Taller than Niagara Falls, twice as wide with 275 cascades spread in a horsehoe shape over nearly two miles of the Iguazu River, Iguazú Falls are the result of a volcanic eruption which left yet another large crack in the earth. During the rainy season of November - March, the rate of flow of water going over the falls may reach 450,000 cubic feet (12,750 cubic m) per second.
Access to the Falls is usually done through one of the three cities in the so-called tri-border between Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. Border crossing between these countries is fairly relaxed - authorities assume most people are on a day trip across the border. Australian, Canadian and US passport holders require a visa (AU$70/US$130) to visit the Brazilian side of the falls which is NOT issued at the border. European Union passport holders do not normally need a visa to enter Brazil for tourism. Better check before setting off as the Brazilian side of the falls is "a must".
The city on the Brazilian side is Foz do Iguaçu and the town on the Argentine side is called Puerto Iguazu. The city of Foz do Iguaçu has about 100 hotels and inns.
The falls are part of a singular practically virgin jungle ecosystem protected by Argentine and Brazilian national parks on either side of the cascades. Two thirds of the falls are on the Argentinian side of the river where you can also tour Iguazú National Park where there are jungle trails and bird hikes.
The view from the Brazilian side is the most panoramic and there are helicopter rides out over the falls from Foz do Iguaçu. You may also take boat rides out to the falls. The light is best in the morning for photographs.
The best times to see Iguazu Falls are in the spring and fall. Summer is intensely tropically hot and humid, and in winter the water level is considerably lower.
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