Iguazu Falls

Many would say these are the world's most dramatic, overwhelming and majestic falls, so to simply describe them as impressive would be an understatement. A complex network of some 275 separate individual falls that together crash over the jungle-covered cliffs to create a mesmerising spectacle at the point where Argentina and Brazil collide, Iguazu is one of Argentina’s true highlights. Shared with Brazil and with national parks on either side of their border, some choose to combine both sides for an overall experience, as whilst Argentina has 80% of the falls, Brazil enjoys some of the better panoramic views. The name Iguazu stems from a local Indian language and loosely translates as ‘Big Water’. Coatis, similar to racoons, can be regularly seen in and around the national park and colourful butterflies, toucans and parrots can be spotted on the various nature trails.

The Devil’s Throat and Other Highlights

The gateway to the falls is Puerto Iguazu, a small town that is largely centred on viewing the falls and little else, and sits in the northeast of the country at the confluence of the rivers Parana and Iguazu. The falls were first discovered in 1541 by Spanish Conquistador Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca, then remained largely unvisited, finally becoming declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.

The most enthralling section of Iguazu Falls is the ‘Devil’s Throat’, at the heart of the waterfalls. Upon approach, you can hear the fierce roar of cascading water thundering into the canyon. Looking down 240 feet at the Devil’s Throat from the dizzying boardwalk is akin to staring into a bottomless abyss.

We suggest staying at the Panoramic Hotel, so-named from the setting it enjoys overlooking the meeting point of the Parana and Iguazu Rivers, and the hotel has retained a character of its own with original features, designed by renowned architect Alejandro Bustillo.