We New Year in Foz do Iguazu in the company of a wonderful family. As a gift to ourselves on the first day of 2023, we decided to visit one of the seven wonders of the world – Iguazu Falls. And it turned out to be one of our best New Year’s presents!
Until 1864, Iguazu Falls belonged to Paraguay. That’s why its name comes from the Guaraní language and translates to “Big Water.” Now, they are located on the border between two countries, Brazil and Argentina. You can visit them from both sides, and most tourists do just that. However, this time (we will definitely return), we decided to explore only the Brazilian side. This is because the main viewpoint, “Devil’s Throat,” on the Argentine side was heavily damaged by the strong flow of the Iguazu River during the rainy season.
Iguazu Falls in Figures
Iguazu Falls is a complex of 275 waterfalls.
Width – 2,700 meters, which is twice as wide as Niagara Falls in the USA.
80% of the falls are located on the Argentine side.
The highest part of the waterfall is 82 meters.
“We have already been to Niagara Falls, Victoria Falls (which was completely dry, so that visit doesn’t even count), Ban Gioc Falls, visited Milford Sound, and visited many other large and small waterfalls. But of all the waterfalls we’ve seen during our round-the-world trip and in our entire lives, this is undoubtedly the most beautiful!
And now we understand why it’s called one of the wonders of the world! It’s like a piece of paradise! Like some Rivendell, but without tall mountains around. Powerful water flows from all sides: left, right, front, back, above, and below. Everything is so incredibly green, as if someone oversaturated it. We haven’t seen anything like this anywhere else, and we’re very happy that we visited this truly unique natural wonder! No matter how challenging it sometimes is to travel, when you see such places, you always realize that it was all for this, and it’s worth all the trials and difficulties.
When is the best time to visit Iguazu Falls
Iguazu Falls is beautiful and accessible year-round, but the seasons can be divided into dry and rainy periods. The rainy season typically lasts from June to August. During this time, the river is at its fullest and the falls are more powerful, but the water can be more brownish in color. We were fortunate to see Iguazu when the river water was clear, ranging from blue to emerald green in color.
Another factor to consider is the peak tourist season, which occurs in January and February (the holiday season). During this time, there are always many tourists, and accommodation prices tend to be high. Therefore, the most optimal season is considered to be “September – October.” It is also believed that during these months, Iguazu offers the most comfortable weather, with air temperatures not too low or too high. It can be quite chilly in the winter, and the summer can be scorching hot.
How to Get to Iguazu Falls
Iguazu Falls are quite far from Foz do Iguazu, and the cheapest way to reach them is by using local buses. However, the most straightforward and convenient methods are taking a taxi or joining one-day tours. We were fortunate in this regard because our friend Felipe provided transportation for us to and from the falls.
Entrance Fee to Iguazu National Park on the Brazilian Side
The cost of the entrance ticket to Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian side is 172 Brazilian Reais. Within the national park, there are free shuttle buses that can easily take you to various points of interest.
Moreover, Iguazu National Park has a well-developed infrastructure. You’ll find information centers, cafes, restaurants, restrooms, small shops, snack stands, and souvenir stores throughout the park.
Here are a couple of tips and hacks:
- Purchase your tickets in advance online.
- Arrive early, right at the opening time. There are fewer people, and it’s not too hot.
- If you arrive early and get on one of the first buses circulating in the park, we recommend going to the last stop and walking to the main panoramic viewpoint. Many people get off at the first lookouts. This way, you’ll have time to enjoy and take pictures of the waterfall without the crowds. And, of course, take some photographs of yourselves. Don’t linger too long; a large crowd will gather there within ten minutes.
- Bring water and snacks with you as everything is more expensive within the national park.
- And, of course, don’t forget to bring a positive attitude with you! We wish you a fantastic day!
From Brazil with love, Nastya and Vasya. Happy New Year!
