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Foz do Iguaçu is located in
the extreme west of the State of Parana, on the border of Brazil with
Paraguay and Argentina. Together with the Argentine cities of Ciudad Del
Est and Puerto Iguazu, it is part of one the largest cultural tourism
poles in South America.
The word Iguaçu means "large water", in Tupi-Guarani etymology.
It is a perfect name for the greatness of Iguassu’s waterfalls, one of
the planet’s natural wonders, with 275 waterfalls and an average height
of 60m. Every year, thousands of Brazilian and foreign tourists visit the
Falls, one of the country’s main tourist attractions. The biggest
attraction is the Garganta do Diabo (Devil’s Throat), which is on the
Argentine side. It is possible to take a boat ride on the Falls rapids in
the exciting Macuco Safari.
But Foz do Iguaçu offers other attractions, such as the Iguaçu National
Park, one of the most beautiful ecological reserves in the world, with 225
thousand hectares and recognized by UNESCO as a Natural Heritage of
Humanity. It also has a Visitor’s Centre, an electric bus ride and the
Canoas Port, an area with souvenir shops and a panoramic restaurant.
There is also an international-quality golf course in Foz do Iguaçu, not
to mention the Ecomuseum, the Guarani Woods Zoo and the Three Borders
Landmark, where Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay meet.
Another interesting tour is the visit to the Itaipu Hidroelectric Plant
– the largest in the world of its category – to check out the gigantic
dimensions of this feat. There is also the Birds Park where aviaries
harbour numerous birds of varied species, from the five continents.
On the other side of the river, in the Paraguayan city of Ciudad del Leste
– which borders Foz - it is possible to buy duty-free imported items up
to the amount determined by the Brazilian Internal Revenue Service.
Basic information
The region’s climate is
subtropical, mesothermal, with rains distributed over every month of the
year. During the hot summer, the temperature ranges from 22ºC to 35ºC,
and in the winter from 5ºC to 22º C.
City
facts
Foz do Iguaçu
State: Paraná
Region: South
Population: 258,543 inhabitants
Area Code: (45)
Distances
Curitiba: 640 km
São Paulo: 1050 km
Rio de Janeiro: 1470 km
Brasilia: 1646 km
Accommodation /
Restaurants
The attractions and a good
many of the hotels are on Cataratas Avenue, which connects the city of Foz
do Iguassu to the Park. As is the case with the hotels, there are
restaurants spread all over town, ready to satisfy every taste.
How to get there
By Air: there are flights to
Foz do Iguaçu from any Brazilian city, most with connections.
By Highway: from Curitiba, travel along the BR-227 (Curitiba - Assuncion)
Federal Highway. There are 632 km of highway. Foz do Iguaçu is in the
extreme West of Paraná, 640 km from Curitiba. Coach travel is also
available from all of the most important cities in the country.
Main highways:
- From Curitiba: BR-277 Federal Highway
- From São Paulo: BR-116/BR-277 Federal Highways
- From Rio de Janeiro: BR-116/BR277 Federal Highways
Attractions
Parque Nacional do Iguaçu
(Iguaçu National Park)
The Park was established on January 10, 1939 and declared a Natural
Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 1986. It is one of the largest forest
reserves in South America and one of the largest reserves of renewable
natural resources in the State.
The Park is open from Tuesday thru Sunday, from 8am to 5pm; and on Monday
from 1pm to 5pm. During the summer, the park is open until 6pm. There is a
fee per person, as well as a fee for the vehicle.
The Falls can be visited all year long. In the summer, there are quick,
strong showers, but the Falls have greater water volume and the brush is
more exuberant. Extended rains are common between the months of September
and October.
Besides the Falls, the region also maintains an area of Atlantic Forests,
with great diversity of flora and fauna. Approximately 350 species of
birds, 250 of butterflies and 50 mammals – some of which are endangered
species, such as the jaguar and purple-breasted parrot – live there.
The Park can be explored over trails through the woods and by kayak and
boat. There are areas appropriate for rafting, rappel and tree climbing.
There is complete infrastructure for visitors, including internal
transportation and snack bars, as well as a traditional resort.
Cataratas do Iguassu (Iguassu Falls)
The Falls are formed in the Iguassu River and they extend for 2,700m.
Trails flanked by the Iguassu National Park’s picturesque subtropical
forest lead to walkways and observation areas for the Falls. A must stop
is the observation deck near the Garganta do Diabo Falls – which is 90m
high -, on the Argentine side of the Park.
Passeio de Helicoptero (Helicopter Tour)
This tour provides a beautiful aerial view of Iguaçu National Park. It is
the best way to understand the real dimensions of the Falls. Another
option is to fly over the Itaipu Hydroelectric Plant.
