Virtually any tour of South America will bring you in contact with some breathtaking natural wonders. From the arid plains of Patagonia to the lush jungles of the Amazon, the continent is home to some of the most diverse landscapes in the world. Few attractions, however, can compete with the sheer size and power of Iguazu Falls, located along the border between Brazil and Argentina.
Iguazu Falls was formed by volcanic activity around 100 million years ago, and today, the unique formation is among one of the most beautiful, and violent, waterfalls in the world. Iguazu only rises to about 269 feet, but it is 1.7 miles wide and includes an impressive 275 separate drops.
Aside from providing spectacular sights, a trip to Iguazu Falls will bring you face to face with the sometimes violent power of nature. Experts say the average water flow over the falls comes out to be about the same as 100,000 fire hoses operating all at once. Today, you can see breathtaking views of Iguazu from both the Brazilian and Argentine sides, where there are walkways that bring you close to the raging waters.
