Iguaçu Falls

Advantages: Less touristy and tacky than Niagara
Disadvantages: Give it time and it will become touristy and tacky

Iguaçu (or Iguazú) waterfalls are some of the most impressive in the world, not the biggest, widest nor tallest waterfall, but 275 separate waterfalls spread over a three-kilometre crescent between Argentina and Brazil. Most of the falls are in Argentina, but the best views are from the Brazilian side. While on holiday in Brazil, after a wonderful few days in Rio de Janeiro and before heading into the Amazon Jungle I spent a few days at Iguaçu, ...
...for an hotel overlooking the Iguaçu Falls on the Brazilian side with just a two-minute walk for a stunning view of the falls from a terrace. There is also a twenty-minute walk along a walkway next to the falls with various viewing platforms en-route and an amazing platform at the end of the walkway. The hotel is a very attractive, colonial style building with two restaurants a bar and very pleasant, relaxing gardens. We walked along the footpath ... Read review

Advantages: One of the most beautiful places in the world.
Disadvantages: Slow reactions leads to wet camcorders.

The Iguazu Falls ranks as one of South America foremost attractions. It's easy to see why after spending a day there, you will be spellbound. The Falls are situated in one of Argentina's best National Parks, Parque Nacional Iguazu in the north east of the country. The closest town to the Falls is Puerto Iguazu which survives purely from the tourist business but is beautifully serene. The Falls came into being after a rush of lava (made up of basalt ...
...huge natural cliff was created. This sheer drop happened to be spread over several kilometres and when the waters of the Rio Iguazu (river) plummet from the edge the result is like a scene taken from a movie endowed with eye popping special effects. PUERTO IGUAZU The closest town to the Falls comes complete with huge tracts of forest in the background. While Puerto Iguazu is a lovely town to relax in anything more than 2 days could lead to boredom. ... Read review

Advantages: amazing amazing amazing!
Disadvantages: you get wet!

...I spent 8 weeks travelling through argentina, bolivia and peru and this day trip was by far the greatest highlight - even greater than the Inca Trail! The sight of the water crashing down all around you surrounded by the uninterrupted greenery is awesome. The authorities have done a wonderful job there keeping the naural state - there are none of the mcdonalds or tacky souveir shops you would find if they were located here or in the USA - you simply pay your entrance fee and wonder round all day. The speed boat ride into the falls is well worth the extra money - as long as you don't mind getting soaked! In my opinion the Argentinian side is better than the Brazilian side but if you have a few days spare do both as they offer such different perspectives. If you have more spare time walk to the point where Brazil, Argentina... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Unbelievable scenery, fantastic wildlife
Disadvantages: Not much choice of accomodation

...The stunning array of cascades is what makes Iguacu, in my opinion, the most the spectacular of the world’s waterfalls. Unlike other, taller waterfalls, the falls is made up o a semi-circle of hundreds of individual water falls, all pouring into a tempestuous river. Take a boat trip up this river to next to the falls and you are in one of the best places to appreciate them – look right, look left, look straight ahead and all you can see is walls of tumbling water crashing down over rocks with sub-tropical vegetation close by to add to the spectacle. The falls lie literally on the border between Argentina and Brazil (the border is in fact the river on which the falls are) but I would recommend staying on the Brazillian side. The views are better from here, and the most secondary activities are on this side. For British tourists, no visa... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Once in a lifetime experience!
Disadvantages: Lots of mosquitos.

...... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful