OVERVIEW OF IGUASSU FALLS

The word Iguaçu means “big water” in Tupi-Guarani etymology. The falls are formed by the falls of the Iguaçu River. Eighteen kilometers before joining the Paraná River, the Iguaçu wins an unevenness of the ground and rushes when dropped up to 80 meters high, reaching a width of 2780 meters. Its geological formation dating from about 150 million years ago, but the formation of the landform of the falls began approximately 200,000 years ago.
Numbers
The Iguaçu River measures 1200 meters wide above the falls. Below is a close up to 65m channel. The total width of the Falls on the Brazilian territory is approximately 800m and 1900m on the Argentine side. The height of the falls varies between 40-80 metros. Depending on the river flow, the number of hops varies, reaching a higher number to 100 during periods of average flow.
The average flow of the river is around 1,500 m3 per second, ranging from 500 m3 / s in times of drought and 8.500 m3 / s when heavy. The larger volume of water occurs between the months from October to March, however the record of the highest flow has reached the volume of 46,000 m3 per second in June 2014, just before the world cup kick-off.
The main falls are 19, five on the Brazilian side (Floriano, Deodoro and Benjamin Constant, Santa Maria and Union) and the others on the Argentine side. The arrangement of heels, with most of them in Argentina and Brazil facing side, provides the best view for those who observe the scenery from Brazil. Both sides have to be discovered. Iguassu falls.
WHEN TO GO TO IGUASSU FALLS
The first thing to do before you plan a trip to Foz do Iguaçu is also thinking in the way you prefer to find the falls. If the idea is to see the waterfalls at its maximum volume and with much potential, go in the summer (November to March); if, instead, you prefer to see the beauty of more defined waterfalls, it is best to go in the winter (June to September). If you can not choose the date of travel, do not worry: the falls are an amazing spectacle all year.
In winter (June to September), with temperatures averaging 18 ° C, the chance to catch rainfall is lower, especially in the months of June, July and August. The situation is exactly the opposite in the summer, which, besides presenting an average of 26 ° C, has a large rainfall, causing a sharp increase in the flow of waterfalls. September and October historically are months with high rainfall and reasonable temperatures. The same rule applies to see the opened gates of Itaipu – the chances are higher in the summer.
The fear of getting have to be considered, because even if there is no rain, it is inevitable because of the vapor emanating from the falls. Go to the parks with rain cover, but know that by doing the boat trips, the protections are useless.
Foz do Iguaçu receive tourists throughout the year, but mainly in the holiday months (July, December and January), tourism is even more intense. Whatever the time of year, just as there is a holiday and the city and the parks are full of people.
GETTING THERE
By plane
The Cataratas Airport, or Foz do Iguaçu airport, is the most important means of arrival of Brazilian tourists to the city. The small airport is just over 10 km from the city center and is currently responsible for making not only domestic flights, but also international. Its main flights are to Porto Alegre, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
An important note for those using the airport in Foz do Iguaçu to return home: prior to boarding, the passenger will have to make the customs procedures and move their belongings by rays X. If you made shopping in Ciudad del Este, the limit is $ 300.
Alternatively travelers can rely on the airport of Puerto Iguazu (IGR), the Argentine border town that is also a strong tourist destination.
Paraguayan side, the access can be made by Guarani International Airport (AGT), which has direct flights with TAM, departing from Guarulhos, in São Paulo.
By bus
To get to Iguassu falls by bus, tourists have the