Things to do in Matelandia

2026 Americas 50 - Best Things to Do

Iguaçu National Park

Iguaçu National Park is located on the basalt geological belt of Parana, Brazil. It faces the national park on the Argentine side across the Iguaçu River, and together they protect the subtropical rainforest that spans the border between the two countries. The park is an important remnant of the Atlantic Forest in Brazil, with dense vegetation and a rich variety of animals. It is a habitat for representative South American wildlife such as tapirs, giant otters, anteaters, howler monkeys, ocelots, jaguars, and caimans, and there are also about 200 species of birds. The park's core view is the Iguaçu Falls. The falls are approx. 2,700m wide, consist of hundreds of waterfalls of various sizes, and have a drop of up to approx. 82m. There are various ways to tour the park. Walking along the main trail for about 1.5 km, you can enjoy panoramic views of the falls from multiple observation decks. You can take a helicopter to overlook the entire falls and rainforest from the air; the Macuco Safari water adventure departs by speedboat from the Iguaçu River, approaching the base of the waterfall curtain to experience the power of the water up close. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the falls, you can walk along the Bananeiras trail to the banks of the Iguaçu River and go deep into the rainforest to observe plants and wildlife.

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls is located on the Iguazu River at the border between Argentina and Brazil. The word "Iguazu" comes from the language of the Guarani, an indigenous people of South America, and means "huge water." The falls consist of hundreds of waterfalls of varying sizes, cascading down a nearly 3,000 m wide arc-shaped cliff, creating a magnificent sight. In 1984, Iguazu National Park was inscribed on the UNESCO World Natural Heritage List. The falls' iconic view is the "Devil's Throat"—a U-shaped chasm where nearly half of the river's water converges, plunging from a height of over 80 m with a roar like muffled thunder, sending mist dozens of meters into the air, and on clear days rainbows often hang above the curtain of mist. The formation of the falls is closely related to ancient basalt geology; basalt layers formed by volcanic eruptions approx. 100 million years ago were carved and eroded by the Iguazu River over the long ages, creating the layered scenery. In the 1540s, Spanish explorer Cabeza de Vaca crossed the rainforest and recorded the falls, introducing them to Europe. The falls are distributed on both sides of the gorge, with Argentina and Brazil each occupying one side, offering distinct viewing experiences. The Argentine side has two routes, upper and lower: the upper route looks down from above at the tumbling, cascading falls, while the lower route winds through dense forest, allowing visitors to experience each section of the falls up close, with a new view at every step; the Brazilian side is ideal for panoramic views, where the main falls on the Argentine side can be seen as a whole, and the park is also home to many wild animals. Visitors can also take speedboats into the mist below the falls to feel the thrill of the water up close. The falls are located in a subtropical region with abundant water year-round, and the water views are even better during the rainy season.

Lago Municipal de Medianeira

No. 8 of Best Things to Do in Argentina

Devil's Throat

Devil's Throat is one of the core sections of Iguazu Falls, located on the Argentina side. Multiple river channels converge at the edge of a semicircular basalt formation, forming a U-shaped abyss where approx. 14 waterfalls cascade down simultaneously, with a drop of over 80m, creating a concentrated and fierce volume of water. The massive water curtain plunges into a narrow rift, with mist rising and filling the air. To reach the viewing platform, you need to take the park's sightseeing train through the tropical rainforest, then walk along the steel walkway built over the upper reaches of the Iguazu River. Along the walkway, the river surface is wide and calm, occasionally dotted with flocks of birds and small islands, contrasting with the sudden drop of the waterfall at the end. The viewing platform is suspended above the main waterfall, allowing you to watch the water cascading down and feel the mist hitting your face up close.

CTG Sentinela dos Pampas

2026 Americas 50 - Family-friendly Attractions

Birds Park

Birds Park is a private bird park focused onthe conservation of Atlantic Forest species. The park features an approx. 2 km walking trail that winds through the recovering Atlantic Forest vegetation and connects six walk-in immersive aviaries along the way. Unlike traditional zoos where you view animals through wire mesh, the birds here fly freely in large, enclosed environments, allowing visitors to walk inside the aviaries and observe them up close—macaws fly overhead, toco toucans perch nearby to preen their feathers, and hummingbirds hover rapidly among the flowers. Birds Parkis home to thousands of animals across over 100 species, many of which are rescued individuals, some of whom cannot return to the wild due to injury, illness, or past illegal trade. The park continues to promote Atlantic Forest conservation through scientific research, conservation education, and animal rescue, and visitor attendance directly supports these conservation efforts.

Lar Centro de Eventos

ARL Recreation Association LAR

Recanto Olivo

Square Of Culture