By Robert Vaux
Iguazu Falls is one of the world's great natural wonders. It stands on the border between Brazil and Argentina: over a mile and a half of stunning waterfalls positioned along the Iguazu River. Both of its bordering nations are dedicated to the preservation of the Falls, though facilities exist for the copious numbers of tourists which visit it each year.
Discovery
Though the local Indians have known about the falls from time immemorial, the first European to view them was the Spaniard Alvar Nuñez Cabeza de Vaca in 1541.
Number
The falls themselves number 275 individual waterfalls, most about 200 feet in height.
Water Flow
The average water flow over the falls is 375,000 gallons per second, though severe drought can sometimes reduce it.
The Park
Iguazu National Park, split between Brazil and Argentina, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Though there are viewing platforms and walking trails along the falls, steps are taken to preserve the area's natural beauty.
Pop Culture
Composer Gustavo Santaolalla composed a song to the Falls--"Iguazu"--which has been used in many movies and TV shows. The Falls themselves have appeared in a number of movies, including "The Mission," "Moonraker," "Miami Vice" and "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull."
About the Author:
Robert Vaux has been a professional writer and editor since 1995. He has traveled throughout Europe and North America as well as parts of North Africa. Since 2000 he has been a professional movie critic at Flipside Movie Emporium, the Sci-Fi Movie Page and Mania.com. Vaux has a Master of Arts in English literature from Syracuse University.
