Iguazu Falls (Cataratas do Iguaçu)

Paraná (border with Argentina), Brazil

Iguazu Falls (Cataratas do Iguaçu) is one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders on Earth, straddling the border between Brazil’s Paraná state and Argentina’s Misiones province. This colossal waterfall system comprises approximately 275 individual falls spread across nearly 2.7 kilometers of the Iguazu River, making it the largest waterfall system in the world.

The most dramatic section is the Devil’s Throat (Garganta do Diabo), a U-shaped chasm where half the river’s flow plunges 80 meters into a roaring abyss. The Brazilian side, located within Iguaçu National Park, offers sweeping panoramic views and a thrilling walkway that brings visitors face-to-face with the mist and thunder of the falls.

The Argentine side, in Iguazú National Park, provides immersive trails that weave through the jungle and over the river, including a catwalk that leads to the brink of the Devil’s Throat. Both parks are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and protect a lush subtropical rainforest teeming with wildlife — from toucans and coatis to jaguars and butterflies.

The falls are accessible from the cities of Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil) and Puerto Iguazú (Argentina), each offering unique cultural experiences and eco-tourism opportunities.