Information
Landmark: Saltos del MoconáCity: Misiones
Country: Argentina
Continent: South America
Saltos del Moconá, Misiones, Argentina, South America
Overview
Saltos del Moconá is a breathtaking waterfall in Argentina’s Misiones Province, where the river thunders along the lush, green border with Brazil.These waterfalls, tucked inside the Yabotí Biosphere Reserve, flow sideways instead of plunging straight down like most waterfalls you’ve seen.Tucked away in the region, the falls sparkle like a secret treasure and stand among Argentina’s most breathtaking natural wonders.Saltos del Moconá sits beside the Uruguay River, where the water marks part of the winding border between Argentina and Brazil.The falls sit deep inside the Yabotí Biosphere Reserve, a protected stretch of wilderness in Misiones Province’s northwest.The reserve sits within a vast region of thick rainforest, winding rivers, and an astonishing variety of wildlife.Coordinates: The falls sit at about 27°06′ south and 53°35′ west, where the air smells faintly of wet stone.Getting there’s simple: the falls lie about 120 kilometers, or 75 miles, from Posadas, the capital of Misiones, where the air smells faintly of river water.Most visitors reach the area by driving out from Posadas, passing through the quiet streets of El Soberbio, then following the road on to the Moconá Falls entrance.The Saltos del Moconá is a rare, ribbon-like stretch of waterfalls that flows sideways along the Uruguay River, the water rushing past in a silver sheet.Most waterfalls drop straight down, but these stretch for nearly 3 kilometers (about 1.86 miles), spilling over the rocks in a long series of steps that hug the river’s edge.Over time, the river has carved into its bed and bitten into the surrounding rock, shaping a steep drop where water thunders down into mist.One standout feature of the Saltos del Moconá is its rare horizontal waterfall, where the river spills in a long, unbroken sheet over the bank, glinting in the sun as it runs like silver across the landscape.The Uruguay River feeds the falls, and their roar and width shift with the seasons-thundering after heavy rains, gentler in the dry months.In places, the falls plunge about 20 meters-roughly 66 feet-sending water tumbling in shimmering cascades that wrap the air in a cool, misty veil.The falls roar with power, sending sheets of water crashing down in a dazzling display, especially in the rainy season when the torrent is at its fiercest.Around the waterfalls, dense subtropical rainforests spill over the hills, sheltering bright orchids, chattering parrots, and countless other species.The region bursts with life, offering sweeping views of thick jungle where bright orchids hang from branches and monkeys chatter overhead, while colorful birds dart through the leaves.The Saltos del Moconá lies deep inside the Yabotí Biosphere Reserve, a protected wilderness spanning about 1.2 million hectares, where dense forest hums with the sound of cicadas.This reserve protects the rich biodiversity of the Paraná Rainforest, sheltering everything from towering lapacho trees to the calls of howler monkeys at dawn.Around the falls, you’ll find lush greenery alive with life-toucans flashing bright beaks, parrots chattering in the canopy, and, deeper in the shadows, jaguars, capuchin monkeys, and booming howler monkeys.The reserve is among the last stretches of Argentina’s Atlantic Forest, a vital refuge where rare species-like the bright-red tangará-exist nowhere else on Earth.It’s a hub for protecting wildlife and welcoming travelers who want to tread lightly, like hikers pausing to watch parrots flash through the trees.Tourism and Activities Saltos del Moconá has grown into one of Argentina’s favorite getaways, drawing visitors with its striking cliffs and the roar of water spilling into the gorge.Visitors can hike right up to the roaring falls or wander the quiet trails that wind through the pine-scented woods.Want to really take in the Saltos del Moconá?Hop on a boat and glide down the Uruguay River, where you can feel the spray on your face as the falls roar beside you.The boat glides right up near the falls, spray cool against your face, giving you the perfect view to take in the immense power and beauty of the horizontal waterfalls.On the boat tours, you can drift close enough to see the forests’ deep green canopy and catch the flash of fish in the river’s clear, moving water.Several trails wind through the rainforest and trace the river’s edge, leading hikers to spots where they can watch the falls roar from different angles.Most trails are clearly marked, whether you’re taking a quick ten‑minute stroll or heading out on a full‑day trek, and you can join a guide if you want a deeper look at the area.Wildlife Watching: Around the falls, you can spot flashes of bright feathers in the trees, catch sight of rare birds, and maybe glimpse other animals roaming nearby.The Yabotí Biosphere Reserve shelters a rich variety of wildlife, from bright toucans to shy jungle cats, making it a favorite spot for nature lovers.Saltos del Moconá is a dream for photographers, with roaring falls, emerald jungle leaves dripping after rain, and wildlife ready for that perfect shot.Shifting currents and drifting mist create shots full of movement and drama, like catching sunlight glinting off a sudden spray.Camping and nature lodges: If you want to soak up the wild beauty around the falls, you can pitch a tent or book an eco-lodge nearby, then drift off to sleep to the sound of rushing water and wake to cool morning mist.These stays often center on sustainability and eco-tourism, blending into the landscape and helping keep the region’s clear rivers and green hills just as they are.The best time to see the Saltos del Moconá is in the rainy season, from October to March, when the river swells and the falls thunder with mist in the air.Right now, the waterfalls surge at their peak, sending torrents spilling hard and fast over slick, dark rocks.You can visit the area any time of year, but after a good rain the landscape bursts with color and rushing streams.You can reach Saltos del Moconá by car from Posadas, the bustling capital of Misiones, where the air smells faintly of river and jacaranda.Leaving Posadas, you’ll spend about two and a half to three hours on Route 12 and Route 19, winding past sleepy El Soberbio before the roar of the falls comes into earshot.Many visitors choose guided tours to the falls, often booking through local agencies that know every trail and the sound of the water before you see it.These tours usually cover everything-transportation, a breezy boat ride, and hikes along shaded trails-so you get the full feel of the place.There’s a small fee to enter the falls and the surrounding reserve, and it goes toward keeping the trails clear and funding conservation work.You’ll find the basics at the visitor center by the falls-parking for your car, clean restrooms, and a few kiosks with maps and brochures.If you’re after more amenities, take a short trip to nearby towns like El Soberbio, where the main street smells faintly of fresh bread from the bakery.In conclusion, the Saltos del Moconá ranks among Argentina’s most stunning natural wonders, where water thunders past in a long curtain of spray and mist, creating an unforgettable experience.With horizontal waterfalls splashing between rocky cliffs, rainforest so thick it smells of damp earth, and wildlife at every turn, it’s a dream spot for nature lovers, thrill‑seekers, and anyone eager to explore.
