Foz do Iguacu
Self-organised trips
Foz do Iguacu is the 4th largest city in the Brazilian state of Paraná and is one of the Brazil’s most visited tourist destinations. Visitors come to the city from all over the world and over the last century the city has grown in stature from a small village to over a third of a million inhabitants. Foz do Iguacu has some outstanding natural attractions that would impress even the most experienced travellers.
THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN FOZ DO IGUACU
- Iguazu Falls is the most popular and impressive of all the attractions and the number one reason visitors travel to Foz do Iguacu. With a flow capacity 3 times that of Niagara Falls and the tallest of the falls being 97m high, they truly are an amazing spectacle. The falls form a natural border between Brazil and Argentina. There is a long walkway along the canyon with an extension to the lower base of the Devils Throat (Garganta do Diabo) where the mist from the falls can rise up to 150m. There are also helicopter rides that offer an incredible aerial view of the falls.
- The falls are protected by the Iguazu National Park (Parque Nacional do Iguaçu) which covers both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides. The National Park is listed as a UNESCO Natural Heritage of Humanity and is one of the largest forest preservation areas in the whole of South America. As well as the many waterfalls here, there is also a Visitors Centre, the Santos Dumont Statue of the father of aviation, the Black Well and the amazing rich flora and fauna.
- The Itaipu Dam is the second largest generator of hydro-electric power in the world located on the Parana River at the border between Brazil and Paraguay. The dam is huge and the iron and steel used in its construction is enough to build 380 Eiffel Towers.
EATING OUT & NIGHTLIFE IN FOZ DO IGUACU
Foz do Iguacu is a very cosmopolitan city with many different communities making up the population. It also has the second largest Chinese community in Brazil and so there will be a wide range of cuisine from the many food establishments and street stalls throughout the city.
GETTING AROUND IN FOZ DO IGUACU
The Falls and National Park are outside the city and there are plenty of tour buses that leave the centre to the main attractions of Foz do Iguacu. There is a hub near the city centre where the main buses pass through and this is a good place to enquire as to the different prices and options available. Many of the buses are licenced by the city itself and provide a standard fare within the city zone.
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