Iguaçu Falls – Brazil Side
Day 21 · 4 March 2026
Exploring Iguaçu Falls
One of the major advantages of staying at the Belmond Hotel das Cataratas is that you actually have access to the park once it is closed. We were able to wander down to the main view point at sunrise long before the park was opened. At times we were the only people there.
Belmond Hotel das Cataratas
Map tiles by OpenStreetMap contributors.
The walk to the main viewpoint takes around 20 minutes, following a gently winding path down the hillside. Along the way, a series of spectacular viewpoints reveal sweeping panoramic views across the gorge to the Argentine side of Iguazú Falls, making the journey every bit as rewarding as the destination.
Experiencing Iguazú Falls at Sunrise
The elevated viewing platform offers visitors an unforgettable perspective as spray drifts across the waterfalls, revealing the immense scale and power of Iguazú Falls.
The first rays of sunrise catch the cascading waters, bathing one of Iguazú Falls' towering waterfalls in a warm golden glow above the mist.
As the rising sun cast a golden glow across the waterfalls, we stopped to savour one last spectacular view before continuing our journey through Iguazú National Park.
Arriving before the park officially opened gave us a rare opportunity to experience Iguazú Falls in near solitude. As the rising sun broke through the mist, the waterfalls gradually glowed with warm morning light.
A flock of green parakeets circled high above Iguazú Falls as the morning sun lit the sky, their calls echoing above the roar of the waterfalls.
As the sun climbed higher, shafts of morning light pierced the drifting mist, revealing the waterfalls in ever-changing detail. Across the gorge, the Argentine flag marked the border between the two national parks.
Framed by a torrent of crashing water, the distant waterfalls emerged through the morning mist, their sunlit cliffs glowing in the first light of day. It was one of the most dramatic views we experienced at Iguazú Falls.
After the sun had risen we headed back up to the hotel for breakfast and what was to become a very relaxing day by the pool and going for a short walk around the upper walkways.
From this elevated viewpoint, the sheer scale of Iguazú Falls becomes apparent. Multiple cascades tumble through the rainforest, with layers of cliffs, forest and mist stretching towards the horizon.
From above, the river divides before plunging through a narrow gap in the basalt cliffs, creating a striking waterfall that showcases the geological forces which shaped Iguazú Falls.
From this viewpoint, the sheer scale of Iguazú Falls becomes unmistakable. Curtains of water plunge into the mist-filled gorge, while the winding river below carries the water away between towering cliffs.
Not every waterfall at Iguazú is a towering curtain of water. Smaller cascades weave through pockets of lush vegetation, creating intimate scenes that are easily overlooked amid the park's larger spectacles.
Looking across the gorge towards Argentina, a series of powerful waterfalls plunge over the basalt cliffs before crashing into a cloud of spray far below. From a distance, the immense scale of Iguazú Falls becomes even more apparent.
From the Brazilian viewing platform, visitors pause to admire one of the largest waterfalls in the Iguazú system. The crowds may be small, but they provide a striking sense of scale against the immense curtain of falling water.
A close-up of Devil's Throat reveals the astonishing volume of water flowing over the edge. Moments before plunging into the abyss, the emerald-green river accelerates into one of the most powerful waterfalls on Earth.
Discovering Wildlife Around Iguazú Falls
After lunch, I took another walk along the main path, this time focusing on the wildlife rather than the waterfalls.
South American coatis are a common sight around Iguazú Falls, where they confidently wander the trails in search of food. Their long snouts and powerful claws make them expert foragers—but visitors should resist the temptation to feed them.
Wildlife infoSouth American CoatiNasua nasuaLeast Concern
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Procyonidae
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
A highly adaptable forest mammal found across much of South America, known for its elongated snout, masked facial markings, and agile ringed tail. Coatis forage actively on the forest floor, using their strong sense of smell to locate insects, fruit, and small vertebrates. Social and curious, they often move in groups through woodland and scrub habitats.
Spent a lazy hour watching and photographing a very tame lizard.
A Western Collared Spiny Lizard (Tropidurus catalanensis) paused on a fallen branch, allowing a close look at its iridescent scales and vibrant orange throat before darting back into the undergrowth.
Wildlife infoWestern Collared Spiny LizardTropidurus catalanensisLeast Concern
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Squamata
- Family
- Tropiduridae
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
The Western Collared Lizard is a medium-sized South American lizard found in northern Argentina, southern Brazil, Paraguay and neighbouring regions. It inhabits forest edges, rocky areas and open woodland, where it basks in the sun before actively hunting insects and other small invertebrates. During the breeding season, males often display brighter colours around the head and throat to attract mates and defend territory.
Perched high in the rainforest canopy, a Toco Toucan (Ramphastos toco) scanned the treetops before launching into flight. Despite its unmistakable bill, it can be surprisingly difficult to spot among the dense foliage.
Wildlife infoToco ToucanRamphastos tocoLeast Concern
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Piciformes
- Family
- Ramphastidae
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
The Toco Toucan is the largest member of the toucan family and is instantly recognisable by its enormous orange bill. It inhabits forests, woodland and savanna across much of central and eastern South America, where it feeds primarily on fruit but will also eat insects, eggs and small vertebrates. Despite its size, the lightweight bill helps regulate body temperature and is an important tool for feeding.
Looking out from our hotel bedroom, we spotted a group of Smooth-billed Anis (Crotophaga ani) perched among the flowering shrubs. Their glossy black plumage contrasted beautifully with the delicate pink blossoms.
Wildlife infoSmooth-billed AniCrotophaga aniLeast Concern
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Cuculiformes
- Family
- Cuculidae
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
The Smooth-billed Ani is a social member of the cuckoo family found throughout tropical and subtropical America. It is commonly seen in small groups in open woodland, forest edges and scrub, where it feeds on insects, fruits and small vertebrates. The species is well known for its cooperative breeding behaviour, with several birds often sharing a single nest.