The main attraction of Foz do Iguaçu is well known for its magnificent waterfalls, considered one of the 7 World Wonders of Nature. But few pay attention to the importance of the Iguaçu River that forms these beautiful waterfalls.
Thinking about how essential this river is not only for the city of Iguaçu, but for the entire state, today we bring you another list, the ones we love about interesting facts about this river.
Grab your coffee and enjoy this read! 😉
1. To begin with, what is Iguaçu?
The name Iguaçu came from the first people to occupy this region, the Kaigangue and Guarani. In the tongue tupi-guarani means “big water” or lots of water.
And really, if you get close to the river, you understand why this term is used!
2. Top 2 longest in Paraná!
And it's no surprise that its name represents a lot of water, after all, the Iguaçu River is the 2nd longest river in Paraná, measuring around 1320 km in length.
If added to the areas of Argentina, the Iguaçu River occupies an area of 70.800 km2 in length.
3. Where does the Iguaçu River come from and go?
Questions like: where is it? Where does the Iguaçu River originate? Where does it flow? It's quite common around here!
In fact, its springss form where the Atuba and Iraí rivers meet, this is very close to the limits of Curitiba and São José dos Pinhais, right under the BR 277 bridge.
And it practically flows into the Parana River, the largest in Latin America, state of Parana and the 8th longest river in the world in length.
Or for those who are foreign, they generally ask which river forms the Cataract Iguaçu?
Well, that's right, our beloved Iguaçu river is what forms the waterfalls of Iguaçu.
Tip: If you want to see the meeting of the Iguaçu and Paraná rivers, which is beautiful, there are 3 sensational tours in Foz, they are:
4. Which cities does the Iguaçu River pass through?
The waters of Iguaçu flow mainly through the following cities:
- Pinion;
- Missing Iguaçu;
- Iguaçu Falls;
- São Jorge d'Oeste;
- Captain Leônidas Marques;
- Capanema;
- And Mangueirinha.
5. How many plants does the Iguaçu River have?
And not only is the Iguaçu River known for the Falls, but also for its importance in supplying thousands of people in the state of Paraná with water and energy.
Along the river there are 5 hydroelectric plants that supply many people from Paraná, namely:
- Foz do Areia Hydroelectric Plant;
- Governador Ney Aminthas de Barros Braga Hydroelectric Plant;
- Salto Santiago Hydroelectric Plant;
- Salto Osório Hydroelectric Plant;
- And Salto Caxias Hydroelectric Plant.
6. Did you know that the Iguaçu River even has a very romantic legend?
Well, it was the waters of the Iguaçu River that inspired the love story of Naipi and Tarobá (look where the name of our hotel comes from, lol).
This indigenous couple fought to stay together, but they had to suffer the wrath of the god M'boy!
We already told this story on our blog and even created a beautiful video production! Check it out! It's just click here!????
7. The river with the most coins in the state, “rich”!
This river, in addition to being famous for forming one of the most famous waterfalls in the world, also ends up receiving a lot of coins from its visitors.
This is because tourists have the bad habit of making a wish and throwing the coin into the river.
They think it's cute to do this, some see it as tradition, but it's not good for nature!
Every year the Iguaçu National Park, where the falls are located, carries out a major environmental intervention and mobilizes volunteers to clean the river.
This year, in 2023, the action took place on 05/06 – World Environment Day, and around 158 kg of coins were removed from around 40 countries, with an estimated value of R$3 thousand.
8. The disaster that marked the history of the Iguaçu River!
Unfortunately, in 2000 we had one of the biggest natural disasters in the history of Paraná, when a Petrobrás accident caused the spill of 4 million liters of oil into the river waters.
There was serious damage caused to the fauna and flora of the river and its banks and, in addition, several people had their water supply interrupted.
And since then, government agencies have been trying to preserve the Iguaçu River.
Discover more about the Iguaçu River by visiting Foz do Iguaçu!
Anyone who visits the city has several opportunities to see this important river up close and not only see it, but also interact with it. But how?
Simple, in Foz several attractions connect you with it, there are even eco-adventure tours that take you for a walk there!
Although the Brazilian and Argentine Falls are the highlight of their beauty, along their entire shore you can enjoy their different landscapes!
Finally, we hope you enjoyed these interesting facts about the Iguaçu River and to discover more interesting things about Foz – the city of waters, continue reading our blog!
We have everything so you can make the most of lodging and tourism in Foz do Iguaçu!
Update: 06/06/2023 | twoa Editing: Joelma Oliveira | Cover: Thonny Cantalleano
