Iguazu Falls is the largest waterfall in the world. Located in South America, the waterfall is located at the intersection of the borders of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay. It is bigger than Niagara and Victoria waterfalls, known as the most magnificent waterfalls in the world. It is wider than Victoria and longer than Niagara. The waterfall is located on the Rio Parana River, the second largest river in South America.
It is surrounded by a magnificent life with rainforests and a diversity of flora. It has breathtaking visuality as a miracle of nature. The national park of the same name is located on both the Argentine and Brazilian sides of the waterfall. In the national park, there is a wild life with swimming pools and many different species. There are monkeys, raccoons and colorful cute birds in the park.
The waterfall was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1948 as Iguazu National Park. There is a structure to watch the view in the place called the devil’s throat, which is located in the waterfall. This place, which shows the best view, welcomes thousands of tourists throughout the year.
How was Iguazu Falls formed?
The waterfall was formed by a volcanic eruption that emerged as a result of a deep crack formed on the earth. Iguazu waterfall consists of a total of 275 waterfalls. The amount of water falling into the river from a height of about 80 meters is 9100 cubic meters per minute. An example of such a large waterfall is not found anywhere else in the world.
The word “Iguazu” means “Big Water” in Guarani, a language used by the locals. The waterfall was discovered in 1542 by a Spanish explorer, Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, and remained hidden in the forests until then. Also on the river is the world’s largest electricity generating dam, located between Brazil and Paraguay. The annual amount of electricity produced in the dam is enough to meet the world’s energy needs for two days.
The waterfall is among the most beautiful natural wonders of the world. It is more appropriate to go to the region that receives heavy rain in the winter, in the summer months. Three quarters of the waterfall is located on the Argentinean side. Therefore, it is possible to see more areas if visited from that side. Boat rides can be made on the river where the waterfall is located. Helicopter tours are also organized for those who want to see the waterfall from above.
