About Iguazu National Park
Iguazu National Park in Misiones Province protects part of the Iguazu Falls system on the Argentina-Brazil border and surrounding subtropical rainforest; it contains one of the world’s largest and most powerful waterfall systems. The site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its exceptional natural features and biodiversity.
The falls comprise about 275 separate cataracts spread across roughly 2.7 kilometres of river front, with scenic boardwalks and viewing platforms offering multiple vantage points. The Devil’s Throat, a U-shaped fall with a drop of about 82 metres, is the most visited viewpoint and can be reached by a walkway and viewing platform.
Beyond the waterfalls, the park protects subtropical rainforest with diverse flora and fauna, and organized boat trips and island approaches give close-up encounters with cascades and riverine habitats.
The area has long been recognised for its natural significance and was set aside for protection in the 20th century as a national park; it was later inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in recognition of its natural values. Park infrastructure has developed to manage high visitor numbers while protecting the waterfalls and surrounding ecosystems.
Situated in northeastern Argentina’s Misiones Province on the border with Brazil, the park is accessed from the town of Puerto Iguazfa and lies adjacent to the Iguazu River and the larger Paraná River basin.
- Scale of the falls: The waterfall system comprises approximately 275 separate falls spread along a frontal width of roughly 2.7 kilometres, with the most famous single cataract, the Devil’s Throat, plunging about 82 metres.
- Access and visiting: Access to the park is from Puerto Iguazfa on the Argentine side; boardwalks and boat excursions operate from marked visitor areas and timed-entry arrangements can apply during high season.
What to See#
- Devil’s Throat: Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat) - a U-shaped, high-impact section of the falls where multiple cataracts converge; the tallest drop is about 82 metres and it forms the most dramatic viewpoint in the system.
- Walkways and circuits: Upper and Lower Circuits - a network of boardwalks and trails on the Argentine side providing panoramic and close-up views along the cascade system, with viewpoints at multiple levels and boat excursion embarkation points at Puerto Iguazfa.
- Islands and boat excursions: San Martin Island and boat trips - islands within the falls system that can be approached by ranger-led boats for closer views of several falls and surrounding rainforest.
Best Time to Visit Iguazu National Park
Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) balance water levels and fewer crowds; summer is lush but wet and busy.
Weather & Climate near Iguazu National Park
Iguazu National Park's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in January) and mild winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 9°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1767 mm/year), wettest in October.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 19° - 31° | 25° | 179 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 2.3 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 13.4h |
| February | Very Good | 19° - 30° | 25° | 151 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 2.3 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.8h |
| March | Very Good | 17° - 29° | 23° | 139 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 2.1 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.1h |
| April | Very Good | 14° - 26° | 20° | 129 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 2.2 m/s | 1.5 very high | 11.4h |
| May | Very Good | 11° - 23° | 17° | 147 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 2.1 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.8h |
| June | Good | 10° - 21° | 15° | 145 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 2.3 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 10.4h |
| July | Good | 9° - 22° | 15° | 111 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 2.5 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 10.6h |
| August | Very Good | 10° - 23° | 17° | 117 mm | some cloud | 74% | 2.6 m/s | 1.1 high | 11.1h |
| September | Very Good | 12° - 25° | 18° | 140 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 2.7 m/s | 1.3 high | 11.8h |
| October | Good | 15° - 27° | 21° | 214 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 2.6 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.6h |
| November | Very Good | 16° - 29° | 22° | 145 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 2.4 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 13.2h |
| December | Very Good | 17° - 31° | 24° | 150 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 2.3 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 13.6h |
How to Get to Iguazu National Park
Iguazú falls are accessed via Puerto Iguazú (Argentina) or Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil). The Argentine park has an airport in Puerto Iguazú with flights from Buenos Aires; buses and shuttles connect the border towns. From Puerto Iguazú, local buses or taxis reach the park entrance.
Tips for Visiting Iguazu National Park
- Take the Argentine side (Iguazú National Park) for panoramic views of the falls and the Brazilian side for wider, cinematic perspectives; passports for crossing can be useful.
- Walk the Garganta del Diablo walkway early in the day to see the main cataract before heavier crowds arrive.
- Wear quick-drying clothing; spray from the falls soaks visitors even on hot days.
