The waterfals of Iguazú or "great waters" (in the language of the Guarani) are quite a spectacle offered by nature. An unforgettable experience considering its heights, force and energy generated.

In order to enjoy the waterfalls of Iguazú and its surroundings, one has to plan various days on the road because the natural park in which it is situated is immense in size. So if one wants to see the waterfalls, fauna und flora, count on spending quite a few days there.

The waterfalls were discoverd 1541 by Álvarez Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, who crossed over these lands coming from the southern ocean on his way to Asunción in Paraguay. Impressed by the force of the waters coming down, he called them "Saltos de Santa María" a name which was later changed in Cataratas del Iguazú (or "grandes aguas" great waters, in the language of the natives).

In this part of the natural park, a multitude of tributary streams join each other and make up 275 waterfalls along the whole length, which form a natural border between Brazil and Argentina. The waterfalls extend over a surface of 2,5 km2 and the highest fall is 72 metres. From different points of the river, one can see either the Brazilian or the Argentine side of the falls.

All along the river and its falls are surrounded by an immense jungle with protected fauna and flora. The National Park of Iguazu is as dense as the Amazon Rain Forest. In this place you can see monkeys, jaguars, caimans (a form of crocodiles) and tapirs. Also more than 500 species of butterflies and many different birds are found here. Hunting is strictly forbidden and an executive police force is always on the lookout, making sure that the law is not broken.

The excursions offered by the tourist centre of Puerto Iguazú, which is situated some 30km down the falls and equipped with all tourist necessities. There is a choice of accommodation, that is reasonably priced.