Largest Waterfall in the world | Iguazu Falls Facts & Informations

Iguazu Falls is a majestic multi-level cascade of waterfalls in South America. This is a unique place in South America, which combines natural beauty and pure magic. Here are the most important facts about the Iguazu Waterfalls that will definitely inspire you to go there!

Here are the top 26 fascinating facts about the Iguazu waterfalls

iguazu picture aerial view — Image by Gerold Fesseler from Pixabay

Interesting facts about Iguazu waterfalls :

One of the most famous facts about Iguazu Falls is that it is actually divided into two countries! The waterfalls are separated by the massive Iguazu River.

Approximately 80% of Iguazu are on the Argentine side. Despite the uneven distribution, completely different views open up on both sides.

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The number of waterfalls in Iguazu is always different, depending on the water level in the river, but on average it is considered that there are 275 amazing waterfalls! Seeing all of them is not an easy task, it really depends on what country you are in. Although only 1/5 of the Iguazu Waterfalls are located on the Brazilian side, it is known for its best panoramic views.

If you are on the side of Argentina, you will be able to walk below, above, and around the incredible Iguazu Falls in South America. But try to take a couple of days and see this natural wonder from both countries.

The incredible rainbows that form around you at the Iguazu Falls are one of the highlights of this place. If you get there on a sunny day, you are guaranteed to see several.

They are considered the most beautiful waterfalls in the world and at the beginning of the XXI century, they were named one of the seven wonders of nature on our planet.

The largest Iguazu Waterfall occupies the territory of two national parks located on the border of South American countries: Argentina and Brazil.

The Argentine Park (Spanish: Parque Nacional Iguazú) was founded in 1934 and covers an area of 55,000 hectares. Brazilian Park (port. Parque Nacional do Iguaçu) was founded 5 years later on an area of 185,262 hectares.

Both parks from the 1980s are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The Iguazu Waterfall system is located among the picturesque wildlife surrounded by subtropical jungles. The flora consists of 2 thousand species of plants, including endangered ones. The fauna of this area is very diverse and includes dozens of species of reptiles and butterflies.

Of the mammals, the most common are: coral asp, Brazilian otter, cougar, capuchin monkey, jaguar, capybara, snout, ocelot, and others. It is home to such rare bird species as the great toucan, the American swift, the tirika, the South American harpy, and the Brazilian crochal.

The first European discoverer of the Iguazu falls is the Spanish conqueror Cabeza de Vaca. He sailed along the mighty Parana River in search of jewelry and in 1541 saw “something significant”.

Cabeza de Vaca called the waterfall “St. Mary’s Leap”, but this name did not catch on.

The waterfall system owes its modern name to the Guarani Indian tribe. From their language, “Iguazu” is translated as “big water”, where “I” means “water”, and ” guazu “means”big”.

The multi-level cascade, depending on the season, charges 275 waterfalls, separated by numerous islands, with a water drop height of 60-80 meters.

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The most famous waterfalls are: “Devil’s Throat”, “Adam and Eve”, “Cabeza de Vaca”, “Rivadavia”, “Two Sisters”, “Salto Escondido”, “Union” and others.

The total width of the complex is 2.7 km, if the waterfall system was a continuous wall of water, then the Iguazu waterfall would become the widest in the world, but at the moment this title is awarded.

The highest and most famous waterfall of the Iguazu complex — the Devil’s Throat-has the shape of a crescent, 700 meters long. Falling from a height of 80 meters, water flows create a huge cloud of spray and beautiful rainbows, and the sound of water can be heard several kilometers deep into the jungle.

The waterfall is located at the intersection of Argentina and Brazil, so you can see it from both sides. From Brazil, there is a more spectacular view of the Devil’s Throat, since the Brazilian coast is lower. And on the Argentine side, you can not only watch but also feel the waterfall, coming as close to it as possible on the bridges.

Filming of such films took place on the territory of the parks: “Moon Racer”, “Baraka”, “Godzilla”, “Tango threesome”, “Miami Police”, “Time of Fear” and many others;

In 1978, there was such a dry season that not a single drop of water fell from the ledge of the waterfall;

Many excursions to the waterfalls are complemented by a visit to the world’s largest hydroelectric power station Itaipu on the Parana River.

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waterfall iguazu waterfalls view — Image by José Joey from Pixabay

Interesting facts about Iguazu waterfalls for Kids :

For 1000 years, the waterfall moves about 1 km;
The Iguazu Falls serve as a borderline for three countries at once: Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina;
The annual attendance of the waterfalls is from 2 million people;
A group of Iguazu waterfalls is located on the river of the same name, 25 km from the Paraná River.

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Conclusion :

Iguazu Falls are considered one of the largest waterfalls in the world. Some are related facts are listed down.

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