Iguazu Falls (from the Tupi/Guarani words "Big Water"), is a collection of waterfalls along the Iguazu River on the border of the Brazilian state of Paraná and the Argentine province of Misiones. Below its confluence with the San Antonio River, the Iguazu River forms the boundary between Argentina and Brazil. They are considered the most beautiful falls in the world, at a height of over 80 meters (269 feet) and a width of 2.7 km (1.7 miles). Here are some spectacular images of this natural wonder:
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A wide panorama shot of Iguazu Falls.
This is one of the waterfalls that make up Iguazu. The name of this one is "The Superiors".
The waterfalls are shared by Argentinean and Brazilian national parks, with both parks being UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Brazilian side may have a slight edge, as there is a beautiful walkway that travelers can take along the canyon.
The Devil's Throat accepting a boat into its maw.
A vivid rainbow over the waterfall reminds us how beautiful our planet can be.
Even in black and white, the Falls leave you in awe.
The Falls are surrounded by lush vegetation.
Both sides of the Falls feature subtropical rainforests that are home to many varieties of rare animal and plant life.
The Devil's Throat is the tallest waterfall, at 80 meters in height.
The mist from the huge waterfall, Devil's Throat, rises 100 feet into the air, and up to 500 feet away from the waterfall. Have some binoculars handy if you don’t like getting wet!
Another rainbow over the Falls. Waterfalls often have rainbows due to the mist and refracted light from the sun's rays shining on the water droplets.
The only waterfalls larger than Iguazu are Victoria Falls, which are located in Africa. But even those aren’t anywhere near as wide – Iguazu splits into some 275 different waterfalls.
No matter what you wear, you WILL get wet standing near these falls, so you'd better embrace it!
The Brazilian national park charged with protecting the falls has pledged to “provide a pristine environment to future generations, just as ‘it had been created by God endowed with all possible preservation - from the beautiful to the sublime, to the picturesque and the awesome.”
BONUS - check out this video of Iguazu Falls:
Many claim that the Falls are the most beautiful on Earth. Do you agree?
Image Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
