Destination guide: Puerto Iguazu, Argentina

Puerto Iguazu - Things to do

Sights

Parque Nacional Iguazu

  In Puerto Iguazú, the national park, and the indescribably arresting falls that form its centerpiece, is the reason people flock to the area. Lush, humid, teeming with endemic flora and fauna, this is the South American rainforest as you've always imagined it. The national park (67,620ha/167,092 acres) was established in 1934, securing Unesco World Heritage status in 1984.

Home to more than 2000 species of plants (including orchids, ferns and bromeliads), 450 species of birds, and rare mammals such as the jaguar; its importance as a reservoir of biodiversity can't be overstated. Its unquestioned highlight is the falls, created where the Iguazú River broadens to around 1.5km (0.9mi), then plunges nearly 100m (328ft) off a basalt plateau in a series of 274 separate cataracts.

The subject of films, songs, poetry and tourist snaps without number, it has quite rightly been hailed as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. High humidity, dense jungle, vivid swarms of butterflies and the constant roar and mist of falling water (6.5 million litres per second at peak flow) combine to forge an unforgettable impression.

GüiráOga

Five kilometers out of town on the way to the Iguazú National Park, GüiráOga is an animal hospital and center for rehabilitation of injured wildlife. It also carries out valuable research into the Iguazú forest environment, and has a breeding program for endangered species. You get driven around the park by one of the biologists and get to meet the creatures in a natural state. The visit takes about 80 minutes and is recommended.

La Esquina

With a balmy, softly lit terrace and solicitous service, La Esquina is a romantic dinner option that backs up the atmosphere with cracking food. There are some unusual combinations of flavors here with excellent results. Try the papaya, carrot, orange and palm-heart salad to kick things off.