Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
in a highly accessible rain forest which has over
2,000 species of plants, 400 species of birds and
500 species of butterflies.
Higher than Victoria and much wider than
Niagara, Iguazú Falls is a memorable sight.
You hear its roar and see its foggy spume long
before you reach the river bank. Often a rain-
bow will straddle the Falls. Because most of the
cataracts are on the Argentine side of the
Iguazú River, the views are better from the
Brazilian park, which is much larger than the
Argentine one. Rent a slicker and cross under
the Falls at the “Garganta del Diablo” (Devil's
Throat). There are walkways on both sides of
the river.
Leave your machete at home and explore the
rain forest along a series of well-maintained
trails. Although it is always hot and humid at
the Falls, the rain forest is cool, since towering
trees, some reaching well over 100 feet, form a
dense green ceiling. Colorful flowers are every-
where and large ferns and shrubs create a
dense lower level. Stick to the trails because
some plants are armed with stinging nettles,
spiky thorns and burning oils.
Toucans, tro-
gons, parrots
and humming-
birds are among
the most com-
mon.
Blinds have been set up in the park for bird-
watchers.
Animals are more elusive. Many are nocturnal
or make their homes high in the trees. To spot
them, you'll have to get up early in the morning,
tread quietly and go alone or in a very small
group. South America's largest jungle animal
