Background

Devil's Throat: The Heart of Iguazu Falls

Experience the awe-inspiring power of nature at Devil's Throat, the largest and most spectacular waterfall in Iguazu Falls, Argentina.

4.9

Devil's Throat (Garganta del Diablo) is the most impressive and famous of the 275 waterfalls that make up Iguazu Falls, straddling the border between Argentina and Brazil. This U-shaped cataract funnels the largest volume of water, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of raw power and natural beauty.

A brief summary to Devil's Throat

  • Misiones Province, AR

Local tips

  • Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially during peak season.
  • Wear waterproof clothing and shoes, as you will get wet from the mist.
  • Protect your electronics with a waterproof bag or case.
  • Bring local currency (Argentine pesos) if you plan to visit both sides of the falls, as not all places accept credit cards.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Train

    From the Iguazu National Park entrance, proceed to the Central Train Station. Board the Ecological Train of the Jungle, which is included in your park entrance fee. Take the train to the Devil's Throat Station (Estación Garganta del Diablo). From there, walk along the 1.1 km steel walkway that extends over the river to the Devil's Throat viewing platform. The train ride is approximately 10 minutes, and the walk to the platform takes about 2 hours round trip.

  • Walking

    From the Iguazu National Park entrance, you can also walk to the Devil's Throat, though it is a longer journey. Follow the signs for the Sendero Verde (Green Trail) to the Lower Circuit. From there, continue along the path towards the Devil's Throat. The walk is approximately 2.2 km (1.4 miles) and takes about 2 hours. Be prepared for sun exposure, as the trail is mostly a catwalk over the river.

Unlock the Best of Devil's Throat

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Devil's Throat

Devil's Throat, or *Garganta del Diablo* as it's known in Spanish and Portuguese, is the undisputed star of Iguazu Falls. Situated on the Iguazu River, it marks the border between Argentina and Brazil and is a highlight of both the Argentine Iguazú National Park and the Brazilian Iguaçu National Park. The falls are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Formed by millions of years of erosion, Devil's Throat is a gigantic, 82-meter-high (269 ft) U-shaped chasm that stretches 150 meters (492 ft) wide and 700 meters (2,297 ft) long. Approximately half of the Iguazu River's flow plunges over this precipice, resulting in an immense volume of water cascading down with tremendous force. The average flow is around 1,800 cubic meters per second, enough to fill 36 Olympic swimming pools in a minute. The force of the water generates a mist that can be seen from over 7 kilometers away. Visitors can experience the Devil's Throat up close via a series of walkways that lead to a viewing platform directly overlooking the falls. The sensation of being surrounded by the deafening roar and powerful spray is both humbling and exhilarating. Eleanor Roosevelt, upon seeing Iguazu Falls, reportedly exclaimed, "Poor Niagara!". The name “Iguazu” comes from the Tupi-Guarani language, meaning “big water”. Legend has it that the falls were created when a god, Mboi, in a fit of rage, split the river, condemning a chief's daughter, Naipi, and her lover, Tarobá, to fall into the abyss for eternity. Naipi was transformed into the central rock of the Falls, and Tarobá into a palm tree at the edge.

Popular Experiences near Devil's Throat

Popular Hotels near Devil's Throat

Select Currency