The enormous system of waterfalls is the star attraction here in Iguazu National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The falls span portions of Brazil and Argentina, but the finest views are on the Brazil side where visitors can look squarely into the Devil’s Throat. Throughout the park, visitors will find fascinating natural features and plenty of wildlife, especially birds and butterflies. Another highly acclaimed attraction is the hydroelectric plant at the mouth of Itaipu Reservoir, the largest power plant in the world.

Bird Park (Parque das Aves)
This 42-acre ecological sanctuary adjoins the national park and blends seamlessly with a tract of native forest. A total of 900 birds represent 180 species, grouped in large aviaries that are subtly incorporated into the forest. Aside from birds, the sanctuary also operates reptile and butterfly enclosures. A sealed path provides easy access to every corner of the bird park, bringing visitors within close range of the animals.

Black Well (Pocu Preto)
A guided excursion to the Black Well is ideal for birdwatchers, as numerous species can be seen along the way. Tour guides lead visitors on a five-hour ride over a rugged trail, using special all-terrain vehicles. The journey is a 35-kilometre roundtrip.

Iguazu Falls (Cataratas do Iguassu)
The centrepiece of the national park, Iguazu Falls began forming 150 million years ago and has grown into one of nature’s most spectacular feats. In this collection of hundreds of cascades, individual waterfalls range from 64 to 82 metres in height. Horseshoe-shaped Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo) is the most impressive of these, and visitors can climb to a 90-metre-tall observation deck over the gorge. A series of trails provides access to several other observation platforms around the falls.

Iguazu National Park (Parque Nacional do Iguacu)
Created the late 1930s, Iguazu National Park went on to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. It is open to visitors year-round, seven days a week, and supports magnificent tracts of Atlantic forest. Endangered species like the purple-breasted parrot and the jaguar take refuge here, highlighting an impressive collection of fauna that goes on to include dozens of mammal species and hundreds of birds and butterflies. The park is well-maintained, boasting sealed walking paths and public transportation.

Itaipu Lake (Lago de Itaipu)
Part of a joint project between Brazil and Paraguay, the Parana River was dammed to create the Itaipu Reservoir. The resulting power plant is the world’s largest. Tours of the facilities include an inside perspective on the dam as well as a trip to the observation deck looking over the smooth curtain of water. The lake is outfitted with a marina and manmade beaches for swimming and sunbathing.

Rio Branco Inlet (Enseada Rio Branco)
The Rio Branco Inlet is located less than two kilometres upstream from the falls. Ideal for picnics and leisurely, half-day outings, the inlet is fronted by a forested park that overlooks the Iguassu River. Visitors can make use of onsite barbecue pits, tables and park benches.