The Majestic Wonder of Iguazu National Park

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryDisculpe/Perdón
  [dees-kool-peh/pehr-dohn]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah vehr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-loohd]
• I would like to pay, pleaseQuisiera pagar, por favor
  [kee-see-eh-rah pah-gahr, por fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un doctor!
  [yah-mah ah oon dohk-tohr]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSólo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEs demasiado caro
  [ehs deh-mah-see-ah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-har ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh o-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Y media (10)
  [ee meh-dee-ah (diez)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwa-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dee-ehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syon]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puede mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-deh mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ...)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah ...)]

The name 'Iguazu' comes from the Guarani words 'y' meaning 'water' and 'ûasú' meaning 'big.' According to Guarani legend, the falls were created when a deity, enraged by a beautiful woman named Naipí escaping with her mortal lover Tarobá in a canoe, sliced the river in half, creating the waterfalls and condemning the lovers to an eternal fall.

The first European to record the existence of Iguazu Falls was Spanish Conquistador Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca in 1541. The falls initially bore his name but were later reverted to their indigenous name. His accounts brought the majesty of the falls to the attention of the Western world.

Iguazu National Park was established in 1934, with the aim of preserving the stunning natural beauty and diverse ecosystem of the Iguazu Falls region. The park was recognized for its exceptional biodiversity, including over 2,000 species of plants and a wide array of wildlife.

In 1984, Iguazu National Park was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique natural beauty and the ecological importance of its subtropical rainforest. This designation helped to increase international awareness and tourism, further encouraging conservation efforts.

The Guarani people have lived in the region around Iguazu Falls for centuries. Their rich cultural heritage includes traditional music, dance, and crafts, as well as a deep spiritual connection to the land and its natural features. The Guarani continue to play an important role in the cultural landscape of the park.

Tourism in Iguazu National Park began to flourish in the mid-20th century, with the construction of infrastructure such as walkways, viewing platforms, and lodges. Today, the park attracts over a million visitors annually, drawn by the breathtaking scenery and the opportunity to experience one of the world's most spectacular waterfalls.

Ongoing conservation efforts in Iguazu National Park focus on protecting its diverse ecosystems from threats such as deforestation, poaching, and invasive species. Collaborative initiatives involving local communities, government agencies, and international organizations aim to ensure the long-term preservation of this natural wonder.

Iguazu National Park is located in the northeastern corner of Argentina, near the border with Brazil and Paraguay. The nearest airport is Cataratas del Iguazu International Airport (IGR), located about 17 kilometers from the park. Direct flights are available from major Argentine cities such as Buenos Aires, Cordoba, and Rosario. Alternatively, you can fly into Foz do Iguaçu International Airport (IGU) in Brazil, which is about 30 kilometers from the park. From the airport, you can take a taxi, shuttle service, or rent a car to reach the park entrance.

Within Iguazu National Park, transportation options include park-operated shuttle buses, taxis, and rental cars. The park's shuttle buses connect major points of interest, such as the main entrance, the Visitor Center, and various trailheads. Taxis are readily available at the airport and within the town of Puerto Iguazu. If you prefer more flexibility, renting a car is a convenient option, allowing you to explore both the Argentine and Brazilian sides of the falls.

The official currency in Argentina is the Argentine Peso (ARS). Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and larger shops in Puerto Iguazu and within the national park. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller establishments and local vendors. ATMs are available in Puerto Iguazu, but it’s wise to withdraw sufficient cash before heading into the park.

Iguazu National Park is generally safe for tourists. However, standard safety precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and be cautious of petty theft in crowded places. The town of Puerto Iguazu is relatively safe, but it is advisable to stay vigilant, particularly in busier areas. Always use authorized taxis or transportation services.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The Visitor Center within the park has first aid facilities, and there are medical clinics and a hospital in Puerto Iguazu. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available in Puerto Iguazu where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear for walking the trails. Avoid wearing flip-flops, as the paths can be uneven and slippery. Religion: Do show respect when visiting local religious sites by dressing modestly and behaving quietly. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hola' or 'Buen día'. A handshake is common in formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Iguazu National Park like a local, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) when the weather is pleasant, and the park is less crowded. Engage with local guides who can provide in-depth knowledge about the flora, fauna, and history of the park. Don’t miss the Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat) viewpoint for a breathtaking experience. For an authentic culinary experience, try the local specialty 'chipa', a type of cheese bread, and enjoy a traditional Argentine 'asado' (barbecue) in Puerto Iguazu.