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Iguassu Falls
One of the most important tourist sights in Brazil, the Cataracts of Iguassu. Listed by UNESCO as a Natural Heritage of Humanity, the subtropical forests of the Park includes a very rich flora and fauna. The town of Foz do Iguassu is situated on the frontier of Brazil with Paraguay and Argentina. |
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| The City |
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Foz do Iguassu - One of the most important tourist sights in Brazil, the Cataracts of Iguassu are formed by 275 separate waterfallls, ranging in height from 40 metres to more than 100 metres, in the shape of a horseshoe measuring 950 metres on the frontier with Argentina. The falls are within Iguassu National Park, which was established in 1939 and was listed by UNESCO as a Natural Heritage of Humanity in 1986. Of the total area of the Park, 185,000 hectares are on the Brazilian side and 55,000 hectares in Argentina. The subtropical forests of the Park shelter around 1,100 species of birds, as well as various kinds of mammals, such as deer, capibara etc.
The town of Foz do Iguassu is situated on the frontier of Brazil with Paraguay and Argentina at an altitude of 164 metres above sea level. At the junction of the Iguassu and Parana rivers and the entrance to Porto Meira, nine kilometres from the centre of the town, is the point where the frontiers of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay meet. Within the municipal area of Foz do Iguassu there is also the Itaipu Binational Dam. Its construction has resulted in the formation of a lake 1,300 kilometres in circumference and of great touristic potential. The Dam and Power Station were started in 1975, finished in 1991, and have the capacity to generate some 12,6 million KW of energy.
From being just a small town only a decade ago, Foz de Iguassu has developed into an important centre. The transformation has come about largely as a result of tourism - thanks to the Iguassu Falls.
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| History |
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The biggest tourist attraction in the South of Brazil, the Iguassu Falls were discovered in 1542 by the Spaniard Alvaro Nunes.
The first settlers in Parana came early in the sixteenth century, when various expeditions entered the region in search of hardwoods. In the seventeenth century, Portuguese settlers from Sao Paulo occupied the region in search of gold and forced the indians to work on the plantations. The search for minerals was, however, relegated to second place by the settlers, who migrated in greater numbers to the territory of Minas Gerais. Until the eighteenth century Curitiba and Paranagua were the only two towns in this region. This process delayed considerably any large scale occupation of the area, which was formed until the middle nineteenth century by part of the Province of Sao Paulo. Its economy at that time was mainly based on cattle raising. In 1853, with the autonomy of the State, an official programme was created to encourage European immigration. The european immigrants that went to that area were mainly from Poland, Germany and Italy.
The 'Contestado' War - Between the years of 1912 and 1916, about 50.000 people were involved on a peasant rebellion that took place in the borders of the States of Parana and Santa Catarina.. The establishment in the area of two american companies for the construction of railroads and for exploitation of timber was the cause for the conflict. Those companies brought new labour force to work for them and consequently began to expell local workers. This generated a movement of religious fanatism, led by local "saints". The most famous of them was Jose Maria, who attracted a group of followers expelled from their lands.
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| General Inf |
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TELEPHONE AREA CODE
045/
CLIMATE
Most of the year the weather is hot and humid in the region. Temperatures may reach 30oC and over in any month of the year. In June and July (winter) it can be very cold, temperatures can drop to 5oC but keep on the average to 20oC.
CLOTHING
In such weather, clothes must be light, comfortable and easy to wash. Don't forget swimming suits, as there will be opportunities to get a golden tropical tan (even if you cannot swim). In winter be sure to take a warm sweater.
ELECTRICITY
110 V
AIRPORT
Rodovia das Cataratas, Km 16
Tel: 574-1744 (General information)
DISTANCES FROM FOZ DE IGUASSU ( DOWNTOWN )
Airport - 15Km.
Ciudad Del Este (Paraguay) - 7Km.
Ecomuseum - 11Km.
Friendship Bridge - 6Km.
Furnas-Hydroeletric Energy Company - 14Km.
Itaipu Dam - 12Km.
National Park (Brazilian) - 19Km.
Puerto Iguassu - 10Km.
Macuco Safari - 23Km.
Tancredo Neves Bridge - 8Km.
The Falls (Argentinian Side) - 29Km.
The Falls (Brazilian Side) - 28Km.
Three Frontiers landmark - 6Km.
Wanda Mines - 45Km.
TAXIS
Foz de Iguassu is a spread-out town. Some hotels are quite far from the center and distances between points of interest can be considerable. Taxis are available in the town centre or outside hotels. Arrangements should be made previously if you wish to use taxis outside the centre.
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| How To Get There |
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The International Airport of Iguacu is situated about thirty minutes away from the Falls and it takes about twenty minutes to get downtown. The hotels are widely spread around town so the bus service is not recommended. It is not easy to find your way around the area so we recommend a guide for all trips and visits you want to make.
Specially trained guides will receive clients with a name board and, on the way to your hotel, they will give all the necessary information about arrangements for your stay.
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| Restaurants |
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Beef and fish from the river are the options.
However, this city was never mentioned in connection with gourmet temples.
You find a nice ambiance at the swimming pool of the Tropical Cataratas hotel.
Zaragoza XX $$ - R. Quintino Bocaiúva, 882; tel: 574-3084; CC: all; 11:30h/15h, 19h/24h; Fish Specialities
Bufalo Branco XX $$ - R. Eng.Rebouças, 530; tel: 523-9744; CC: all; 12:30/23h; Meat / Churrascaria
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| Night Life |
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Iguassu is not very famous for its nightlife, but for visitors there are a few options, such as:
OBA OBA SAMBA SHOW
Discover the magic of Brazil with Afro-Brazilian samba, "Candomble", "Capoeira", "Carnival" and "Frevo" all combined to give an unforgetable show with an optional dinner.
Open Monday to Saturday from 10:45pm
PLAZA FOZ
A spectacular show combining the folklore of the three countries: Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay.
From Brazil: Samba, Candomble, Capoeira and Carnival.
From Argentina: Tango, Milonga and Gaucho Dances.
From Paraguay: Polka, Guarania and Galopera.
Open daily except Monday. The show begins at 10:30 pm
AGENCIA TASS
Agencia Tass is the biggest and most modern disco, show and events house in the South of Brazil. The best music, lights, video and a stage for presentations are combined in a happy, comfortable environment.
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Saturday, from 11pm. Sundays, especially for teenagers, from 8pm to 12 midnight.
Dress: Smart /casual
RAFAIN FOLKLORE SHOW
A good option for visitors. In a friendly atmosphere, you can see a traditional folklore show with regional dancers and have a typical BBQ dinner.
CASINO
On the Argentinian side you may want to gamble. Watch out with the exchange rates, US$ would be the right currency to bring (and leave behind...)
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