Iguazu Waterfalls

The Iguazu waterfalls are located in the Misions region of Argentina and are a part of the river Iguazu. These waterfalls lie on the border of the Brazilian state of Parana. They divide River Iguazu into two equal halves called the Upper Falls and the Lower Falls. The name of the falls is derived from Tupi words. According to a legend, God planned to marry a beautiful maiden called Tupi. The girl was an aborigine, who defied the offer and fled with her lover Taroba in a canoe. God was enraged and he sliced the waterfall in two halves thereby condemning both the lovers to an untimely death.

Discovery Of The Iguazu Waterfalls

Iguazu waterfalls were discovered by a Spanish traveler named Conquistador Alvar Nunez Cabeza da Vasca. One of the falls which lies in the Argentinean side is named after this gentleman. In the early nineteenth century, the falls were rediscovered by Boselli. Likewise, one of the falls which lies in the Argentinean side is named after him as well.

A Brief Description

Iguazu waterfalls is made up of two hundred and seventy five falls and they stretch 2.7 kilometers in length. While most of the falls are sixty four meters in height, others are known to fall from a height of eighty two meters. A fall which is known the world over is the Devils Throat. It is a an eighty two meter high fall which is shaped like the letter “U”. It is eighty two meters high, a hundred and fifty meters wide and about seven hundred meters in length.

The Devils Throat also marks the borders of Brazil and Argentina. Iguazu Argentina is said to hold two thirds of the waterfalls while the rest lie in Brazil. The water from these falls is said to drain into Rio Parana before slowly making its way to Itaipu dam.

The Access To Iguazu Argentina

The Iguazu waterfalls are known to have two accesses. The falls can either be reached from the Brazilian town of Foz do Iguacu which lies in the state of Parana or Ciudad del Este, which is situated on the other side of Parana river, in the republic of Paraguay. The Iguazu waterfalls are also said to share two major landmarks namely, Iguaçu National Park which lies in Argentina and the Iguaçu National Park which lies in Brazil. The walkways are different for both approaches and while the Brazilian side is accessible through a mile long walk through Paseo Garganta del Diablo, Iguazu Argentina is accessible through the Rainforest Ecological Train. The falls have ample opportunities for both water sports as well as rock climbing enthusiasts.

Comparison With Other Major Falls

The Iguazu waterfall is stated to have the greatest annual flow of water in the world and is also considered larger than Niagara Falls. The only waterfall in the world which can rival these falls is the South African Victoria Falls. While Iguazu Argentina is considered the widest falls in the world as they are sub divided into 270 distinct falls, Victoria Falls are known to have the widest curtain of water which stretches for about 100 meters.

The views and walkways in Iguazu Falls are considered better than any other and offer a 260 degrees view. The Devils Throat has water falling into it from all sides. The falls are also blessed with a periodical dry period which lasts just a few weeks at a given period of time.

A Heaven For Hollywood Blockbusters

The Iguazu waterfalls are known to attract numerous Hollywood filmmakers who love to shoot films in its glorious backdrops. Few of the major flicks that have been shot in Igauzu Argentina include Shock Corridoor, Moonraker, The Mission, Happy Together, Mr Magoo, Miami Vice, Godzilla 3D to the MAX and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

Numerous Tourist Visits

Iguazu waterfalls are a haven for tourists and attract numerous travellers from across the globe. Although most tourists prefer visiting the Iguazu Argentina in the summer season, the Brazilian side is open throughout the year. As the falls are broken into various small subsets, it is easier for the tourists to appreciate the falls one at a time. Hence, their popularity is constantly on the rise.