IGUAZU FALLS - IGUAZU NATIONAL PARK

The Iguazu Falls, situated in the heart of IGUAZU NATIONAL PARK is one of the most unique tourist attractions in the world.

Its enormous potential has given birth to a new business association that, together with the National Park Administration, took a new initiative so that the entire world will know -in its splendor and beauty one of the greatest works of nature.

In this sense, architectural works and services have been built so that the needs of reception information, and quality of the visitors stay might be enhanced.

The design of the complex and construction, done in a style and quality necessary for one of the great tourist spots in the world, involves an infrastructure which makes available to the tourist the following:
ü Visitor Reception: With a visitor center which combines an institutional, commercial, and provides all general services.
ü New Observation Platforms and Walkways: Special construction that allows for viewing "Nature without barriers" and their physical needs and enlarging the network of trails and paths.
ü Use of Ecologically Friendly Transportation: A compressed gas powered train is used because of its low environmental impact, and significantly reduces the contamination of exhaust produced by automobiles.

IGUAZU FALLS: VISITOR CENTER:
Access and Parking: The main park access to the park has a system of barriers and four way stop signs. Parking lots have a capacity for 200 busses and 750 automobiles.

INSTITUTIONAL AREA:
Falls Entrance: This building (471 m2 ) houses an information area as well several services: lockers, bathrooms, tour guides, souvenir sales, baby carriage and bicycle rental, cameras, etc.

EXHIBITION CENTER:
This is the most important building in the complex in both size (1150 m2 ) and functions. It has two main section - the first which explains nature and its flora and fauna, and the second which shows man s efforts towards preserving the regions natural environment. There is also a 250 seat auditorium which will allow for diverse types of performances as well as educational, cultural, and social activities.

AMPHITHEATRE:
There is a 600 seat capacity for visitors to enjoy watching cultural and educational shows.
Public Square: This area is designed to rest and contemplate nature as well as watch educational events (4520 m2 ). There is a vine-covered shaded pathway which leads to the different parts of the visitor center.

COMMERCIAL AREA:
In this area there is a full service restaurant (816 m2), two fast-food restaurants (202 m2) and a commercial area (757 m2) that includes a bank of public telephones, internet access, mail services, automatic teller machines, photographic equipment, handcrafts and souvenirs. This food court area is connected to the Patio of Artists and Exhibitions by a covered awning, which is a special place where the visitor can sit and rest outdoors in the shade.

GENERAL SERVICES:
All Visitor Center movement converges in the General Services Area. The main building, known as the Departure Station (739 m2), has two wings. One wing is the Concessionary building where there are workshops, commercial areas, warehouse, and a first aid station. The first aid Station has a clinic, waiting room, restrooms, and a private entrance. The other wing is the National Park Administration headquarters. There is a covered area between the buildings and the Departure Station Square (1875 m2) as well as the Preparation Shed (923 m2), which is exclusively used by the concessionary and is the point of departure for access to the trail network, services, and entertainment.

The formal design plan for the complex takes into consideration the utilization of developed areas (i.e. Iguazú Aiport) and existing pathways, in order to avoid causing an accessory damage to the park vegetation. The consolidation of underground utilities such as gas, water, power, telephone, etc. has also been considered and will guarantee the security and beauty of the park.
The complex has planned for projects, services, and special places for the diverse needs of visitors, including baby changing stations in the ladies restrooms.

IGUAZU FALLS: NETWORK OF PATHS AND TRAILS:

GREEN TRAIL: (600 m). This path connects the Departure Station to the Trail Station, ideal for hiking lovers and enjoying wildlife.

LOWER TRAIL: (1700 m). This trail has 8 observation points from which one can enjoy spectacular views. The unique aspect of this trail is that the design of the footpath allows close contact to the falls and the vegetation, allowing one to become immersed in the Natural Surroundings without disturbing the movement of animal life, since the trail is elevated 50 cm above ground. At the beginning and end of this trail, there is the Two Sisters Square (1200 m2) which offers restrooms, public telephones, a fast food restaurant, photo supplies, drinks, raincoats, etc.

UPPER TRAIL: (1200 m). This trail goes through the upper area of the Dos Hermanas, Chico, Ramírez , Bosseti, Adam and Eve, Bernabé Mendez falls, ending at the Mbiguá falls. There are six wide observation points and places to rest where one can appreciate the arch formed by the San Martín, Escondido (Hidden), Dos Mosqueteros (Two Musketeers), Rivadavia, and Tres Mosqueteros (Three Musketeers) falls.
The Trail Station -(1100 m2) - has restrooms, fast food, drinks, water, raincoats, photographic, gear, etc.

THE DEVILS THROAT: This trail allows one to contemplate a unique view of the Iguazú River and jungle, and at the and of the trail where the river turns, there is the most impressive and majestic observation point -The Devils Throat-. The length of the trail (going and coming) is 2200 m. and includes three observation points.

THE THROAT STATION: (1400 m2) - has restrooms, fast food service, drinks, water, rain gear, and photo supplies, etc.

SAN MARTÍN ISLAND TRAIL: (650 m) - This trail is strategically placed- in the heart of the falls-. It is 650 m. long and begins by climbing 172 stepping stones which all lows one to see the panoramic views of the San Martín and Devils Throat falls, as well as the natural rock formation known as La Ventana - The window. This area has remained virtually unaltered and has been the scene in several movies, including La Misión- "The Mission".

MACUCO TRAIL: (6 Km) - A walking trail which has a car and a tour guide that goes through the jungle. One attraction is the Arrechea Falls (23 m high) that forms a natural pool. Along this trail, animal footprints appear (Quati, large cats, pumas, etc.) and the habitat of Cai Monkeys (cebus apella nigritus). The total trail length (going and returning) is 6000 m.

IGUAZU FALLS: ECOLOGICAL MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION:

The Ecological Jungle Train will be the mode of transportation through the Falls Area of Iguazú National Park. This train was built in England, and conforms to the environmental standards required for the national parks. It is powered by compressed gas. (which has a low environmental impact) and will take the visitor from the Visitor Center to Circuit Station (1523 m) and up to Throat Station (3983 m). It can transport between 120 to 150 passengers each trip. The speed limit is 20 Km/h. The locomotive is a K 80 model called "Iguazú Falls", and was designed especially for the concessionary. It has in every car a special seat for physically handicapped passengers.

So that the visitors stay might be more pleasant and longer at this 8 th. Wonder of the World, we rely upon highly qualified personnel to attend to tourist needs. Signs that give directions and explanations guide the tourist through this ecological paradise.

We would like the tourists that visit the Iguazú Falls to experience the same admiration of the falls that was experienced in 1541 when they were discovered. That being the case, our "bottom line" fundamentals are:
ü Conservation of one of the most important natural monuments on the planet: The Iguazú Falls, was declared Natural Property of Mankind by UNESCO.
ü The preservation of (1,2 million hectares) of jungle (in pie)

DAY 1 - Arrival to Puerto Iguazu Airport and transfer to hotel. 03 nts of accommodation with breakfast

DAY 2 - Excursion to Iguazu Falls Argentinian Side. Boat Navigation to enjoy the Devil`s Throat

DAY 3 - Excursion to Iguazu Falls Brazilian Side (** Check VISA requirements to enter to Brazil)

DAY 4 - Transfer to airport

This is a basic program to visit Iguazu Falls Area. Please visit our tour list to see more tours combining this area and others place in Argentina and Chile

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