‘Big water’, that is the meaning of the from Indian derived name of the biggest complex of waterfalls in the world. “Poor Niagara”, said Eleanor Roosevelt when she saw the waterfalls for the first time. Because the Niagara falls can in no way compete with this natural wonder on the border of Argentina and Brazil.
When we arrived at the Cataratas del Iguazú International Airport from Salta we stayed the first night at the Argentinian side. The biggest part of the waterfalls are on this side, but as the water flows away from Argentina the most complete view is seen from the Brazilian side.
Take your time to visit the falls on the Argentinian side, there is so much to see and you can take wonderful walks along the waterfalls. The biggest fall, ‘The Devil’s Throat’ can be reached from the Argentinian side at the top. While you can visit ‘The Devil’s Throat’ for a refreshing spray at the bottom, on the Brazilian side. The border of the two countries runs straight trough the middle of this giant waterfall.
The Iguazú waterfalls arose 200.000 years ago when the earth collapsed on what is now the border of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. There are in total between 250-300 waterfalls depending on the height of the water. ‘The Devil’s Throat’ with 82 meters is the highest in the world.
The children loved looking at the falls, with its many rainbows and butterflies. When you first reach the fall the water placement is so massive it’s unreal. There are many raccoons – or as the locals call them – Coatis in the park as well, but beware as they are very forward and can be aggressive if they want to eat something.
Here are some awesome things to do at the Iguazuú falls with kids. If you follow this list you will for sure see all the major highlights of this wonderful place. Use it as a check-list. It works really well.
- Visit from Argentina side;
- Visit from Brazil side;
- Take a boat up to ‘The Devil’s throat’;
- Go to the cloud maker;
- Swim near the falls.
Melia Iguazú
Parque National Iguazú
3370 Iguazú, Misiones, Argentina
+(54) 3757 49-1800
www.melia.com
Price range
$$$$
Location
Near Puerto Iguazú on the Argentinian side in Parque National de Iguazú. When arriving from either the Brazilian or Argentinian airport you have to pay a park fee to get to the hotel as the hotel is inside the national park.
Accommodation
We had a suite with a connecting room with two double beds and a large balcony with view on the falls. The rooms are clean and spacious and offer all modern facilities but they are not really classy. There are also rooms on the other side of the building offering a jungle view.
Dining
The hotel offers a restaurant, ‘Iguazu’, with buffet style cuisine.
Services and amenities for kids
For an overview of the services and amenities for kids at this hotel click here. Amenities provided by the hotel in green.
Extra info
The hotel is a modern building, not really charming but it serves the purpose. It does have a wonderful spa where we both had a great massage. The food was not really good although staff was friendly and trying their best to make things possible. But the hotel is definitely worthwhile as it has without a doubt the best view of all the lodges and hotels in the area. And that’s what you are here for.. to visit the falls!!
Jun-Aug is Winter
The best time to see the falls is either in Spring or Autumn as the Summer is very hot and humid and in Winter the water levels are not as high.
Rainbows and butterflies