16 Iguazu Falls Facts That Will Amaze You
How many waterfalls are there, why is it called "big water", and what happened in the great flood of 2014? Here are our favourite stories about the falls, plus a few local tips for your visit.
We have been driving visitors between Brazil and Argentina since 2014, and our clients ask us the same questions on every trip. Here are the answers, from the size of the falls to the legend of how they were born.
It isn't one waterfall, it's around 275
Iguazu is a chain of separate falls, divided by islands and rocks. The count changes with the river: from about 150 when the water is low to 300 when it is high.
Iguazu Falls vs Niagara Falls and Victoria Falls: Iguazu is the widest
Measured along its edge, the system stretches for about 2.7 km (1.7 miles). Victoria Falls is roughly 1.7 km wide and Niagara about 1.2 km across its three sections.
The Devil's Throat is the star of the show
At the heart of the falls is a narrow, U-shaped canyon where the biggest share of water plunges around 80 metres. The spray rises so high you can often see it from the road.
What does Iguazu mean? "Big water"
The name comes from the Guaraní language of the region's Indigenous people. Once you hear the roar from the walkways, it feels like an understatement.
Most of the falls are in Argentina, the best panorama is in Brazil
Around 80% of the waterfalls are on the Argentine side, where trails take you right over and under them. From the Brazil side you face them across the river and see almost the whole system at once. That's why we always recommend seeing both. Which side of Iguazu Falls is better?
Both parks are UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Argentina's Iguazú National Park was listed in 1984 and Brazil's Iguaçu National Park in 1986, protecting the falls and one of the last large areas of Atlantic Forest.
Is Iguazu Falls one of the 7 wonders of nature? Yes
In 2011 Iguazu was voted one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, alongside places like the Amazon and Ha Long Bay.
The parks are almost 100 years old
Argentina created its national park in 1934 and Brazil followed in 1939, long before the falls became a global bucket-list trip.
2014 brought the biggest flood on record
In June 2014, after huge rains in southern Brazil, the flow reached roughly 46,000 cubic metres per second, about 30 times the normal amount. It was also the year we started driving visitors around Iguazu!
It could fill an Olympic pool in under two seconds
On a normal day around 1,500 to 1,800 cubic metres of water go over the edge every second. An Olympic swimming pool holds about 2,500.
11. The legend of how the falls were born
A Guaraní legend tells of a jealous serpent god who wanted to marry a beautiful young woman named Naipí. On the day of the wedding she escaped down the river in a canoe with her lover, Tarobá.
In his fury, the serpent split the river in two, creating the falls and trapping the lovers forever: Naipí as a rock at the bottom of the falls and Tarobá as a tree at the top, looking down at her. Some say the rainbows over the falls are the bridge that still connects them.
Three countries meet just downriver
A few kilometres from the falls, the Iguazu River flows into the Paraná at the Triple Frontier, where you can see Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay at the same time.
The rainforest is full of life
Look out for coatis, toucans, clouds of colourful butterflies and sometimes capuchin monkeys. Jaguars live in the parks too, but they are very shy and rarely seen.
Rainbows are almost guaranteed on sunny days
With so much mist in the air, rainbows appear whenever the sun is behind you. On the Brazil side that's usually in the morning. See our Iguazu photo guide for the best times.
"Poor Niagara!"
The story goes that when Eleanor Roosevelt first saw Iguazu, those were the only words she could find. Whether or not she really said it, most visitors understand the feeling.
No two visits look the same
The falls depend on rain far upriver in Brazil. In a 2006 drought the flow dropped to around 300 cubic metres per second, while after big storms the water turns a powerful chocolate brown.
Why travellers choose IguazuFalls.Travel
More than a decade driving visitors between the falls, the airports and the three border cities.
Just your group, your timing, and a driver who helps you plan your visit at the park entrance.
Read what our clients say on our reviews page.
Five-star rated on Google and Tripadvisor
What travellers say after seeing the falls
Real words from people who stood in the spray.
- ★★★★★Tripadvisor
“I drove with Daniel, Clovis and Nestor on my visit and every single one of them was incredibly nice to chat to, super friendly and reliable, and went out of their way and above and beyond to make this day an absolutely highlight in my trip. The falls are breathtaking and particularly right now carry so much water it is an experience absolutely out-of-this-world to visit.”
