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Number of
water falls vary
Iguacu Falls consists of some 275 separate
 falls during the river's seasonal low. That number is halved during the rainy season when small rocky islets on the rim of the falls become submerged.
Iguacu Falls sits
within a rainforest
The beautiful semi-tropical forest is made possible by the high-rising mist that Iguacu Falls creates. During your trail walks you will see a rich variety of rainforest vegetation, including orchards, bromeliads, begonias, ferns, bamboo and palms..
Wildlife
The forests around Iguacu Falls host hundreds of wildlife species including jaguars and pumas. However, wildlife
sightings are limited for most because many of the creatures are nocturnal - and those that are not are easily
hidden by the dense rainforest growth.
Still, you will spot a number of interesting
wildlife species during trail walks. These include colorful birds (such as toucans and parrots) and striking butterflies.
Popularity of
Iguacu Falls
More than one million people visit Iguacu each year. Most are Argentine and Brazilian citizens.
Sightseeing
transportation
Besides the foot, these are your primary sightseeing options:
 Boat - Sightseeing boats at the base of the falls take you next to (and sometimes under) the falling water. Boats above the falls take you to almost the very rim of the falls, close enough to make your heart skip a beat.
Helicopter - The rides are short and expensive, but give you unforgettable memories and an unmatched perspective of Iguacu Falls.
Airplane - Although there are no sanctioned sightseeing plane services for tourists, sometimes the pilot
of a major airline flying to or from Buenos Aires or Rio de Janeiro will circle the falls as a favor to the passengers.
Movie
The opening scene of the major 1986 movie Mission starring Robert DeNiro and Jeremy Irons captures Iguacu Falls on film in its spectacular and thunderous glory.
Worth seeing, at least for that vigorous and relatively long cinema photographic sequence.
Spellings
Argentines spells this wonder, “Iguazu”, the Brazilians,
“Igaucu.” Both versions are globally correct and widely used.
How Iguacu Falls
was named
A thousand years or so ago, the native Guarani Indians named the falls Iguacu. That word means "great water" in their language. Although the Spanish
officially re-dubbed the falls "Santa Maria" In the 16th Century, the appellation didn't stick. The original Indian name - Iguacu
or Iguazu Falls - now reigns.
Iguacu Falls geological
history in brief
Geologists declare that volcanic activity created the Iguacu gorge roughly 100 millions years ago.
Ancient legend says an angry local river god created the Iguacu gorge as his grave in anger. He did this when he
discovered that a local tribesman was whisking away a virgin that was to be sacrificed to the god.
My main Iguacu Falls
web page
Iguacu Falls is one of the Top 100 Hillman Wonders of the World. Click the below green
button to view its wonder page:
 
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