Ygwasu (also called Igwazu, or Igwasu) waterfalls are one of the most spectacular falls in the world according to the Unesco. The Argentine Ygwasu National Park has actually been declared World Heritage by the Unesco in 1984. Ygwasu Falls are on the border between Argentina and Brazil, very close to the Friendship Bridge that unites Argentina and Paraguay, in the South American Region known as “The Three Borders”. The name of the Falls comes from the combination of two Guarani words: Y that means water, and gwasu that means big. Guarani is a native language spoken in the whole region, in all three countries. It is also the second official language of Paraguay, with Spanish being the first official language.
In Ygwasu, there are 275 falls along almost 1.7 miles (2.7 km). Most falls are around 210 feet (64 m) high, but the highest ones are almost 270 feet (82 m) high. These falls are much larger than the Niagara Falls, with a surface of 400,000 square meters (1.3 million square feet) as opposed to Niagara’s 180,000 square meters (600,000 square feet). The border between Argentina and Brazil goes through the beautiful Garganta Del Diablo (Devil’s Throat), definitely the most impressive of the Ygwasu Falls with its 80 metres (260 feet) height, and its constant rainbows.
About 2/3 of the Falls are on the Argentine side, which makes many Brazilians say that the Falls are best seen from the Brazilian side. In fact, Ygwasu Falls are wonderful enough that they deserve to be seen from both the Brazilian and the Argentine side.
Both Argentina and Brazil have created National Parks around the Falls in order to better preserve the environment. Wandering in those National Parks allows tourists to observe 400 different species of birds, and almost 2,000 different species of plants. Both countries have also built numerous roads, paths throughout the National Parks, and observatories and gateways either on top, or right under the main falls. In all fairness, considering the extension of this tourist attraction, and its importance for the global eco system, potential tourists should plan to dedicate at least two days (one in each country) to the Ygwasu Waterfalls.
I have included a link to a slide show of the Falls. I hope you will enjoy the pictures.
