Argentina has reopened its border on November 1, 2021. Iguazú National Park, a lush, subtropical rainforest identified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, is in the northeastern province of Misiones where Argentina shares a border with Brazil and Paraguay. The park is home to the roaring thunder of 275 waterfalls that extend nearly two miles with heights ranging from 200 to 270 feet. At 270 feet tall, 492 feet wide and 2,300 feet long, the Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo) is the park’s top attraction with its deep rumble and thick mist.
Visitors who wish to get up close to the roaring waters should hike the lower trail, while those searching for amazing visibility of the falls should head to the upper trails. Adventurous travelers can ride a boat from the end of the lower trail to San Martín Island where a climb up 190 steps will reward them with panoramic views of the falls. For those looking for accessible options, the Ecological Jungle Train, which runs on biofuels, offers enhanced accessibility with a special area for wheelchairs.
Iguazú National Park is not only home to Iguazú Falls. More than 2,000 species of plants and 400 species of birds can be found in the park, as well as a variety of wildlife including tapirs, giant anteaters, howler monkeys, jaguars, and caimans. Visitors can experience this huge variety of local fauna and wildlife via the park’s hiking trails that range from mild to expert.
What Can You Do in the Iguazú National Park?
Watch the most Colorful Flora and Fauna
Its nickname is photographic safari, since there are millions of opportunities to capture the most incredible species of the Misiones jungle. The most popular trails are lower circuit, superior circuit, Macuco trail, and Yacaratiá. If we only counted the bird, we’d watch more than 418 species in the area. Some may not even be found anywhere else in the country. Which ones? Toucans, black-fronted piping guans, the great dusky swift, multicolored tanagers, and crested eagles. There are colors, sizes, flies, and chirps of all kinds. What’s more, thousands of tufted capuchins, and nasuas are the undisputed figures for their grace and charm. There are also crab-eating foxes, lizards, caimans, southern mountain cavy, agoutis, and much more. Yet, the main star, the most wanted, the king of the reddish jungle is the jaguar, a wild and agile feline difficult to watch.
As regards flora, there are lianas, epiphytes, and ferns, just as in Tarzan. Also, a rare place can be found here: the jussara and rosewood forest with examples of 40 meters high —the region’s highest trees.
Swim in and Sail the Most Imposing Waters in Misiones
Yes, you are reading it right. You can see the Iguazú river water not only from above, on the walkways disguised in the landscape, but also from a very close distance. In fact, there are two alternatives. One of each for a specific kind of traveller.
On the one hand, the Big Adventure. As the name implies, it’s the ideal plan for the fearless. Adrenaline and laughter are common in this boat which covers the area’s most beautiful sceneries and goes under the falls. So, the fun formula includes bathing under the worldwide recognized water. This excursion is confirmed on a daily basis, depending on the river flow.
Fall in Love with the Devil’s Throat
Surely, you’ve never heard this idea and let alone think it can become true. Let us tell you that if you come to Iguazú, you’ll unlock a nature-love level. Nothing can be compared to the Garganta del Diablo or Devil’s Throat, not even these words trying to honor the gem of the world’s seven natural wonders. It’s a synchronized and water spectacle that everyone should tick out of their travel list at least once. Restless, it paints the perfect painting 24/7. What is it about? Water falls of more than 80 meters high, the green mantle embracing them, the rainbows leaning out in the afternoon, and the water drops caressing the guests’ faces to remind them how small they are before such energy.
Best Time to Visit?
In the Morning
- The earlier, the smaller the crowd. So, if you think avoiding it is important, it is crucial to wake up at the crack of dawn to enjoy this experience early in the morning.
- As there are fewer people, and due to the hours fauna is used to, you can watch more animals.
- The weather is cooler in the morning. Ideal for those trying to avoid the Misiones heat!
In the Evening
- This is the moment when rays of sun design color forms on the water. Or, better said, the best moment to take pictures: when rainbows show up in the landscape.
- The tour may begin or end in front of the Devil’s Throat. If you want to avoid comparing the rest of the falls (by the way, they are amazing) with this natural craziness, go in the afternoon.
What to Pack?
Don’t forget your comfortable clothes to enjoy the adventure of going around Iguazú’s most fascinating landscapes. Of course, bring your good trainers to wear them down among trails and natural elation. Yet, if your idea is getting deep inside the Paraná jungle waters, don’t forget to bring an extra change of clothes. A piece of advice? The first change should be light (forget about jeans or jogging pants!), as it will be drenched in water. It may seem obvious, but soaked clothes are heavier, and if you do the Big Adventure in the morning, you’ll have to carry them the whole day.
The climate is highland tropical with a dry season, and temperatures vary from 24 °C in summer to 14 °C in winter. So, whether you take warm clothes or not will depend on the season you’re going. Yet, you must know that Misiones sun can be tricky, so a cap will always be your ally. In the evening, temperatures are lower, so bring a jacket or a hoodie to enjoy all the way through.
Last but not least, insect repellent and sunscreen lotion. Jungle means biodiversity, and insects know that for sure.