3 Days in Foz do Iguacu for First Timer

The Brazilian border town of Foz do Iguaçu is best known as a base for visiting Iguazu Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls. You’ll also find plenty do away from the main attraction including marvels of modern engineering and nature parks.

When visiting Foz do Iguaçu, most people’s first port of call will be Iguazu Falls, featuring over 275 cascades and up to 450,000 cubic feet of flowing water per second. Despite the sheer size and power of the falls, you can still get very close to them via boat and ferry tours, as well as walkways that take you to famous sections like the Devil’s Throat. The falls are a natural border between Brazil and Argentina, allowing you to visit both sides while you’re there. Once you’ve ticked off the number one sight from your list, it’s worth exploring the Parque das Aves, a five-hectare bird park situated near the Iguaçu National Park. Here, you can observe over 800 species of birds, as well as butterflies and reptiles.

Foz do Iguaçu is home to the Itaipu Binacional, the world’s second-largest hydroelectric power station. You can take some dramatic photos here, particularly when there’s high river water rushing down the spillway. At the visitor centre, you can take a guided tour of the structure and enter the turbine hall, control room and other key areas. Before you leave the city, be sure to stop at the Three Borders Landmark where Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay meet.