Foz Do Iguaçu

Since it is the gateway to the majestic Iguaçu Falls on its Brazilian side, the city of Foz do Iguaçu sees several hundred thousand visitors every year who come from all over the world to admire this majestic site. The Iguaçu Falls, a true force of nature, amaze and impress with their magnificence. They are classified among the Seven Wonders of Nature and are an essential stopover for any traveler passing through Rio de Janeiro.

Geography and climate

An unparalleled natural masterpiece

This may seem surprising but what everyone commonly calls “Iguaçu Falls” is not actually a waterfall but an impressive sequence of 275 waterfalls forming an impressive ribbon nearly three kilometres long. The highest waterfall, “Garganta do Diabo” (“Devil’s Gorge” in English), constitutes a dizzying 82 meters drop! The Iguaçu Falls are situated on the border between Argentina and Brazil and take their source in the river of the same name. Rio Iguaçu originates in the Brazilian state of Paraná and is a natural border between Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. On the Brazilian side the falls are easily accessible from the city of Foz do Iguaçu located 18 kilometres downstream of the river. The Iguaçu Falls are protected within the Iguaçu National Park on the Brazilian side and the Iguazú National Park on the Argentine side. Both parks are classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

A climate that invites you to discover the region all year round

With pleasant temperatures all year round ranging from 23°C to 33°C on average, Iguaçu Falls can be visited in all seasons. While rainfall and average temperatures are higher between October and April, the climate is drier and temperatures milder between May and September, making them more suitable for hiking and extended physical activity. The region’s humid subtropical climate offers mild, dry winters between May and September and hot, humid summers the rest of the year.

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A few words about Foz do Iguaçu

The city of Foz da Iguaçu is an ideal base camp for the many visitors to this unique natural site as it is ideally located less than 20 kilometers from Iguaçu Falls. From the city it is in fact easy to go on an expedition to discover the Falls on the Brazilian side of course, but also on the Argentine side. However seeing this wonder of nature nestled in the heart of the Mata Atlântica must be earned. It is only after having crossed the surrounding tropical forest that the impressive visual spectacle offered by the Iguaçu Falls reveals itself to the visitors. The Iguaçu National Park (Brazilian side) and the Iguazú National Park (Argentine side) both offer incredible hiking trails leading here and there to breathtaking views of Iguaçu Falls. Emotion and goosebumps guaranteed! Throughout their walk in the heart of the rainforest the luckiest visitors can cross paths with the wild animals that inhabit the region: jaguars, panthers or coatis.

And for those who would like to be impressed by the work of man after having been impressed by the work of God, it is also possible to visit the impressive Itaipu dam about fifteen kilometers from Foz do Iguaçu. This impressive building, almost 200 meters high, is nearly 8 kilometers wide and is located on the border between Brazil and Paraguay. Because of its unusual dimensions and its ambitious challenge to control the forces of nature, the Itaipu Dam is legitimately listed among the seven Wonders of the Modern World.

Our expert opinion

A discovery that needs to be organized and planned

In order to make the most of your stay in Foz do Iguaçu and organize the discovery of Iguaçu Falls in the best conditions, you must plan a minimum of 3 days on site. A stay that allows you to spend a full day on each side of the Iguaçu Falls (Argentinean and Brazilian) in order to enjoy the site from all angles without stress and to take a day to travel to and from Foz do Iguaçu. Your discovery will be all the more pleasant since you will be accompanied by a guide who will lead you through the hiking trails to the most beautiful viewpoints. It is also possible to fly over the Iguaçu Falls by helicopter or to get as close as possible to it aboard an inflatable boat when conditions are suitable. Terra Nordeste’s advisors are at your disposal to plan your stay. Do not hesitate to contact us.

A must-see destination to combine with Rio

Foz do Iguaçu is located only a 2-hours flight away from Rio de Janeiro and is the promise of an unparalleled natural spectacle. The prospect of getting close to such forces of nature in the heart of an unmissable site in Brazil, almost unique in South America, is enough to attract a large proportion of international visitors traveling to Rio. This is why we often offer a combined stay between the “Cidade Maravilhosa” and Foz do Iguaçu.

Why should I visit Foz do Iguaçu ?

Slideshow

Some ideas to make your stay in Foz do Iguaçu unforgettable

• Hiking in the two National Parks that surround Iguaçu Falls on the Argentine side and on the Brazilian side
• Flying over the falls by helicopter to make the experience even more impressive
• Riding an inflatable boat to get as close as possible to the foot of the falls
• Photographing breathtaking panoramas from one of the many viewpoints open to visitors
• Visiting the Itaipu dam a few kilometers from Foz do Iguaçu
• Crossing the Rio Iguaçu on the Friendship Bridge between Brazil and Paraguay or on the International Fraternity Bridge (Tancredo Neves Bridge) between Brazil and Argentina
• Discovering intriguing and elegant animal species at Bosque Guarani, the zoo in the city of Foz do Iguaçu

To go further…

Read the description of Foz de Iguaçu that Jean-Paul Delfino gives us in our “Travel diaries” section: terra-nordeste.com/en/foz-de-iguacu-seen-by-jean-paul-delfino/