Did you know that Iguaçu Falls can be visited on both the Brazilian and Argentine sides?
The mouth of the Iguaçu River is right on the border of the two countries, which is why we can say that it has two nationalities.
But contrary to what many think, there are several differences between the two sides and only two similarities.
Well, the Iguaçu Falls, when comparing both sides, have much more curiosities than you might imagine.
Do you want to know them all? So just check out this blog that Tarobá is bringing to you:
- Similarities of Iguaçu Falls
- History of Iguazu Falls
- Tours at Iguazu Falls – Brazil and Argentina
- View of Iguazu Falls – Brazil and Argentina
- Conclusion
Similarities of Iguaçu Falls
To begin with, let's talk about what's the same about the two Iguaçu Falls, and no, it's not the fact that they both have waterfalls.
Even so, the first similarity between the two has to do with the waterfalls. The point is that, even though they are from two different countries, the Iguaçu Falls are in the same place.
Therefore, one thing they have in common is the legend that tells the origin of the place.
The people who lived here centuries ago were the same, which is why the myth that surrounds the Falls area is the same.
Another relevant point, also assimilated to its history, is the discoverer of the Iguaçu Falls.
At the time the Falls were first seen by a European, the lands of Brazil and Argentina had not yet been divided.
In other words, in 1542, when Cabeza de Vaca laid eyes on the waterfalls for the first time, the two Falls were finally “discovered”.
Ah, a curiosity here: did you know that the Iguaçu Falls were previously called “Santa Maria”?
This and other interesting facts about the Iguaçu National Park can be found here!
History of Iguazu Falls
Apart from these similarities, the Iguaçu Falls differ greatly in all other aspects.
For example, your story is different, since half of it is in one country and the other half in another.
So get ready, history is coming. But relax, it’s a very summarized version, just to highlight the main points of their careers.
To learn the full story of each of the Iguaçu Falls you can read these blogs:
Let's meet?
Falls on the Brazil side
After its discovery, the Iguaçu Falls became part of the military colonies of that time.
As a result, the famous waterfalls now belong to just one person. In other words, the Iguaçu Falls already had an owner, and his name was Jésus Val.
Everything changed when the Falls received a visit from none other than Santos Dumont, the so-called “father of aviation”.
In 1916, when he decided to take a trip to Iguaçu Falls, he was enchanted by all that immensity of water and nature.
Outraged at being a private property, Dumont went to Paraná city hall and requested that the Falls be removed from Jésus' domain and become a public monument.
This is also why within the Iguaçu National Park there is a statue of the aviator, given his importance when expropriating the place.
Thus, in 1939 the National Park could finally be created, measuring around 185 thousand hectares.
Furthermore, 3 years after the construction of the Park, it became a World Heritage Site.
Falls on the Argentine side
Unlike the Brazilian side, the Iguaçu Falls in Argentina became private property in 1886, owned by Gregório Lezama.
However, he didn't have much idea of how precious it was to have the Iguaçu Falls in his hands.
Gregório believed that the falls did not have much value, so he decided to auction the Falls.
Its next owner, Domingo Ayarragaray, decided to build a hotel and roads near the waterfalls so that tourists could visit the place.
Subsequently, he loses possession of the Iguaçu Falls to the government, which decides to leave the place free to access for all members of the public.
As a result, the construction of the Iguazú National Park began in 1902, but under a different name.
Its current name only arrived in 1934, when the Park was finally established.
And so the stories of the Falls diverged, each having its own chronological trajectory.
>> See also: Puerto Iguazú: 7 Experiences you can find in Argentina!
Iguazu Falls Tours – Brazil and Argentina
Another big difference between the two Iguaçu Falls is the tours available to be taken within the Parks.
Therefore, we bring you a comparison so you know exactly what to expect in each National Park.
Brazilian side
On our side of the border you can find several tours within the Iguaçu National Park.
The most famous is the Falls Trail, a 1 km walk through the Atlantic Forest that goes straight to the main viewpoint of the waterfalls.
Another tour option is the Macuco Safari, a modality that is divided into 4 options:
- Only Jungle;
- Boat;
- Waterfall;
- Rafting.
The last option to do this side is the Helisul, an aerial tour that covers the Falls by helicopter.
These are all great options to make the most of Iguaçu Falls on the Brazilian side.
See more about Iguaçu National Park in this complete guide!
Argentine side
On the other side of the border you have several other tour options to take, some very different from ours.
To begin with, their Falls Trail is divided into 3, called the lower, upper and Devil's Throat circuits.
At the bottom, you can see the waterfalls from below, at the top, their height and, at Garganta do Diabo, you have a close-up view of the biggest fall of the Falls.
Furthermore, to get to each of these routes you need to go through a trail that you can walk or take an ecological train.
The Argentine Macuco Safari consists of a trail that takes you to Arrechea Waterfall, a 23-meter drop with a pool of transparent waters.
On the Argentine side, you can also choose to do 3 different types of crossings in the Iguazú National Park that take you along different trails than the traditional ones.
But the most different tour is the Luau das Cataratas, a night tour that takes you to see the full moon in the middle of the Iguaçu Falls.
View of Iguazu Falls - Brazil and Argentina
Another piece of information that many tourists wonder is whether there is much difference in the views of the Falls from each side.
The answer is yes! The views are very different.
This is because, on the Brazilian side, you will have a general and panoramic view of most of the falls.
As most of the waterfalls are on the Argentine side, it is much easier to observe them all together from our side.
On the Argentina side, the waterfalls are close to you, so your view will be piece by piece.
In other words, each one has its own charm!
Iguaçu Falls – Brazil and Argentina, do you know which one to visit?
Here you saw everything you needed to know about the differences and similarities between the Iguaçu Falls in Brazil and Argentina.
And if you're still in doubt about which of the waterfalls to visit, know that both are very worthwhile and unforgettable trips.
Regardless of your choice, you won't regret it, so how about taking a trip to the Falls with someone else?
Share this article with friends and family so they can see this comparison between the most famous waterfalls in the world.
And remember to count on the services of Tarobá Express when you come to the Land of Cataratas.
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Editor: Diego Brito | Update 16/05/2023
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