Foz do Iguacu

The city of Foz do Iguacu is a land of confluences; it’s here that the mighty Iguacu River joins the central waterway of the meandering Parana, and the borders of Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina all intersect neatly, creating one of the continent’s most bubbling and cosmopolitan atmospheres. But most importantly, this southern city is the gateway to the roaring Iguacu Falls, and all Foz do Iguacu tourist guides will place a visit to the eponymous waterfalls right at the top of their list. Guests on the Brazilian side can look forward to a comprehensive visitor’s centre and explore their adventurous side by abseiling, climbing, river rafting or a water safari on the Salto do Macuco. Hike around a web of walking trails through the Iguasso National Park, each offering magnificent views of its rare wildlife and gushing cataracts. While more bird-spotting excursions can be had at the Parque Das Aves, don’t miss the Itaipu Dam either, a veritable engineering wonder of the world. And then there is the curious wealth of multicultural landmarks that pepper the city and its peripherals, from the gleaming Buddhist pagoda, to the Three Frontiers monument nearby.