Also known as Iguazu Falls, Iguassu is one of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Located on the border of Argentina and Brazil, this series of cascades was originally home to hunter-gatherers for millennia. The Guaraní people brought agriculture to the region by around 1000 AD, and Jesuit missionaries created European settlements in the early 17th century for converting indigenous peoples to Catholicism. Now, Iguazú National Park comprises protected land in both Argentina and Brazil while dozens of attractions and historical sites introduce visitors to the wonders of the falls. Travel with Gray Line Worldwide to experience the best of Iguassu Falls today!
Tour Expert, Gray Line
The Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls offers an extraordinary vantage point for witnessing the grandeur of one of the most incredible natural wonders in the world. With trails that provide varying perspectives of the falls’ true scale, visitors can get up close and personal with the cascading waters. Take a guided boat ride to feel mist on your face or blink as a rainbow of shifting colors showcases this spot to visitors from all over the world. The well-maintained trails and walkways are also a convenient and accessible option for getting hit with some spray safely.
Located in Misiones Province near Iguazu Falls, the San Ignacio Jesuit Missions are a key historical and cultural site once part of a greater effort by Jesuit missionaries to convert the indigenous Guarani people to Christianity. Founded in 1632, San Ignacio Mini served as the primary religious and cultural center for Jesuit priests who lived alongside native populations. Created with the overarching aim of becoming a self-sufficient community, the mission exemplified baroque architecture and a society governed by Christian religious principles. Constructed using local red sandstone, San Ignacio Mini is today recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains several well-preserved ruins that showcase the melding of European and Guarani influences over time.
About 40 kilometers from Puerto Iguazú, Argentina lies a notable gemstone mining site called the Wanda Mines. Founded in 1936 by Polish immigrants, the Wanda Colony became associated with large and beautiful gemstones upon their discovery in 1976. With a name deriving from a legendary Polish princess, the land upon which the Wanda Mines formed is characterized by volcanic activity and layers of basalt rock. Gas bubbles trapped in the cooling lava flows formed the cavities that led to the development of crystal geodes. Nowadays, the Wanda Mines operate as an open-pit mine, where visitors can observe the actual extraction of gemstones in real-time. Plan a guided 1.5-hour tour to learn more about the mine’s history and geological significance.
Officially known as Parque das Aves, Bird Park is an integrated conservation center situated in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil near Iguazu Falls. Opened in 1994, the park plays a vital role in caring for over 1,000 birds stemming from more than 150 species. Spanning over 40 acres of lush Atlantic Rainforest, the park guides visitors down marked pathways that allow for a full-fledged immersion in the natural world. See multiple aviaries teeming with colorful birds, including toucans and harpy eagles. In particular, the park houses the largest aviary for macaws in the world and lets guests directly interact with these incredible birds. Finally, don’t miss a walk through the butterfly house, home to hundreds of namesake species as well as twittering hummingbirds.
An immense facility situated on the Paraná River, the Itaipu Hydroelectric Dam straddles the border between Brazil and Paraguay. Constructed as a binational collaboration between the two countries, it is one of the world’s most notable engineering products due to its size, power output, and engineering complexity. Built between 1975 and 1982, the dam became operational in May of 1984 and employed about 40,000 workers during its long construction process. Formed by the dam, the Itaipu Reservoir extends 100 miles (160 kilometers) upstream and covers an area of 520 square miles (1,350 square kilometers). With a complex history of ecological initiatives and massive human displacement, the Itaipu Hydroelectric Dam is an integral part of the region’s history.
Immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of the Guarani indigenous community with a Guarani Village Tour. Located near Puerto Iguazu, Argentina, these tours both educate participants about the Guarani lifestyle while also highlighting the importance of the ecology that sustains the health of the region. Your tour begins with transportation from your hotel to the Guarani Village Fortín M'Borore, where you’ll engage directly with local residents. Learn about traditional agricultural practices, including the significance of crops like beans, manioc, sweet potatoes, and corn. Test your taste buds with a fresh-made meal and participate in the Tobacco Ceremony, an event that honors Guarani deities through spiritual chants led by a local shaman.
The Saltos del Mocóná is a spectacular natural wonder located in the province of Misiones, Argentina. This stunning waterfall is relatively unimpressive as height measurements go, but its horizontal extension that runs roughly 3 kilometers along the Uruguay River makes it one of the few places in the world to witness a longitudinal waterfall. The ingenious Guarani people named the falls “Moconá,” which means “that which swallows everything.” The surrounding Yabotí Biosphere Reserve is also a great place to see diverse flora and fauna, including pumas, monkeys, and birds.
As one of the more notable sections of Iguassu Falls, Garganta del Diablo (“Devil’s Throat”) is a U-shaped chasm along the border of Argentina and Brazil. Dropping over 262 feet (80 meters) with a width of 490 feet (150 meters), this gorge receives over half of the water flow from the Iguazu River in a mesmerizing visual spectacle. Even from a distance, you’ll be able to hear the thunderous roar of Garganta del Diablo. With lots of viewing platforms and writhing mist that creates beautiful rainbows at different times of the day, the Garganta del Diablo and the Iguazu Falls as a whole are regarded as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
If you’re wanting to experience a thrilling boat tour at Iguazu Falls, you’re in luck. On the Brazilian side of the falls, the Macuco Safari blends jungle exploration with a subsequent trip on water to the bottom of the cascading rapids. Ride an electric vehicle through the Atlantic Forest, take the optional walking trail to Macuco Falls, and finish your experience with a boat trip on the Iguaçu River that puts you face-to-face with Iguassu Falls. If you’re on the Argentine side, the Gran Aventura promotes a similar excursion through the Iguazu National Park. For travelers feeling particularly adventurous, sign up for both!
Also known as the Rainforest Ecological Train, the Ecological Jungle Train is an environmentally friendly transport system that operates within Iguazú National Park. This narrow-gauge train provides easy access to various viewpoints around Iguassu Falls. Powered by natural gas, the train’s route spans approximately 4.3 miles (7 kilometers) and takes roughly 25 minutes round-trip. Initially launched in 1906 in England, the train was brought to Argentina to facilitate sustainable tourism in an increasingly popular location. Check out sites like the Cataratas Station and Garganta del Diablo while you’re riding.
This was a fantastic tour and well organized. Highly recommended.
Thanks so much. You made this a very easy experience. A young lady was waiting for us, escorted us to the van and we were at the pier shortly. Excellent.
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