The Iguazu Falls
The Fascinating Waterfalls on Earth
One of the most fascinating and famous waterfalls in the world is Iguazu Falls. This waterfall is located in two countries, Brazil, and Argentina. The Iguazu Falls are twice as wide and higher than the Niagara Falls. It is awarded as Seven Natural Wonders of the world and also considered UNESCO world Heritage in 1984 and 1986. Since it is situated in two countries, visitors can visit both from Brazil and Argentina, however, 70% of the waterfalls is located in Argentina. Furthermore, in Argentinian side offers the spectacular sight and the visitors can get personal and close to the falls while in Brazilian side offers fascinating panoramic scenery of the falls.
The waterfalls in the Iguazu spread along the cliff edge for 2700 meters long and 80 meters height. The total waterfalls in Iguazu falls are 275 waterfalls in the shape of horseshoe which the water are from Iguazu river. The unique shape of the waterfalls is formed due to the volcanic eruption. The result of that volcanic eruption left the uniquely odd huge mark on earth. On the rainy season, the water volume can reach 12. 750 cubic per meter second.
History of Iguazu Falls
The Iguazu Falls is named from the Guarani Language which means big water. Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca was the first Spanish explorer who sees the Iguazu Falls in 1541. There are several historical and archeological sites found around the falls. Some of the sites are the ruins o Jesuit Mission which was known as the first settlement of Christian Evangelism in South America. The vast power of the waterfalls is constructed into Itaipu Hydroelectric dam which was the shared program between Brazil and Paraguay. The Dam provides 12,6 million KW of electricity and able to cover the electricity needs of Brazil and Argentina. This dam considers as one of the largest in the world and also claimed as the engineering masterpiece.
The scenery
The fascinating spot in Iguazu Falls is the Devil’s Throat or Garganta del Diablo which is a group of waterfalls in 100 meters height, sometimes visitors can witness a beautiful rainbow by the falls. The Devil’s Throat is the largest volume of waters with a huge power and loud roar which visitors can hear from several miles away. The visitors can walk through the dirt track for 2.2 km along the board walk to see this falls from a meter or two away. Visitors are advised to bring raincoat since there are places that will be “rained” from the water sparks of the falls. There are also boat trips that pass under and beside the falls.
The Iguazu Falls operating hours starts from 9 am to 5 pm in the winter and 6 pm in the summer from the Brazilian side. From the Argentinian side opens from 8 am to 6 pm. The best time to visit the Iguazu Falls is spring and fall.
Only Victoria Falls can be compared with Iguazu falls from the size and beauty. The Iguazu Falls is definitely a perfect spot to spend the holiday.