12 Adventurous Activities to Do at Iguazu Falls in Argentina and Brazil
Iguazu Falls, also known as Las Cataratas de Iguazú, is a magnificent place for nature lovers and adventure travelers.
Iguazú consists of both the Iguazu River, which is located mostly in Brazil, and the massive waterfalls, which adorn most of Argentina. This is one of the most spectacular waterfalls on Earth.
A United Nations World Heritage site since the mid-1980s, Iguazu Falls is an impressive semicircular waterfall at the heart of this site. Multiple cascades produce giant water sprays here.
Its highly specialized subtropical rainforest ecosystem adapts to the extreme conditions of the tumbling water and soaking humidity. This area is home to more than 2,000 plant species, as well as rare animal species including the broad-snouted caiman, giant anteater, tapir, howler monkey, harpy eagle, ocelot, and jaguar.
Keep reading to explore 12 of the best things to do in Iguazu Falls!
12 Things to Do and See at Iguazu Falls
Iguazu Falls features loads of fun activities for people who love nature and adrenaline alike
1. Ecological Jungle Train (Tren Ecológico de la Selva)
This ecological train is a great way to start your adventure at Iguazu Falls. This train takes you on a relaxing ride across the Argentinian side of the park.
It’s ecologically designed to have a minimal impact on its surroundings. The train uses biodegradable oil, low-impact fuel, and runs through a fauna-friendly route at a slow but pleasant pace. This tranquil train ride is an amazing first experience when you arrive at the falls.
2. Devil’s Throat (La Garganta del Diablo)
La Garganta del Diablo is Iguazu’s biggest drop, measuring around 262 feet (80 meters) from top to bottom. This is the last stop on the tren ecológico de la selva and the most-visited destination in the area.
Go to El Mirador, a lookout spot where you gaze at the waterfall and hear its constant soothing roar.
3. Boat Tours
Boat tours are tourist staples of Iguazu Falls in both Argentina and Brazil. Knowledgeable local tour guides will impress you with facts about the local flora and fauna.
Some boat tours go to La Garganta del Diablo, while others pass by other waterfalls. So, grab your lifejacket and get up close to a waterfall on a boat! While some tour guides are bilingual, it’s ideal to know Spanish when visiting the area.
4. Skydiving
What’s more extreme than skydiving? Skydiving in a tropical landscape! If you’re a fan of adrenaline, Brazil has you covered. One view of Iguazu falls that almost no one in the world has seen is from the sky!
The legal age for skydiving in Brazil is 16 years old, so take that into consideration if you’re traveling with family or younger friends.
5. Mountain Climbing
Climbing is a sport that takes practice and experience. For those who are passionate about cliff climbing, Iguazu Falls has incredible spots.
Iguazu Falls climbing will have you climbing not only cliffs, but also waterfalls! Climbing sites usually offer other fun activities such as ziplining and hiking trails.
6. Hiking
If you love to stop and smell the flowers, hiking is a great way to connect with nature. Iguazu Falls boasts many hiking trails where you’ll find fascinating flora and fauna.
Keep an eye out for weird bugs flying around or hanging out on trees. One of the best things about tropical landscapes are the many beautiful and strange creatures that live there.
7. The Hummingbird Garden (El jardín de los picaflores)
El Jardín de los Picaflores (the hummingbird garden) is an open sanctuary for hummingbirds. If you visit and get lucky, a curious friend might come close and say hi!
You’ll find more than just hummingbirds, too. Other exotic bird species and butterflies also flutter around in this beautiful nature reserve.
8. Extreme Sightseeing
Iguazu Falls has many miradores (lookout spots) overlooking majestic waterfalls! If you get a little dizzy or a small knot in your stomach when looking down great heights, these sightseeing spots may be too intense for you.
9. Bus Tours
Bus tours are a classic way to experience new places. Iguazu Falls has many bus tours with omnibuses where you can sit on top of the bus and take a leisurely ride through the dense jungles of Argentina and Brazil.
10. Wanda Mines
If you love quartz stones and shiny rocks, Wanda Mines are a great place for you! Agates, topaz, quartzes, and amethysts are some of the sparkling stones being mined in this place. The mines are open to the public. Walking around, you’ll find mesmerizing geodes while observing the local miners hard at work.
11. San Ignacio Miní Ruins
Over 200 years ago, Jesuit priests settled near Iguazú Falls to spread their gospel. They built what became the San Ignacio Miní Ruins.
Imagine being a priest in such a remote and beautiful place at a time when communication was nowhere near as easy as it is today. Retrace their steps and experience the classic Latin American ruins experience with a twist.
12. Horseback Riding
Last but not least, Iguazu Falls has horseback riding tours where you can meet and learn about Guaraní culture. The locals will teach you their unique trapping and hunting techniques, and they’ll share their folkloric songs, too. It’s a unique way to connect not only with nature, but also with the indigenous people of Iguazu.
Get Ready for a Great Adventure
Las cataratas de Iguazú is a must-visit place for anyone that loves nature. If you’re planning to visit this awesome place, it’s best to be prepared! Being able to speak Spanish makes travel to Spanish-speaking countries both easier and more meaningful. Additionally, becoming bilingual improves your cognition and decision-making abilities?
Our personalized classes will target your specific needs, whether they include business, travel, or academic goals. Sign up today for a free trial class with If you take a free class with one of our friendly, certified, native-speaking teachers at Homeschool Spanish Academy.
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