"Iguaçu's Famous Waterfalls " a Parque Nacional do Iguaçu Travel Page by glabah

How do you give must see tips on a location that itself is a must see location?

I took this photo while visiting Foz do Iguaçu just after a huge rainstorm. There were maybe 40 tourists wandering around in the entire park, plus the water was somewhat higher than normal (not at peak). Then, this Toucan flew up and started playing around with the leaves in this tree (see lower right corner). I wish I had a better camera with me, but alas the lens broke back in Londrina that year. I was able to visit once after this, but unfortunately no toucan!

The photo shown here is your first view of the falls, as you arrive at the first bus stop with a view of the falls. On the other side of the road (behind the photographer) is the beautiful old hotel that is the only place to stay inside the national park proper on the Brazilian side of the river.

What you do here depends on how much money and time you have. Here are some suggestions, however:

+ Argentine Side of the Falls. Leave about 1 day for this. It takes quite some time to get from the city of Foz do Iguaçu across the border and into Argentina. Unlike Brazil, many countries do not require a visa to visit Argentina, so you don't need an extensive paperwork process before visiting. The Argentine side lets you get right up next to the falls, which is an amazing experience. However, the Brazilian side lets you see the falls at a distance, which is the best way to see the sheer size of what is here.

+ The Raft Trip up the River. These are expensive, and I have never done them. Figure about US $90 or so per person. I've been told it is very thrilling! They get as close to the base of the falls as the swift current will allow them to.

+ The trail along the cliff has wonderful views of the falls. If you don't do this, you will miss most of what you came here for: the beauty that is Foz do Iguaçu.