Impressive Iguazu cataracts, exuberant fauna and flora, multicolored birds at the Bird Park… The city of Foz Do Iguaçu makes the most of its natural surroundings to captivate visitors. Here's what you need to know.

Foz Do Iguaçu, A Charming City of Water and Cascades

Foz Do Iguaçu is a Portuguese word meaning mouth of the Iguazu River. The city of water stands out for its considerable hydroelectric potential. At the border of Argentina and Brésil, the Iguazu Falls cascade down in torrential currents. They comprise countless waterfalls, the most spectacular of which, Devil's Gorge, plunges from 97 meters high. Electricity and tourism are the pillars of the local economy. Thanks to the Itaipu dam, built across the Paraná River, Brésil operates the second-largest hydroelectric power station in the world by capacity, after China's Three Gorges dam. Tourism has a bright future, especially considering that Foz Do Iguaçu ranks as the second most-visited tourist destination in the country, second only to Rio de Janeiro. Don't miss this incomparable natural monument during a road trip through Brazil's southwest. Once there, you'll be pleasantly surprised to discover other attractions the city has to offer.

The History of Iguazu Falls

The Paraná Hydrological Basin

During the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras, layers of basalt formed in the Paraná basin. They created a rocky staircase resistant to water erosion. Over centuries, the curtain of water unfolds into a spectacular ensemble of cascades. Thus were born the Iguazu Falls.

Legend Surrounding the Cascades: A Passionate Revenge

Such is the scientific explanation given by specialists in soil and relief sciences. According to local legend, these waterfalls were caused by divine vengeance. The serpent god M'Boy fell in love with the beautiful woman Naipi. Their wedding date was already set, except that Naipi secretly loved the warrior Taroba. Moved by their plight, the river came to the aid of the two lovers: "Naipi, Taroba, come with me," it said. The lovers fled in a canoe. Mad with rage, the god carved up the river, creating the falls and cataracts. The fugitives were condemned to a deadly plunge. Naipi was transformed into stone, and Taroba became a palm tree. The Tupi-Guarani tribe, who inhabited Argentina and Paraguay before European settlement, delights in retelling this legend.

A Tourist Attraction

We remember the astonishment of Eleanor Roosevelt, the former First Lady of the United States, when she visited Iguazu Falls. "Poor Niagara!" she cried. Technically speaking, Iguazu Falls has three times more water volume than its Canadian rival.

Iguazu National Park was established by decree in 1939. UNESCO inscribed it on the World Heritage list in 1986.

Today

Foz Do Iguaçu is the fourth-largest city in Paraná State by population. But it ranks first in natural tourism. Proof: it's the favorite destination for foreign visitors after Rio de Janeiro's beaches. To view Foz Do Iguaçu merely as a gateway to the cataracts would be a grave mistake. You must not overlook the cultural aspects and the wonders of fauna and flora. Are your children accompanying you on this pleasure trip? They'll jump with joy seeing pumas, caimans, and colorful macaws in the flesh—to name just a few of Brésil's emblematic species. There's much to discover in Foz Do Iguaçu.

Must-See Attractions

Iguazu Falls

You may have had the chance to see Victoria Falls in Zambia or Niagara Falls. Even if you have, a visit to Iguazu Falls always brings its share of enchantment. Iguazu combines a sumptuous water curtain with an extremely powerful flow. Unlike Victoria, the water curtain scatters into a multitude of waterfalls and islands. Around 275 are counted in total. Helicopter tours are available to fly over the rivers, falls, and chasms and return with incredible photographs.

Devil's Gorge

Of the hundreds of Iguazu waterfalls, Devil's Gorge is the highest. The torrents make a vertical plunge of 90 meters before crashing into the river. The width is 150 meters and the length is 700 meters. Beyond being a tourist attraction, Devil's Gorge marks the international boundaries of the falls. A walkway allows tourists to venture to the foot of the cascade.

Iguazu National Park

The spectacular Iguazu waterfalls lie at the heart of Iguazu National Park, which covers an area of 185,000 hectares. You'll appreciate the exhibits at the visitor center, studying tropical wildlife or following the Macuco Falls trail. Fragile and endangered species coexist here, such as the giant otter or the giant anteater. Colorful butterflies flutter through the woods. A bronze monument to Santos Dumont stands within the park grounds. It honors the illustrious aviation pioneer who ardently championed the protection of the natural ecosystem around the falls, pressing the governor of Paraná. He eventually declared the area a national park.

The International Friendship Bridge

Inaugurated in 1965, the International Friendship Bridge, or simply Friendship Bridge, elegantly spans the Paraná River. This famous historical monument is worth the visit. Paraguay's government found shipping costs on the Rio da Prata prohibitive. It negotiated with neighboring Brésil to build a highway bridge to reach the Atlantic Ocean. Although the project was based on purely financial interests, it succeeded in improving the quality of life for residents of border towns.

The Bird Park, A Sanctuary for Exotic Birds

If you're not too tired, continue your adventure by heading to the Bird Park. Created in the mid-1990s, this ornithological sanctuary serves as a refuge for Atlantic coastal forest birds. From owls to harpy eagles, from jacutingas to toucans with outsized beaks, not to mention the colorful macaws whose plumage radiates every shade imaginable, visitors will be thoroughly delighted. The park entrance is located near Iguazu Falls. Beyond studying the birds, you'll be pleased to discover how the team actively works to preserve the forest, rescue injured, abused, or orphaned birds, and develops environmental education programs.

Practical Information

Climate of Foz do Iguaçu

Located in the heart of Latin America, Foz do Iguaçu experiences a tropical climate. Hot summers are followed by mild winters, occasionally interrupted by temperature drops due to polar air masses. On average, the temperature difference between seasons is 11°C. Rain falls year-round, though precipitation is slightly lower in winter.

When to Visit?

Given the conditions of sunshine, humidity, and heat, the best months to visit Iguazu Falls are March, April, May, August, September, and October. The likelihood of being caught in rain remains a concern, though it's lower during these months. Keep rain gear with you.

The city's opening to global tourism is supported by solid infrastructure. Foz Do Iguaçu has its own airport. Iguazu National Park is located 17 km from Foz Do Iguaçu's city center and 5 km from the airport. You can reach it using public transportation—buses or taxis—or opt for private transport.