Characterized for its cultural and religious diversity, Foz do Iguacu has become one of the most visited tourist destinations in Brazil. Housing around 80 nationalities such as from Lebanon, China, Paraguay and Argentina, this city dazzles in plurality and rich tourism. Geographically also this city stands conspicuous. Integrated into a tri-national region, bordering the Argentine city of Puerto Iguassu and the Paraguayan city of Ciudad del Este, Foz do Iguazu has a certain charm that leaves indelible memories on its visitors.

Considered as the “Second most visited leisure destination by foreign tourists” after Rio de Janeiro, this city today scintillates with bars and nightlife culture. The city is also a gateway to the world famous Iguazu waterfalls, whose majesty and grandeur needs another language to be summarized. Bordering between Argentina and Brazil, these falls offer a stunning backdrop to both the city of Foz do Iguacu and its tourism. The waterfalls are best seen from Brazil but explored from Argentina where the subtropical rainforest surrounding the trails gives a chance to look at the extensive number of animals, birds and plants that live there. Exhilarating boat rides into the falls can be taken from both sides but helicopter tours are only possible from Brazil. Lining a horseshoe-shaped gorge are 275 individual cataracts, including the thundering 262-foot-tall (80-meter) Devil’s Throat. The city is also home to the world’s largest hydroelectric plant in terms of energy generation, Itaipu Binacional.

Just because Foz do Iguaçu is a small town does not mean that there is not a lot to see and do. There are shows to attend, neighbouring countries to explore, and local creatures to gawk at. There are even large enclosures that put you in with the birds including beautiful toucans.

Replete with spectacular natural and manmade attractions, Foz do Iguacu is one destination that you can’t afford to miss in your itinerary of Brazil.

Essential travel information and Foz Do Iguacu tips for your visit

Essential Information

• Time Zone: Foz do Iguacu follows UTC/GMT -2 hours. Daylight Saving Time (DST) changes do not necessarily occur on the same date every year.
• Currency: Brazilian real
• Electricity: The Brazilian plug type is usually two round thin prongs (C). Some outlets have capacity for both round and flat prongs, but not the flat (grounded) kind with one bigger than the other. Usually if you buy a kit of adaptor plugs, the one for Brazil is included.
• Internet:  A decent, reliable and fast broadband connection is accessible through the city of Foz do Iguacu. You will easily find wi-fi connection in all the hotels.
• Language: The predominant language spoken in Foz do Iguacu is Portuguese.
• Emergency numbers: 190  Military Police, 197 Civil Police, 193 Military Firefighters Corps
• Tipping: The major part of restaurants and bars includes a non obligatory 10% service fee in the bill. It’s common to accept the inclusion of the 10% or even leave a little more if the service is considered satisfactory.
• Buy a snack and water before heading to the falls because prices in the Park are quite high.
• Take the transportation public starting from the center of the city of Foz to any destination like the border with Paraguay, the waterfalls, Bird Park and even the falls on the Argentine side.
• Always wear comfortable and waterproof footwear, sunscreen and bottles of water. Also bring a plastic bag to protect the documents from the water.