Along the border between Brazil and Argentina, the Iguazu River widens, slows, and then drops. The land just disappeared. Iguazu Falls stretches approximately 2.7 kilometers across a basalt plateau, forming what is often said to be the largest waterfall system in the world. The site consists of approximately 275 individual waterfalls. The height is between 60 and 90 meters, depending on the area and season. There is a wide semicircle in its center, known as the “Devil’s Throat”, where water flows into a narrow gorge and rises again in the form of a spray. Plumes are often visible in aircraft and satellite images. National parks on both sides of the river protect the surrounding subtropical forest. The waterfall has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984.
Iguazu Falls is the widest waterfall system in the world
Iguazu Falls are located on volcanic rock formations that form the border between Argentina and Brazil. Over time, the river broke through layers of hardened lava, creating steps, islands and individual curtains of water rather than continuous drops. The Iguazu River curves sharply before reaching the edge, which explains the falls’ wide, sinuous shape.The characteristics of each part are different. Some waterfalls fall in thin lines. Others are trapped heavily in the shadowy passages below. Viewed from above, the scale becomes clearer, with white arcs contrasting with the dark green of the forest. The canyon below Devil’s Throat is narrow and steep, gradually growing longer as erosion continues upstream.
Iguazu Falls is the widest waterfall system in the world (Image source – Wikipedia)
Subtropical forests harbor rare wildlife
The surrounding rainforest is part of a protected ecosystem shared by both countries. More than 2,000 species of vascular plants grow here. Humidity remains high most of the year due to constant spraying.Typical wildlife in the area include tapirs, giant anteaters, howler monkeys, ocelots, jaguars and caymans. Birds are especially active near water. Among them are the dusky swifts, a fast-flying black species known for nesting behind waterfalls. The birds fly directly over falling water to reach ledges where they are safe from predators. This behavior may seem risky, but it can prevent many threats found deep in the forest.
There are tourist infrastructure around the waterfalls on both sides of the strait
Both Argentina and Brazil have viewing areas within their respective national parks. Wooden walkways extend into various parts of the river, allowing visitors to get up close and personal to several waterfalls. On the Argentinian side, a kilometer-long trail crosses calm water before reaching the edge of the Devil’s Throat.There are hotels open near the park entrances on both sides of the strait. Although visitor numbers remain high year-round, access routes are regulated. The early morning sunlight often reveals the scale of the water columns rising from the canyon. From certain angles, the mist casts a faint shadow across the river before thinning into the forest air.
