Iguazu Waterfalls: The border of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay
Sunday, January 27th, 2008The grand Iguazu Waterfalls sits on the frontiers of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. Higher than the Niagara Falls and four times wider, Iguazu’s 275 cascades fan out over nearly 3.2 kilometers of the Iguazu River. A volcanic eruption once cracked open the earth, and formed what is now the Falls. Water thunders over the giant cliff, sometimes at a rate of 450,000 cubic feet per second.
Various islands separate the Falls into separate currents, the best known being Gargantua del Diablo (Devil’s Throat). Best seen from the Brazilian side, these fourteen falls drop more than 100 meters with such force that the spray rises up into a 30 meter cloud. Walk through the subtropical forest of Iguaçu National Park for a closer view of Gargantua del Diablo. Or meander through park’s jungle trails; plan a full day to enjoy the nearly pristine ecosystem. The Falls’ name, coming from the Guaraní word for “great water”, was aptly chosen. Whether it’s by boat, helicopter, or by foot, take in this site for all it’s worth…just be sure to take some dry clothes with you.