Centro de Visitantes – Museu (Visitors Centre – Museum)
The Centre is located in the Iguassu National Park. It is set up in a
large house from the 1940s. Its collection includes countless specimens of
stuffed animals, mineral samples, vegetal species, regional ethnographic
material, Indian objects, funeral urns and arts and crafts from the
Tupi-Guarani culture – as well as existing botanical specimens on
photographic panels. Outside, in front of the Museum, there is a stairway,
approximately one thousand meters long, which leads to the banks of the
Iguassu River.
Poço Preto (Black Well)
A special vehicle is used for this outing – over a rustic 18 km trail -
through the exuberant vegetation of the National Park. It lasts up to 5
hours. Specialized guides accompany the visitors who can photograph or
watch birds. It is located on km 18 of BR 469 – the Cataratas Highway.
Salto do Macuco (Tinamou Drop) (Macuco Safari)
On this tour, the visitor travels over three kilometres of jungle trails
in an open, electric vehicle, accompanied by trilingual guides. The
vehicle stops at the beginning of a 600m-trail which leads to the Salto do
Macuco, where crystal-clear waters fall from a height of 20m over rocks
and forms a tiny lake at its base. Those who do not want to descend on
foot can take the same electric car to where they embark on the inflatable
boat. It is an exciting adventure, as the boat navigates over the waters
of a canyon and comes very near the edge of the huge Garganta do Diabo
falls and then receives the “wet blessing” from the Three Musketeers
Falls. To get there, take the Cataratas Highway to km 23, already inside
the Iguassu National Park. A hint: if you don’t want to get soaked, take
a raincoat.
Enseada Rio Branco – Porto Canoas (Rio Branco Inlet - Canoas Port)
Located 1 km above the Falls, the Rio Branco Inlet is a place for
relaxation and leisure. It is a wooded area, with barbeque pits, benches
and tables, and a beautiful panoramic view of the Iguassu River.
Zoologico Bosque Guarani (Guarani Woods Zoo)
Ever since 1996, the Municipal Zoo has been an example of environmental
education, leisure and tourism. Its 40 thousand sq m has 20 enclosed
areas, which are reached by trails, and where visitors can enjoy animals
such as toucans, macaws, wildcats, monkeys, and many more. The area also
has around one thousand native trees and three lakes. The zoo is home to
nearly 683 animals of 49 species. It is located at Rua Taroba, 875, in the
town centre, and it is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9am to 5pm, in
the winter, and from 9am to 6pm in the summer.
Parque das Aves (Birds Park)
The Birds Park is considered an ecological sanctuary. It is located near
the Iguaçu National Park in a 17-hectare area of native woods. A paved
trail leads visitors to the enormous aviaries that blend in with the
forest and allow you to see approximately 900 birds of 180 different
species. The Park also has a butterfly sector with 25 species and a
reptile sector as well. All of these animals can be seen from a distance
of only a few metres. The Park also has a parking lot, a souvenir shop and
a snack bar. It is located at km 11 of the Cataratas Highway (BR 469). It
is open daily – including holidays – from 8:30am to 5:30pm, in the
winter, and from 8:30am to 6pm, in the summer.
Lago de Itaipu (Itaipu Lake)
The Itaipu Lake is the result of the damming of the Parana River. It
supplies the hydroelectric plant and borders 15 townships. The
hydroelectric plant is owned jointly by Brazil and Paraguay. Guides lead
tourists on conducted visits of the outside, through the dam and the
observation deck, and a view of the spillway that forms an enormous
curtain of water. The Itaipu Hydroelectric Plant, the largest electric
power generator in the world, was elected, by the American Society of
Civil Engineering, one of the seven wonders of the modern world. Itaipu
Lake offers several attractions, such as artificial beaches, boat rides
and regattas, clubs, marinas and parks.
Ponte da Amizade (Bridge of Friendship)
The bridge was a decisive factor in attracting investment and business
between Brazil and Paraguay. It was opened in 1965. Located at the end of
the BR 277 Federal Highway, the International Bridge of Friendship
provides direct highway access to Asuncion, over Ruta 01 in Paraguay.
Bourbon Iguassu Golf Club & Resort
With an 18-hole professional golf course that occupies over 600m² of the
enterprise’s total area, the Bourbon Iguassu Golf Club & Resort is
part of the circuit that gather sports enthusiasts from all over Brazil.
The project, with its complete leisure and lodging infrastructure, was
conceived by Tai-Ping Hwang, a Chinese American. It adds value to the
ample and cosy apartments installed in seven villas, each with a total of
ten apartments. It is located at km 2.5 of the Cataratas Highway.
Information provided by
Embratur
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