Dedicated in 1934, Iguazú National Park is home to one of the most impressive natural wonders of South America, Iguazu Falls. The park actually is part of both Argentina as well as Brazil, where it is known as Iguaçu National Park. Both Iguazú National Park and Iguaçu National Park were designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1984 and 1987 respectively. One of the parks more interesting aspects, aside from the waterfall, is that the park contains five kinds of forests and bio systems all in the same setting. The amazing part of these “two parks in one” is that you can immerse yourself in the grandeur of nature at its purest without having to sully your whitest whites. A variety of transports can take you all over the parks to allow you to see probably some of the most beautiful plants, trees, animals, and people you could ever imagine.
The park is home to several endangered species including jaguar, ocelot, anteater, the Harpy Eagle and many more. There are a variety of birds like large toucans, the vencejo de cascada (swifts) and a diverse population of butterflies. As one would imagine, the park is full of trees including the ceibo which produces Argentina’s national flower and the palmito which can grow upwards of 120 feet.
Your admission fee for the Argentine side of the park also includes transportation on the Rainforest Ecological Train, allowing you to access a variety of walkways. This environmentally friendly train and carries up to 120 passengers throughout nearly five miles of track. Cataratas Station is the main terminal, providing guests with a shopping area, restrooms, first aid and Park Ranger offices. Waterfalls Stations is a square shaped lounge area with food, restrooms and pathways to the lower and upper circuits. Devil’s Gorge Station also provides food restrooms as well as direct access to the Devil’s Gorge walkway which takes you to balconies built about 295 feet above the edge of the waterfall. Other walkways also provide you with access to the ferry that connects to the San Martin Island. The falls area is full of great spots for rock climbing and water sports.
Admission for foreign visitors to the both parks will run you around $20 and 50% off at the Argentine park for the following day if you purchase your ticket before leaving the first day. The park only accepts Argentine pesos and its hours of operation are 8am-6pm April through September and 7:30am through 6:30pm from October through March. The Brazilian side operates from April through November from 9am to 5pm.
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