In English it is Iguassu, in Brazilian Portuguese it is Iguaçu, while in Argentine Spanish it is Iguazu. But whichever way you spell it, it means 'Big Water' in the local Indian dialect - appropriately enough for the near-300 individual waterfalls that make this one of the most spectacular sights on earth.
Amongst this collection are 19 big waterfalls, the biggest of which is the 'Devil's Throat' which measures over 90 meters high. Only three of the falls, Floriano, Deodoro and Benjamin Constant are located on the Brazilian side of the falls with the majority located on the Argentinean side facing Brazil - allowing spectacular views from the Brazilian side.
Beginning in Serra do Mar the River Iguassu runs 1,320 kilometers before it reaches the waterfalls at Foz do Iguassu.
As the waters plummet down the falls a deafening roar is created. In fact, the average flow of water over the falls is 1,800 m3 per second which accounts for around 10 million liters of water per second cascading down the falls. The resulting clouds of spray create immense rainbows presenting a stunning colourful spectacle.
Belvederes (viewing platforms) have been scattered on the paths around the falls allowing visitors to enjoy walks and treks alongside the cascading water.
