Magnificent Gift Of Nature- Iguazu Falls
Posted On November 19, 2009
Overview
The term ‘Iguazu’ evolved from a very interesting background. Actually, its name is formulated out of the Guarani language and Iguazu’s literal meaning is ‘great water.’ Seemingly, its name is as striking as its awe-inspiring appearance. Truly, the mesmerizing appearance of Iguazu is completely bewitching. The charm it spells is enough to hypnotize any orderly individual. Really, the first Spanish individual Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca who discovered this majestic waterfall in 1851 has done a great enlightenment job, which is why one of the waterfalls of Argentine has been named after his name. Boselli was another person to re-invent this waterfall in the late nineteenth century, even after his name one of the Argentina’s falls name has been kept.
Compared to Niagara Falls, Iguazu Falls are much taller and about four times wider. It boasts 275 cascades that formulate somewhat a horseshoe structure, which spans nearly two miles of the Iguazu River. During the rainy season i.e. between December and February, the Iguazu Falls leaves about 450,000 cubic feet of water per second. This waterfall flaunts its excellence during rainy season, so if you want to enjoy the magnificence of this waterfall, then arrive here during rainy season. Catch the mind-blowing views of the Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian side. Or get to Argentina, as it proffers a splendid opportunity of getting up-close and personal with waterfalls. But before you head there, ask yourself, can you endure the deafening sound of roaring waterfalls. Besides these, the crescent shaped Devil’s throat is the most impressive one. Believe me, glimpse of all these will remain the most memorable moment of your lifetime.
Before the power plant’s erection, the waterfalls’ great potential was under-utilized. But later when the Itaipu hydroelectric power plant was constructed by Paraguay and Brazil, the waterfall became an efficient and gigantic resource for supplying energy. The dam project marked its completion in the year 1991 and has been kept open for tours. This successful project alone supplies 12,600 MW of power that is sufficient for 40% of Brazil and Argentina. Credited as the world’s biggest dam, it is peddled as a “masterpiece of technology” by both Argentina and Brazil.
Iguazu waterfall’s astonishing craze landed it into the nomination of one of the New 7 wonders of nature by the New Seven Wonders Of The World Foundation. Recently, Iguazu achieved a celebrated position and ranked fifth in Group F that is a distinct category for rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. Deservingly so, as it is only Iguazu that bestows charm of 275 wondrous cascades. Even, the fascinating spell and gushing magnificence featured by Iguazu is thrilling. And when it comes to access, then Iguazu makes it easier for the tourists to have an access to such a heavenly place.
When the charismatic persona and United States First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt gazed the enchanting beauty of Iguazu, the very first words she uttered were “Poor Niagara!” It is the beauty and elegance of this waterfall that made influential personalities fall in love with this place. Its stunning radiance shimmered to this extent that it is been paralleled to the majestic Victoria Falls that slices Zambia and Zimbabwe. Iguazu would have outshined Victoria in terms of largest size, if it wouldn’t have been split into 270 individual falls and islands.
Also, Iguazu makes a great spot as it affords spectacular bird-eye’s views and easier pathways for the betterment of tourists. Get there and explore the majestic waterfall, and feel the enthralling experience when you will be surrounded by 260 degrees of waterfalls. Even, there is the Devil’s throat which gushes water from three different angles. But however as the waterfall is sliced into different parts, it’s not possible to view them at same point of time.
Even the falls are engulfed in the Iguazu National Park of Argentina and Iguaçu National Park of Brazil. One more surprise presented by this waterfall, for the tourist is that both the parks have been listed in the World Heritage Site by 
UNESCO in 1984 and 1987 respectively. When you come for visiting the magnificent waterfalls, make optimum use of the opportunity and tour to the enchanting parks to view the diverse natural species. Also, grab the opportunity and indulge in adventurous activities such as water sports and rock climbing.
Geographical location
Tucked on the fringes of Parana, a state of Brazil and Argentine’s region of Misiones, Iguazu Falls are waterfalls of the River Iguazu. This spectacular marvel stretches 3 kilometers wide, on the border of Brazil and Argentina. Stunning waterfall of Iguazu separates the river in two as upper and lower Iguazu.
Myths about this place
An impressive myth is woven about this waterfall which says that a God decided to tie the knot with an indigenous local known as Naipi. But the girl eloped with her earthly lover Taroba in a canoe. When God became familiar with this fact, he went into fumes and eventually cut the river into two, which led to the creation of waterfalls.
Best time to visit
Explore the spectacular Iguazu Falls, during the spring or the fall season. Summers are not the appropriate choice as it is severely hot and humid then. During the winters, water levels fall to a great extent, leaving behind fewer opportunities for fun and amusement.
Accommodation
There are numerous hotels surrounding the waterfall. Besides these, there are many other tour agencies that can help you in making your excursion easier by assisting you to spectacular sights around the vicinity.
How to reach
The waterfall’s geographical placement offers great exploring opportunities. As it is engulfed in two countries, it is accessible through two ways- either from Foz do Iguaco in the Brazilian state of Parana or Puerto Iguazu in Misiones, an Argentina’s region. In addition to this, it is also accessible from Ciuad del Este (Paraguay), the other side of the river Parana from Foz do Iguaco.
