At four times the width of Niagara Falls, the magnificence of Iguazu Falls is comprised of 275 individual waterfalls all ranging in height between two-hundred and two-hundred sixty-nine feet. The tallest of all the waterfalls, which span almost two miles in an enormous breve, is what's normally coined by the locals as Devil's Throat. Natives tell of an interesting myth behind this marvelous natural wonder located in the tri-border of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay: A God masquerading as a boy asked the parents of a beautiful human girl for her hand in marriage. Unbeknownst to the God, the girl was already in love with another boy and when she heard her marriage was arranged, she ran away with her lover. Upon learning of the betrayal, the God sliced the Iguazu River causing the canoe carrying Naip­ and Tarob to fall into the never-ending abyss.

In 1897, a Brazilian officer by the name of Edmundo de Berros proposed the creation of a National Park near the falls. Once the boundaries of the falls were clear as being part of both Argentina and Brazil, two national parks were created - Iguazu National Park in Argentina and Iguacu National Park in Brazil, which UNESCO declared World Heritage Sites in 1986.

Climate

Unlike particular countries or cities, which have favorable weather conditions during specific times of the year, the climate at the falls is consistently hot and humid. The falls aren't too far from the equator making them virtually accessible for travel any time. The heaviest rain occurs during the months of December, January, and February, which is summertime in the southern hemisphere. This time frame brings the most heat and humidity. Temperatures can rise above ninety degrees Fahrenheit.

Best Time to Travel

When traveling to the falls you may want to consider visiting when water levels are at their highest, but you've got to be willing to get a little wet as precipitation can be a bit high. The best time to see the falls at its most impressive state is during December, January, and February. Going for a boat ride and getting wet with all the water is perhaps one of the most adrenaline-charged things to do during this time frame. But if you prefer less water and brighter blue skies, you can visit during the months of March, April, August, and September. The skies during these months are clearer, but the water level is lower, but don't fret... This would provide you with the transition between water-filled falls and less-filled with the chance of catching all the rock formations that normally can't be seen due to the high levels of water.

Getting Here

The most popular way to get here is either through Argentina or Brazil. However, if you decide to take the Brazil route, you must know a Visa will be required. Argentina on the other hand doesn't require a Visa and it contains the most falls. US Passport holders will undoubtedly need a Visa to enter Brazil. If you're unable to personally visit the Consulate General of Brazil in Miami, third party Services are available online, but be warned you would need to relinquish your passport to these companies. In order for third party online visa companies to provide their services, which consists of providing the necessary paperwork consulates will need to process your request, passports will be required. Needless to say, it would be prudent to do the necessary research in searching for the right company. Another route to take is booking an escorted South America tour with reputable tour operators like Globus, Trafalgar, or Tauck who work hand in hand with Visa Processing Services for US Citizens who require entry Visas to countries like Brazil.

Do and See

There's lots to do and see as the falls are a destination in itself, which means the only thing you'll want to consider is when you'll want to go as time of year calls for different things. The rainy season brings more water for the falls, which means the experience will be all the more impressive. Taking a boat ride during the rainy season will bring that much more exhilaration to your experience. This time of year also brings in more crowds from all over the world, especially locals vacationing from Argentina and Brazil in order to see the falls, which will be at their peak. Another thing to consider is the time of day to visit the falls. The most spectacular part of the falls is hands down Devil's Throat! The best time to visit Devil's Throat is first thing in the morning, but it also means looking into the sun as you look out over Devil's Throat. However, it'?s also when there will be less crowds gathering. The best time for picture-taking is during the late afternoon when the sun is at your back. Navigating the upper and lower trails of the falls is best done in the morning as the sun lights up the falls while rising from the Brazilian side.