By Eduardo Diniz
The lush landscapes, biodiversity, and charm of Foz do Iguaçu make it a favourite destination among tourists worldwide
Beautiful aerial view of Iguaçu Falls from helicopter tour – One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World – Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil
When one thinks of Foz do Iguaçu, the first image that comes to mind is that of the Iguaçu Falls and its approximately 275 waterfalls, creating a breathtaking panorama. Formed by the Iguaçu River in a border region (Brazil and Argentina), the volume and height of the falls are striking – the highest cliff over which the waters flow is over 80 meters tall.
Whether for the adventurous spirit or the honeymooning couple, the destination offers numerous attractions, along with a complete hotel network for travellers. The first tip for those visiting Foz for the first time is: don’t just stick to the basics. There are plenty of options for an incredible journey.
At Iguassu Secret Falls, for instance, visitors traverse trails through the jungle that lead to seldom-explored waterfalls. The excursion can be done on foot or by bicycle and is always guided.
The Bird Park is another attraction not to be missed. In addition to its large aviaries, the site offers two other types of tours. While the Backstage Experience allows visitors to explore the attraction from within and feed some of the birds that inhabit the park, the Forest Experience invites you to experience the life of a Guarani tribe. In the midst of the Atlantic Forest, at night, around a campfire, the indigenous people present elements of their culture: music, dances, the tobacco ceremony, and other rituals accompanied by an exotic dinner.
Different species of macaws eating on the ground at Parque das Aves, a popular tourist destination near Iguaçu Falls (Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil)
These peoples, who have inhabited the border for over 700 years, have significant cultural marks today. The lands where the Falls are located preserve this tradition, from which the name Iguaçu – or “big water” – even originated.
And speaking of culture, the City Tour is a trip that takes visitors through the city’s beginnings, passing by historic buildings and avenues, with stops at the Three Borders Landmark – which brings together the history of the Jesuit people in the region – at the Muslim Mosque (temple of Foz’s Arab community), and at the Buddhist Temple.
Now, have you considered visiting Itaipu Binacional from above? With Fly Foz, tourists skydive from a height between 9 and 10 thousand feet and enjoy a panoramic view of the triple border.
More than just a captivating destination, Foz is perfect for the romantics. Spending a honeymoon in the city is to seal love. The city’s resorts offer comfort and fun for couples.
And for those visiting with family, there is no shortage of attractions. While parents take the opportunity to explore Itaipu Binacional internally, Dream Park Show is a complex that gathers various attractions, such as Eco Park, Dinosaur Valley, Wonders of the World, Harley Davidson Museum, and Ice Bar.
A natural spectacle
Of course, the city’s main tourist attraction also has its own peculiarities. The Iguaçu Falls can be visited from both the Brazilian and Argentine sides. Ideally, visit from both sides, as the views complement each other.
On the Brazilian side, visitors walk a 1.5 km trail, a route with abundant plants, birds, and other animals, and each of the falls, until reaching the highlight of the tour: a boardwalk leading to the “Devil’s Throat,” the main waterfall. There are also trails through the Atlantic Forest that provide closer contact with nature.
On the Argentine side, there are three route options: upper or lower circuit and the Devil’s Throat trail. Each offers a different view of the Falls. The routes are 600 meters long for the upper circuit, 1600 meters for the lower circuit, and 1 km for the Devil’s Throat trail. On both paths, feel and see details of the vegetation, birds, butterflies, and other animals of the Iguazú National Park.
Another incredible way to experience the Falls from the Argentine side is the tour on full moon nights. The evening attraction offers a sensory experience – you can hear the “noise of nature” better: the animals and the sounds of the falls. Additionally, at night, a silvery rainbow forms between the waterfalls.
Photogenic landscapes
The Falls are the ideal setting for photos. This is because the sun rises behind the Devil’s Throat and passes over the Falls, providing an incredible view throughout the day. The light is gentle and excellent during the early morning hours. In the late afternoon, it’s the sun’s turn to flood the Brazilian side of the falls with light.
Sunset is also an invitation for birds to start thinking about returning to their nests, a good time to see and photograph toucans, crows, and other birds that seem to play among the trees.
Three countries in one trip
Located on the border between Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina, it’s not just Foz do Iguaçu that offers incredible tours. Visitors to the city can also take a quick trip to Ciudad del Este (Paraguay) and Puerto Iguazú (Argentina), which offer good options.
View of the Friendship Bridge (Ponte da Amizade) over the Paraná River, connecting Foz do Iguaçu, in Brazil, to Ciudad del Este, in Paraguay.
Crossing the Friendship International Bridge, shops and stalls form a large open-air shopping mall that makes the Paraguayan city perfect for shopping. There are also options for historical tours and even an attraction that closely resembles the Iguaçu Falls: the Saltos del Monday.
In Argentina, the best visiting option is at night, through its casinos and local restaurants that offer an immersion in the country’s gastronomy, as well as the Duty Free Shop, with special products and prices. The Casino Iguazú has one of the largest gaming rooms in South America and offers options beyond gaming tables and machines, such as a bar with a vast menu of dishes and drinks prepared by renowned chefs and bartenders.
Accommodations, from simple to luxurious
A good rest is also important to face the whirlwind of emotions that Foz do Iguaçu offers. For this, the city is more than prepared, offering numerous hotels for all audiences. From the most luxurious hotels with a frontal view of the falls to those that allow for direct contact with nature, both on the Brazilian and Argentine sides.
The numerous tour options and the magnificent nature of its surroundings make Foz do Iguaçu a destination that absolutely must be visited!
For more information about Brazil, travelling to Brazil, Holidays in Brazil and Brazilian tourism, please also visit VBRATA Visit Brazil Travel Association, a London-based travel organisation specialised in Brazil.
Visit the BBMAG Business Directory to find Brazilian and South American service suppliers and classifieds in London and internationally.
