Garganta del Diablo | Iguazu

Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat) – Iguazú Falls, Argentina

Garganta del Diablo, or Devil’s Throat, is the most famous and impressive section of the Iguazú Falls. Located at the border between Argentina and Brazil, it is the largest and most powerful of the many waterfalls that make up the Iguazú Falls system. The falls get their name from the loud, thunderous roar of water crashing down into a massive U-shaped chasm, which, when seen from a distance, creates a dramatic and almost mythical visual effect.

Geography and Features

Size and Structure: Garganta del Diablo is a U-shaped gorge that spans about 150 meters (490 feet) in width. It is the widest and most dramatic of the falls in the Iguazú Falls complex. Water falls from a height of 82 meters (269 feet), creating a thunderous roar that can be heard from several kilometers away.

Water Flow: The water flowing over Garganta del Diablo is part of the Iguazú River, which begins in the Brazilian Highlands and flows down to form the entire Iguazú Falls. The falls are responsible for draining a vast area of the river, with an immense volume of water cascading down into the chasm below.

Mist and Spray: As the water crashes down into the gorge, it generates a cloud of mist and spray that rises high into the air, creating a dramatic and mystical atmosphere around the falls. This mist often creates rainbows when the sun shines through it, adding to the beauty of the scene.

How to Visit Garganta del Diablo

1. Access from the Argentine Side

The best and most popular access to Garganta del Diablo is from the Argentine side of Iguazú Falls. Here, visitors can take a walkway that leads directly to the viewpoint overlooking the gorge. This walkway is part of the Upper Circuit and Lower Circuit trails within Iguazú National Park, and it provides several incredible viewpoints along the way.

Walkways and Trails: The Upper Circuit leads visitors to the top of Garganta del Diablo, where they can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the falls and surrounding rainforest. The Lower Circuit provides another vantage point and leads visitors down to the base of the falls, where they can take in the sheer power of the water and the mist created by the falls.

Train Ride: To reach the walkways, visitors can take a train from the main entrance of Iguazú National Park to the Garganta del Diablo station. The train ride provides an opportunity to see the lush rainforest and wildlife before arriving at the start of the walkway.

2. Brazilian Side Views

Though most of the falls are located on the Argentine side, visitors can also get a distant view of Garganta del Diablo from the Brazilian side of Iguazú Falls. However, the panoramic perspective from the Brazilian side does not offer the same immersive experience as the Argentine side.

Things to Do and Experience

1. Boat Tours

One of the most popular activities at Garganta del Diablo is the boat tour, which takes visitors up close to the base of the falls. On the Argentine side, the boat ride gets visitors near the bottom of Garganta del Diablo, where they can feel the force of the water crashing down and be showered by the mist. It's an exhilarating experience, offering a sense of awe and adventure.

2. Helicopter Tours

For a bird’s-eye view of Garganta del Diablo, visitors can opt for a helicopter tour. The aerial perspective allows for an unparalleled panoramic view of the falls and the surrounding landscape, offering a dramatic look at the size and power of Garganta del Diablo.

3. Photography

Garganta del Diablo is a photographer’s dream. The falls provide countless opportunities to capture stunning images, whether it’s the roaring water plunging into the gorge, the mist rising from the base, or the vibrant rainbows that form in the spray.

• Best Time for Photos: The best time for photos is early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the sunlight creates perfect lighting conditions and fewer crowds are present.

4. Rainbows

On sunny days, the mist from Garganta del Diablo often creates rainbows that add an extra layer of beauty and mystique to the scene. The rainbows are a result of sunlight filtering through the mist, creating a vibrant arc of colors that contrasts beautifully against the dark water and the surrounding greenery.

Flora and Fauna

The area around Garganta del Diablo is part of the Iguazú National Park, which is rich in biodiversity. While walking along the trails leading to the falls, visitors may encounter a variety of wildlife, including:

• Coatis: These curious, raccoon-like mammals are common in the park and can often be spotted along the trails.
• Monkeys: Various species of monkeys, including capuchins, can be seen swinging through the trees in the park’s rainforest.
• Toucans: Brightly colored toucans and other exotic birds are abundant in the surrounding canopy.

Additionally, the surrounding rainforest is home to a wide variety of plants, including ferns, bromeliads, and orchids.

Visitor Tips

• Bring Waterproof Gear: The mist from Garganta del Diablo can get visitors wet, so it's a good idea to bring waterproof jackets, cameras, and other protective gear.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: The trails around Garganta del Diablo can be slippery, so sturdy shoes are recommended.
• Stay Hydrated: It can get hot and humid, especially in the summer months, so be sure to carry water.
• Visit Early or Late: To avoid the crowds, try to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon, when the park is less crowded.
• Watch for Rainbows: If visiting on a sunny day, keep an eye out for rainbows formed by the mist of the falls, a truly magical sight.

Conclusion

Garganta del Diablo is the heart of Iguazú Falls and arguably the most breathtaking part of this natural wonder. The immense power and beauty of the falls, combined with the dramatic setting and rich wildlife, make this one of the most memorable experiences for visitors. Whether you're standing at the edge of the cliff, feeling the mist on your face, or witnessing a rainbow form in the spray, Garganta del Diablo offers an unforgettable adventure in one of the most beautiful corners of the world.