Introduction
There are but three great waterfalls in the world, and curiously they seem to all fall on borders: Niagara Falls, on the border between the United States and Canada; Victoria Falls, between Zimbabwe and Zambia; and Iguaçu Falls, which form the border between Brazil and Argentina.
I've seen them all. Iguaçu is without doubt the most beautiful of the three. Niagara is impressive, but marred by 2 centuries of industry and kitsch. Victoria Falls in Africa is higher, but also narrower, and the mist thrown up by all that water funneling into such a tiny gorge greatly obscures the view.
In Iguaçu, the water pours down over not one but some 275 different cataracts, spread over a precipice some 5km (3 miles) wide and 81m (266 ft.) high.
The fine mist tossed up by all that falling water precipitates down and creates a pocket microclimate of lush rainforest, filled with tropical birds and an abundant population of glorious tropical butterflies.
Iguaçu has been attracting visitors...
more local info
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Parque Nacional Iguazú (Argentinean Falls)
Visitors to the Argentine Falls arrive at a brand-new complex, which consists mostly of restaurants and gift shops. A small visitor center does...
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Itaipu Dam
The world's largest hydroelectric project stands 10km (6 1/4 miles) upriver from Foz do Iguaçu on the Rio Paraná. The project produces over 90...
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- Landmarks
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Parque Nacional do Iguaçu (Brazilian Falls)
The Brazilian Falls now boast a newly renovated visitor center and a new restaurant -- Canoas -- above the falls. A new observation deck is also...
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