully paved and wheelchair accessible with ramps. The Lower Circuit contains some stepped sections and uneven boardwalk. The free Eco-Train reduces distances between the main circuits and Devil's Throat.
When to visit
November to March sees peak water volume and the most dramatic spectacle, though Argentine summer holiday crowds are highest. Visiting at opening (8:00 AM) minimizes wait times at Devil's Throat; afternoon light creates vivid rainbows at the Lower Circuit.