Best things to do in Foz do Iguacu

From miles away, you'll see mist rising up as the water from Iguazu Falls plunges a height of up to 90 m (295 ft). This total of 275 waterfalls form the largest chain of waterfalls around the globe. To minimize damage to the National Park's environment, you'll board a colorful bus to access the park and view the falls. An elevator allows you to descend to the lower falls where the water meets the pools. Walkways extend out over the falls to viewing platforms overlooking Devil's Throat, with picturesque panoramas all the way to Argentina on a clear day. As you climb a little bit closer to the falls, you'll feel the mist cooling your skin and see butterflies fluttering around the colorful rainbow illusions created by falling water.

At Parque das Aves Bird Park, visitors come into direct contact with colorful tropical birds. Located on 16 hectares (40 acres) in the Atlantic Rainforest, huge aviaries allow you to stay close and watch majestic winged animals fly. More than half of the birds inhabiting the park were rescued from trafficking and mistreatment and brought to the park to have a safe home. Feeding toucans, blue and yellow macaws, parrots, and other tropical birds a healthy diet of fresh, organic foods helps them become well again. In addition to birds, butterflies, and other animals can be found in the park. Through various activities, kids can learn about the center's breeding program.

Take a meditative walk through the green gardens of Buddhist Temple while enjoying views over the city and Paraguay border. One of the biggest centers for meditation in Latin America, the temple was built on a riverbank in 1996. Visitors are drawn by the temple's serene atmosphere as well as by Buddhist architecture and intricately carved statues. The highlights include a 7 m (23 ft) tall sitting Buddha and four colorful bodhisattva statues riding elephants and dragons.

The green and yellow obelisk of Marco Das Tres Fronteiras on the lookout platform signifies the place where you can see three markers designating the exact point where Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay meet. The trail to this equilateral triangle is about 2,000 m (6,650 ft) long, surrounded by pine and guava, as well as locals who may try to stop you to sell you something or beg for money. You'll find a cafeteria, craft shop, and a gazebo where you can observe the three countries, and the confluence where the Iguazú flows into the Paraná River.

As the largest operating facility in terms of energy output, the Itaipu Dam and Dam has been named one of the seven modern Wonders of the World by the American Society of Civil Engineers. This hydroelectric dam on the Paraná River is located on the border between Brazil and Paraguay.

You'll have to sign up for the Tourist Excursion tour to enjoy a panoramic view from the Central Belvedere (central tower). From this vantage point, you'll realize the dam's truly gigantic size as you walk along the dam. Then, you can stroll along the top of the immense concrete wall for a view of the reservoir.

To visit the inside of the power plant, you'll have to book the Special Tour Circuit, which also includes access to Central Belvedere. Inside, the building's hollow shape is reminiscent of cathedral architecture, built on the former Paraná River bed. In the Production Building, you'll have the opportunity to view the command room that controls the turbines and generators, as well as the gigantic gallery where you'll view the generator covers. Your tour around this dam enables you to see the channel that passes water from the turbines back into the river.

Children under 14 years are not permitted inside the facilities, and sandals, high-heeled shoes, flip-flops, and shorts are not permitted anywhere during your visit.

Spend a rainy day indoors at Cataratas JL Shopping, a large mall housing a grocery store, a pharmacy, a large food court, and several bank/currency exchange services. You have 120 stores, 25 restaurants, and 4 cinemas to choose from. Grab a spot at the modern fitness center for a quick workout, or stop by the beauty salon for some skin care treatments, much needed after those long days at the beach. The mall also offers free wireless internet access at several hotspot locations. This shopping center is close to all the major hotels in the city and has an ample parking area.

A great spot for fishing, Lake Itaipu is an expansive manmade lake that was formed with the building of the Itaipu Dam. The best way to find the right fishing spot is to rent or charter a boat. You can also relax along the lake’s shores as a quieter alternative to the seacoast. The dam itself is a mammoth example of human industry and it’s worth seeking it out for photos.

Put on your hiking shoes and get to know the region's varied fauna and flora at Bela Vista Biological Refuge. The name of this sanctuary means "Beautiful View," and there is much beauty to see in this preservation area created in the 1970s and now providing animal and plant protection, research opportunities, environmental education, and even the city's water supply. Take a guided tour to follow trails amidst the woods and see up close animals native to this area. You can stand face-to-face with jaguars, capuchin monkeys, and skunks...in their enclosures, of course. Guides will show you forest species unique to this part of the world, such as the guaimbê vine that, while growing, embraces a nearly 300-year-old Angico Gurucaia tree. You can choose to walk one, or all, sanctuary trails. On the Trail of the Waters, for example, you can learn how important it is to conserve water springs and other water sources. Keep in mind that each of these walks may last up to two hours, so comfortable clothes and shoes are highly recommended.