Located on the northeast border between Argentina and Brazil in the Argentina province of Misiones, the Iguazu National Park was established in 1934 as a national preservation. In 1984, the park was declared a Natural Heritage of Humanity, forever protecting it and the many species that reside within its borders. The 550-km2 park is home to over 2000 species of plants including the coral tree, whose vivid red flower is the national flower of Argentina. Numerous endangered species, over 400 species of birds, and butterflies also call the Iguazu National Park home.

Thousands of visitors flock to the park each year to get a glimpse of the Iguazu?s magnificent beauty. Famous for the Iguazu Argentina Falls, this subtropical jungle leaves a lasting impression on its many visitors.

Species who call the Iguazu National Park Home

Without the protection of the park, the many endangered species that live within its borders would be extinct. The Iguazu National Park is home to the jaguar, tapir, jaguarondi, ocelot, tiricia, anteater, and the caiman. With over 400 species of birds living in the six identified strata that comprise the rainforest, there is an abundance of life all around Iguazu Argentina. From the large toucans, to the swifts who live in the upper canopy, to the numerous colorful parrots, the forest supports a diversified avian population. With a numerous, and still largely unidentified, insect population ? comprising of brilliantly colored butterflies, coupled with the abundance of plant and animal species, Iguazu Argentina is one of the richest natural environments.

Exploring the Iguazu National Park

Thousands of visitors come to the Iguazu National Park each year to explore its natural and breathtaking beauty. For a small daily fee, non-residents can enjoy the park and all that it has to offer. The entrance fee includes in-park transportation on the Rain forest Ecological Train, also called the Waterfall Train. This is an environmentally friendly train that uses propane, to take its 120 passengers to and from three different stations: Central Station, Waterfalls Station, and the Devils Gorge Station. At each station, visitors are able to explore the various parts of the park ? most stations also have restroom and food facilities. The small green train makes frequent rounds throughout the park. The open sides give visitors a close-up encounter with the rain forest.

The park also offers bike rides, boat rides, and walking tours of the falls and rain forest. Visitors can also enjoy Puerto Iguazu where they can explore the Science Experimental Station and park museum. Iguazu Argentina also supports local Arts and Crafts shops, local markets, regional fair, and of course plenty of souvenirs?.

Iguazu National Park Facts

The average annual rainfall in the Iguazu National Park is 2,000 mm with an average temperature of 20 degrees Celsius. Iguazu Argentina?s dense vegetation creates a humid environment year round. The Iguazu National Park is actually a large plateau that was formed more than 135 million years ago during the Mesozoic era. During this time, basaltic lava from erupting volcanoes formed the large plateau and gave the Iguazu a distinctive red colored soil. Although there are no longer any human inhabitants, the Caingangues Indians once called Iguazu Argentina home, and coined its name, meaning big waters.