Iguazu Falls: Location and Magnificence

The World's Largest Waterfall System

Iguazu Falls (Cataratas del Iguazú / Cataratas do Iguaçu) straddles the border between Argentina and Brazil.

Location Details

• Countries: Argentina (Misiones Province) and Brazil (Paraná State).
• Protected Areas: Iguazú National Park (Argentina, UNESCO 1984) and Iguaçu National Park (Brazil, UNESCO 1986).
• River: Iguazu River, tributary of the Paraná River.

Scale and Features

• Width: ~2.7 km (1.7 mi) — largest waterfall system by width.
• Height: Max 82 m (269 ft) at Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat).
• Number of falls: 150–300 depending on flow.
• Flow rate: Avg 1,750 m³/s; flood up to 12,750 m³/s.

Visitor Experience

• Argentina side: Walkways into the falls (Upper/Lower Circuits), Devil's Throat boardwalk, boat rides.
• Brazil side: Panoramic views, elevator to base, helicopter tours.
• Wildlife: Coatis, toucans, butterflies, jaguars (rare).

Iguazu is widely considered the most spectacular waterfall complex on Earth.