Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls on earth, a vast system of hundreds of cascades plunging over a horseshoe nearly three kilometres wide, set in lush subtropical jungle on the border of Brazil and Argentina. Far larger than Niagara, its dramatic centrepiece, the Devil's Throat, thunders with an awesome power. A UNESCO site, it is best seen from both countries, with panoramic sweeps from Brazil and close walkways from Argentina.

What you actually see

• The Devil's Throat - the thunderous U-shaped heart of the falls.
• The Brazilian panorama - the sweeping wide view of the whole falls.
• The Argentine walkways - the close-up boardwalks over the cascades.
• The boat trip and wildlife - the boat into the spray, and toucans and coatis.

When to go

The falls are impressive year-round; the water is highest and most thunderous in the wet summer, December to March, though heavy rain can close walkways, while the drier winter offers pleasant weather and reliable access. Both the Brazil and Argentina sides are worth seeing.

Honest expectations

To see it fully you need to visit both the Brazilian side, for the panoramic view, and the Argentine side, for the close-up walkways, which means crossing a border and ideally two days. It is remote, reached by flights. Spray soaks viewers, and the boat trip drenches you. Very high water occasionally closes parts.

Nearby

The Itaipu Dam and the tri-border with Argentina and Paraguay are close.