Information
Landmark: Cataratas del MoconáCity: Salto
Country: Uruguay
Continent: South America
Cataratas del Moconá, Salto, Uruguay, South America
Overview
Cataratas del Moconá-also called Moconá Falls-stretch for miles through Misiones Province in Argentina, where the roar of water echoes near the Brazilian border.Tucked away in South America, they don’t get the fame of Iguazu or Angel Falls, but the roar of their water and the mist on your skin are every bit as breathtaking.Why are the roaring Cataratas del Moconá so unique?First.The Cataratas del Moconá stands out for its rare, ribbon-like stretch of falling water that runs straight for nearly two miles.Most waterfalls plunge from a single point, but Moconá Falls spills out for nearly 3 kilometers (1.9 miles), a long, roaring wall of water that seems to go on forever.The falls tumble along the Uruguay River, a winding stretch of water that marks the border between Argentina and Brazil.Water crashes down a chain of steep cliffs, sending up a cool mist that catches the sunlight.Number two.Height and Power These waterfalls may not tower like South America’s legendary Iguazú Falls, but they still command attention, dropping about 20 meters-roughly the height of a six‑story building.The wide, unbroken rush of water gives the falls their force, and in the rainy season, when the river swells and the spray hangs in the air, the sight becomes even more breathtaking.Number three.Tucked deep in the Misiones jungle, the Moconá Falls lie within the lush Yabotí Biosphere Reserve, where mist hangs in the air and the roar of water echoes through the trees.Thick, green canopy frames the falls, its moss-covered trunks and whispering leaves deepening the feeling of seclusion and untouched beauty.This lush subtropical area teems with life, where visitors might catch sight of bright tropical birds darting through the trees, playful monkeys swinging from branches, and countless other plants and animals thriving all around.Number four.Visitors to Moconá Falls can ride a boat right into the spray, feeling the cool mist as the water thunders past.The tours glide along the Uruguay River, giving visitors a rare view of the waterfall’s towering beauty from the gentle sway of the boat.You’ll find several viewpoints and winding trails here, each giving you a stunning look at the falls and the green sweep of forest beyond.When you hike through the jungle to reach these lookout spots, you feel the falls in a whole new way-the roar of water echoes through the trees.You can drive to Cataratas del Moconá-about 330 km, or a five-hour trip, from Posadas, the capital of Misiones Province.From Posadas, you can follow National Route 105 through stretches of red-dirt roadside until you reach El Soberbio, the closest town to the falls.By bus, you can ride from Posadas to El Soberbio, then hop in a taxi or local van for the last stretch to the falls, passing fields of tall, rustling grass along the way.Once you reach El Soberbio, it’s just a quick drive to the Moconá Falls entrance, where you can book a boat ride or follow the trail to platforms overlooking the rushing water.The best time to see Cataratas del Moconá is in summer, from December to February, when the season’s in full swing and the river roars with its strongest flow.But this is also when the area starts to fill up, with voices carrying over the hum of passing cars.From March to May and again from September to November, the days are calmer, the air stays pleasantly mild, and rain is rare enough that you might stroll for hours without an umbrella.The water’s lower than it is in summer, but the falls still tumble down in a silver rush.Winter, from June to August, brings cooler air and a hush over the landscape, making it perfect for anyone craving a peaceful walk beneath pale morning light.The falls sit within the vast Yabotí Biosphere Reserve, a protected stretch of tropical rainforest alive with the call of toucans and the rustle of hidden wildlife.Visitors can hike the reserve’s winding trails, spotting wildflowers in the grass and catching glimpses of the many plants and animals that flourish here.Just a short drive away, the town of El Soberbio invites you in with stalls of handwoven baskets, sizzling empanadas, and lively festivals that celebrate its rich culture.It’s the perfect spot to set out on trails through the pine-scented woods and still be just steps from the roar of the falls.Iguazú Falls isn’t right next door, but about 300 km (186 miles) away in Misiones Province, its thundering cascades draw visitors from all over the world.Visiting both Moconá and Iguazú Falls lets you take in Argentina’s wild beauty, from the roar of cascading water to the dense green of the surrounding jungle.In short, Cataratas del Moconá is a rare gem-quiet, untouristed, and unlike any other waterfall in South America, with long ribbons of water rushing past jungle banks, it’s a trip nature lovers and thrill seekers shouldn’t miss.Framed by the lush green of the Misiones jungle and its wide, unbroken ribbons of falling water, Moconá Falls invites you to explore by foot or boat and lose yourself in a peaceful yet stunning corner of nature.Whether you come for the roaring curtain of water or the burst of green life all around it, Cataratas del Moconá leaves you with a memory that sticks, deep in Argentina’s wild northeast.
