Iguazu Falls is a unique place in South America that combines natural beauty and pure magic! So when we were planning our one month in Argentina, it was an easy decision to take a quick flight from Buenos Aires. What we didn’t realize, was that over the course of two full days we would learn so much that we didn’t know about the Iguazu waterfalls. Travel with us as we navigate our way through the Iguazu Falls history, wild animals, and other interesting tidbits to know before you go. Here’s 12 facts about Iguazu Falls that are sure to inspire your wanderlust!
12 Fun Facts About Iguazu Falls
1. Argentina and Brazil
One of the most well known facts about Iguazu Falls is that it’s actually split across two countries. Yes, that’s right! The waterfalls are divided by the massive Iguazu River.
Although they both share a fair portion of the hundreds of waterfalls, you should know that 80% of them reside on the Argentinian side of Iguazu Falls.
Despite not being evenly distributed, both sides present wildly different views, history, and endless angles to enjoy them from! We actually stayed in Argentina, and took a day trip to Iguazu Falls in Brazil.
2. How Many Iguazu Waterfalls Are There?
There are an astonishing 275 waterfalls at Iguazu! So how can you see them all??
Well, it really depends which country you’re in. Even though the Brazilian side only contains 1/5th of the Iguazu waterfalls, it’s known for having the best panoramic views.
If you’re on the Argentina side, you’ll be able to walk underneath, above, and all around the incredible Iguazu Falls in South America. We highly recommend embarking on a two day Iguazu Falls itinerary to see this wonder of nature from both countries.
We stayed at both O2 Hotel Iguazu and the Marín Apartments during our visit. For something a little more luxurious, you can check out the Gran Meliá Iguazú or Belmond Hotel das Cataratas.
3. An Endless Mist of Rainbows
One thing you’ll notice immediately, is the unbelievable rainbows forming all around you at Iguazu Falls. If you’re lucky enough to have a sunny day, you’re almost guaranteed to see a few.
The mixture of mist and sun creates the perfect amount of light to generate the beautiful rainbows. We couldn’t believe how many we saw springing up around the falls!
4. Wild Animals at Iguazu Falls
Welcome to the jungle!! When we first arrived at Iguazu Falls in South America we were startled to see a sign warning of jaguars… When we really thought about it though, why wouldn’t there be some fierce animals at Iguazu Falls?
This is one of the most diverse environments in the world after all. In addition to the wild jaguars, there’s a plethora of other animals to see at Iguazu Falls.
This includes monkeys, toucans, and a pesky little critter named the Coatis. As a member of the raccoon family, the Coatis are constantly on the prowl looking for food. Watch your bags around these sneaky animals!
5. Walkways & Hiking Paths
There are many trails and walkways through Iguazu Falls in South America, all of which are super easy to navigate. On the Brazilian side, you’ll find one long pathway that goes along the river. These walkways will showcase the amazing views of the Iguazu Waterfalls.
There’s even a long jetty that ends at a lookout directly over the enormous Devil’s Throat waterfall! On the Argentina side, the upper and lower trails give you literally every angle possible to see these majestic falls.
6. The Devil’s Throat
We just mentioned the Devil’s Throat, and there’s literally no avoiding it! Luckily, on the Argentina side, you can get an amazing view above the biggest Iguazu waterfall.
Standing on the small viewing platform with the Devil’s Throat directly under you is one of the most powerful things imaginable. Also referred to as “The Devil’s Cauldron,” 1 million liters are said to gush over these falls per second.
7. What’s Under the Falls?
Here’s another fact about Iguazu Falls that you might not know! The river that flows underneath them is also a great feat of nature.
The 820 mile long waterway forms a brief natural border in between Brazil and Argentina, and is home to over 100 species of fish. In addition, it connects to the Parana River, which is the 2nd largest in South America after the Amazon!
8. European Discovery
Switching back to the history of Iguazu Falls, the first European to stumble upon them was Spanish Conquistador Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca in 1541.
Can you believe what he must of thought at first sight almost 500 years ago? Yet, just because the Europeans discovered it, obviously doesn’t mean they were the first.
The Iguazu Falls history with humans dates back thousands of years. This land has long been settled by the ancient Guarani tribe.
9. Largest Waterfall System in the World
The 275 falls at Iguazu together make up the largest waterfall system in the world! They stretch for 1.7 miles total, and the heights are anywhere from 200 to 270 feet tall.
In comparison with the largest single waterfall in the world, it’s actually pretty close. Victoria Falls in Southern Africa is 354 feet tall, with a width of just over one mile.
The tallest waterfall in the world is Angel Falls in Venezuela, which sits at a staggering 3,212 feet high. Still, none of them compare in beauty to the hundreds of different waterfalls you’ll see together at Iguazu.
10. The Capybara
Looking for more animals at Iguazu Falls? Well, the nature park is actually home to the largest rodent in the world.
These friendly herbivores can be seen roaming on the edges of the jungle, and are even known to be great swimmers. We were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a couple of Capybara bathing by the river on our Iguazu Falls boat tour.
11. Wet vs. Dry Season
One of the most essential facts about Iguazu Falls is knowing when to visit. December through March is the wet season, and when you’ll experience much higher temperatures.
Due to the large volume of rain, this is also when you’ll see the most water gushing from the Iguazu Waterfalls. Dry season runs from May to August when it won’t be nearly as humid.
It’s also important to note that it rains year round in the forest of Iguazu, but obviously more often during the wet season!
12. Poor Niagara
On her first sight of the tremendous Iguazú Falls, Eleanor Roosevelt was famously quoted saying: “Poor Niagara!” The tallest section of Iguazu Falls is more than double the height of Niagara falls.
Not to mention that it’s over 270 different falls instead of just one long straight waterfall across like in New York. After visiting both ourselves, we can truly agree that Niagara doesn’t compare!
Have any questions about our post or more fun Iguazu Falls history to share? Let us know in the comments below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
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We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