K F.Nov 2023
- ★★★★★Tripadvisor
“Amazing experience at the falls. did both sides of falls, Argentina side was better ( in our opinion). The power of the falls is overwhelming and the beauty of the nature surrounding the falls is amazing, the butterflies on the Argentina side are beautiful.”
sarahNov 2025
- ★★★★★Tripadvisor
“We enjoyed the falls with zero stress! And our driver in Brazil (Clovis, I think was his name) was the nicest, most personable guy! Their service saved us so much time that we used to explore the beauty of the falls! I 100% recommend this”
dclaireprinceOct 2024
- ★★★★★Tripadvisor
Awesome
“Beautiful experience, the Falls were awesome to view finally its splendour. Very large area to walk around and viewing various Waterfalls. Very powerful display to watch”
ALCAug 2025
- ★★★★★Tripadvisor
“Thanks to them, I was able to visit both the Brazilian and Argentine sides of Iguazu Falls, which are absolutely stunning regardless of the weather.”
MonikaJun 2026
- ★★★★★Google
“Our transfer was such a seamless process! Nestor was incredible, and just talking to him was such a highlight of our trip. His communication, time integrity, and care for our well being allowed myself and my friend to feel welcome while crossing over from Argentina to Brazil. Thank you Nestor for being so incredible!”
Jessica J.Sep 2026
- ★★★★★Google
“They tailored the entire day’s program according to our wishes. It was an unforgettable day for our family – thank you!”
Pelin T.Aug 2025
- ★★★★★Tripadvisor
“The timings and organisation took away any stress and allowed to have a fantastic experience viewing the magical Iguazu Falls!”
Lee B.Aug 2025
- ★★★★★Tripadvisor
“We wanted to see the falls from Argentina and from Brazil side and it is totally doable and we did not have to compromise on anything.”
Shoba S.Dec 2023
- ★★★★★Tripadvisor
Wonderful service!
“Very pleased! All were incredibly seamless, nice drivers, clean vehicles and I felt completely safe and well taken care of.”
Kim B.Feb 2025
- ★★★★★Tripadvisor
Exceptional transfer service
“From the moment I first emailed this company I was impressed. For three women travelling from Australia it was reassuring to have a transfer service that would meet all our needs. Diego provided excellent information on our options which were then professionally delivered by Nester on our arrival.”
Jill P.Feb 2025
- ★★★★★Google
“We booked our whole travel in and Around Iguazu with this company, the drivers, Vidlo and Louis were awesome and helped with border crossings , fast tracked the park entrance and were always on time. We would highly recommend thank you”
Lynette L.Dec 2024
- ★★★★★Tripadvisor
Smooth transfer between Falls visits
“With just a day on each side of the Falls, we used Iguazu Falls Travel for the transport and help with the border crossing procedure. Everything went very smoothly and Iguazu Falls Travel enabled us to reduce the risks of anything going wrong and hence maximise our time at the Falls.”
Tripadvisor travellerMar 2025
- ★★★★★Google
“Highly recommend this company. They took all the stress out of figuring out how to visit both sides of the falls and get through the border. Their drivers are friendly and professional. Jorge was very trustworthy and took great care of our luggage in his car whilst we explored the falls.”
Amy G.May 2025
- ★★★★★Google
“Brilliant method to get from the Argentina side to the Brazil side and back. Avoid the massive queue of cars by just swapping cars at the border. Great service.”
Andrew J.Dec 2025
Iguazu Falls: quick questions about visiting
Which side of Iguazu Falls is better, Brazil or Argentina?
Both, because they are completely different. The Brazil side gives you the big panoramic view, and the Argentine side takes you right over and under the falls. Compare the two sides.
How many days do I need at Iguazu Falls?
Ideally two days, one for each side. If you are short on time, we can take you to both sides in one day with a private driver.
Can you visit both sides of Iguazu Falls in one day?
Yes. Start on the Argentine side when it opens at 08:00 and cross to the Brazil side in the afternoon, with a private driver handling the border. See how it works.
Do I need a passport to visit both sides of Iguazu Falls?
Yes. You cross the border between Brazil and Argentina, so bring your passports and any visas your nationality may require. More about passports.
How long is the Iguazu Falls border crossing wait time?
With us, about 1 hour, depending on the day. In the general line of cars it can take hours on busy days. Border crossing guide.
Is there luggage storage at Iguazu Falls?
Both parks have paid lockers, but they are limited and big suitcases don't always fit. On our transfers your bags stay in the vehicle with your driver. About the lockers.
Can I visit Iguazu Falls on the way to the airport?
Yes, it's very popular. We pick you up at the airport, take you straight to the falls and keep your luggage in the vehicle. Timings for each airport.
How many waterfalls are there at Iguazu Falls?
Around 275 separate waterfalls, although the number ranges from about 150 to 300 depending on the river level.
Is Iguazu Falls bigger than Niagara Falls?
It is much wider: about 2.7 km compared with about 1.2 km for Niagara's three sections, and its tallest drop is higher too.
Ready to see the "big water" for yourself?
Tell us your flights, hotel and which side you'd like to visit, and we'll put together a private transport itinerary for your whole stay.
Figures are approximate and vary with the river level. Sources include UNESCO World Heritage listings and published records of the river's flow.