The thundering waters of Iguazú are a natural base for a high-adrenaline escape, with jungle treks and rafting on—or rappelling above—the magnificent Iguazú River.

The roaring walls of water are often compared to Niagara and Victoria Falls; they are more spectacular than either, larger and more dramatic than both and noted as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Iguazú encompasses an average of 275 distinct falls (depending on the flow), ranging from a height of 280 feet high and drop from an edge more than a mile-and-a-half long. Positioned where the Iguazo River spills off the Paraná Plateau, they form a natural border between Brazil and Argentina. The falls are home to stunning birds, and wild animals including howler monkeys, ocelots and giant anteaters, jaguars and caymans.

The Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s throat) with its U-shape is undoubtedly the highlight of these majestic waterfalls. Iguazú (Bing River, in Guarani) Falls has long been one of Argentina and Brazil’s most popular touristic destinations.

The colonial-style 193-room Belmond Hotel das Cataratas is the only property within the park, which allows its guests privileged access. Right beside the falls, the property nestles serenely in a protected National Park, surrounded by nature and the Atlantic rainforest. The piece de résistance is the astounding view from the spacious grounds; but there is also a host of outdoor activities, including trekking and bird watching, helicopter rides, rafting and speed boating to the base of the falls.A boat ride will take you to within five meters of where the falls hit the river below, offering unforgettable views and jaw dropping photo opportunities.

The most spectacular way to view the magic of Iguazú Falls is by helicopter, flyover across the falls and add a longer tour to the Three Borders Landmark (Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay).

Five-day program

Arrive at Belmond Hotel das Cataratas for a typical Brazilian lunch, followed by a visit to the Bird Park, home to many exotic species. Take a helicopter flight over Iguassu Falls to appreciate the sheer size of over 275 separate waterfalls. In the evening, enjoy a one-hour walk to the edge of Iguassu Falls.

SAFARI – Macuco Safari starts with a journey to the river through Iguassu National Park, followed by a speedboat ride through the rapids to The Three Musketeers or Three Marias Falls. An adventurous afternoon on the river awaits, with a high-octane rafting excursion through the rapids on inflatable boats. For an unrivaled bird’s-eye view of the falls, nothing beats a rappel. Attached to ropes, descend from a platform 55m above the riverbank, gazing in awe all the way. Complete the afternoon with a canopy walk, traversing the treetops via bridges and zip lines.

ARGENTINIAN SIDE OF THE FALLS – Join a seven-hour trip to see the falls from the Argentinian side. Catwalks and terraces enable you to get close to the thundering, splashing chutes and incredible wildlife. Back at the hotel, relax in the pool, enjoy a treatment at the spa or climb the hotel’s tower for spectacular views. After dark, indulge in one of Belmond Hotel das Cataratas’ popular “gaucho” barbecues, which showcase South America’s tender meats.

TRILHA DAS BANANEIRAS – Learn about the Carnivores Project, an initiative to support and save the spotted jaguar in Iguazú National Park, during a 90-minute walking tour with the hotel’s eco guide. Then walk the Trilha das Bananeiras or Banana Trail. This lush, 3km path along the banks of the Iguazú River can be concluded with a boat or kayak trip on the river, and a final chance to view the majestic falls.

ITAIPU DAM – Marvel at the enormity of the five-mile-long Itaipu Dam, the largest hydroelectric plant in the world, and discover the cathedral-like structures beneath, where water gushes through ducts at up to 700,000 liters per second.

Distance from the hotel to:
Devil’s Throat: 15-minute walk
Bird Park: 10 minutes by car
Foz do Iguassu: 30 minutes by car
Marco das Tres Fronteiras: 35 minutes by car
São Paulo: 1hr 30min by plane/652 miles
Rio de Janeiro: 1hr 45min by plane/913 miles
Asuncion, Paraguay: 4hr by car/232 miles

Video Attribution By Niels Elgaard Larsen (Own work)