Iguassu Falls is locally known as Iguazu Falls or Iguacu Falls depending on which country you are in. Located on the border of Argentina and Brazil and not far from Paraguay, Iguassu Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. There are varying perspectives of the falls with some noting that the Iguassu is made up of 275 separate falls, however the locals would contend that it is actually 75 different distinctive falls.
Iguassu Falls is competing for a couple of distinctions and you are invited to vote on each: Seven Wonders of Brazil and the Seven Wonders of Waterfalls.
The 75 different falls making up the Iguassu waterfalls system occur over 1.67 miles (2.7 km) with the highest part of the falls reaching up 269 feet (82 m) high. The majority of the falls are around 210 feet (64 m). The part of the falls which is considered the most spectacular is the U-shaped Devil’s Throat which is translated from the local name “Garganta del Diablo.” Devil’s Throat represents the highest part of the falls and measures 492 feet (150 m) wide and 2,296 feet (700 m) across.
There is one spot amidst the falls system where a visitor is surrounded by 260 degrees of waterfalls. The majority of the falls and the largest part of the of the two national parks protecting the falls occurs on the Argentina side. It is here that visitors can walk across the top of the falls, get closer to the falls and capture some of the more dynamic images of the fall. Visitors can also take a train out to the top of the falls and then take a 1 mile catwalk bridge out over Devil’s Throat.
The Brazilian side of the falls provides visitors with the most panoramic view of the falls. Additionally, visitors can get a different view of Devil’s Throat and actually feeling like you are part of the falls. Visitors should seek to take in both the Argentinean and the Brazilian sides of the falls to get the true Iguassu Falls experience.
Iguassu Falls accounts for the third largest annual flow of water of any of the falls around the world. Iguassu Falls is one of the 7 Natural Wonders of South America.