Nature and technology collide at Iguazu Falls, one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America. The falls are located on the Iguazu River, which forms the border between Brazil and Argentina. On a visit to the falls, you can observe both wild, crashing, cataracts of water and a modern engineering marvel–the Itaipu hydroelectric power plant and dam.
The power plant and dam were built as a joint venture of Brazil and Paraguay (Paraguay’s border is just downriver from the falls) and finished in 1991. It produces 12.6 million kilowatts of power, making it the world’s largest dam in terms of output. Tours of the dam are offered daily, but the best ones are on Friday and Saturday, when the dam is lit up for night tours.
Fortunately, construction of the dam has not diminished the awesome sight of the Iguazu waterfalls. There are 275 different waterfalls, spread along a 2 mile long curve of the Iguazu River. The size and speed of the falls varies with the seasons, with the most volume occurring during the rainy season. In all seasons, the set of 14 waterfalls known as the Gargantua del Diablo produces reliably spectacular effects–water drops 350 feet with such power that a cloud of mist rises 100 feet in the air and creates tons of rainbows.
The falls can be viewed from many scenic overlooks on both the Brazilian and Argentine sides of the river. For a closer look, you can explore a series of catwalks overlooking Devil’s Gorge, take a boat tour, or soar above it all in a helicopter.
While in the area, you can also enjoy the pristine jungles of Argentina’s Iguazu National Park on a hike or bird-watching trip.