subject: Iguazu Falls: More Than Just A Waterfall [print this page] Iguazu Falls: More Than Just A Waterfall Iguazu Falls: More Than Just A Waterfall
Iguazu Falls, located on the border of Argentina and Brazil, is more than just a waterfall. Its several waterfalls, one of the world's largest, but it's also a huge tropical forest preserve, including an endangered bird park, that all make this world-famous waterfall a travel destination.
The Iguazu Falls are impressive enough. Downstream from the confluence of two rivers, the water picks up speed, cascading over a series of smaller waterfalls and funneling down several cataracts, the largest of which is called the Devil's Throat. The falls spray a cloud of mist over 100 feet tall. Visitors can take a boat trip into the spray zone, where they can get really wet.
But there is so much more to do around the falls. There are two extensive forest parks on both the Argentina and Brazil sides. Each of these requires a half or full day to explore fully. Visitors can take a leisurely walk through the Brazil side on their way to the boat tour, or they can take the train, which runs for free. Adventurous travelers can take a safari cruise through the forests. Visitors can also wander around the many trails in the park, looking for wildlife. The subtropical forest national preserve is huge, and it preserves the habitats of hundreds of species of birds, butterflies, and mammals. The Argentina side is equally as impressive, with acres of trails and vegetation, plus many different views of the falls.
But one of the most spectacular sights near the falls is the Iguazu Bird Park, a twelve acre aviary that protects 150 species of endangered indigenous and foreign birds. Many of these birds are in the endangered species breeding program. There are scarlet ibis, crested jays, macaws, parrots, toucans, and hummingbirds, as well as butterflies and endangered reptiles like the black caiman. Birds fly overhead as visitors watch these beautiful birds fly unimpeded in the huge aviaries. For those who make it out to the Iguazu Falls, a half day of this incredible bird sanctuary is a must.
