Iguazu Falls - On earth as it is in heaven

This story is taken from the movie Mission (1986), and begins with an amazing opening scene, which still reminds me about the incredible waterfalls at Iguazu. In the opening scene you can see a Jesuit priest, tied to a big wood cross by the Indians, floating his way down the mighty river, and further down the magnificent falls. The name of the falls comes from the Guarani Indian word meaning "great water". In 1986 Iguacu Falls were declared a Natural Heritage of Mankind by UNESCO.

With Ennio Morricone`s music, performed by London Philharmonic Orchestra, in the background, this scene turns me really on and sends shivers down my spine. These water walls were the holy graveyard for the Indians for thousand of years ago, and were discovered in 1541. The falls lie on the border between Argentina and Brazil surrounded by an breathtaking landscape.

When I arrived here in 1993 I felt it was like an apocalypse to watch the falls in the entire rainbow's colour. Then it was obvious for me why the opening song in the movie Mission was called "On the earth as it is in heaven". I entered the area from the Argentinean side, and moved later on to the Brazilian side. Both countries have good sites for watching the falls and showering in the rainy fog from the water.

These great falls are strung out along the rim of a crescent-shaped cliff over 3km (over 2 miles wide), some 275 individual cascades and waterfalls plummet up to 80 metres (262 feet) into the gorge below. The thunderous roaring can be heard from miles away.

Photos below: The majestic Iguazu falls.

I also visited the historic ruins of Jesuit missions from year 1607, which lie in the area. 100.000 Indians lived in these villages. The majestic Iguazu falls. I also visited the historic ruins of Jesuit missions from year 1607, which lie in the area. 100.000 Indians lived in these villages.

The mission San Ignacio Miní is built in a style of architecture known as 'Guaraní baroque'. Further up for the falls you can visit a small laboratory (conservatory), which lie in the jungle and it is preserved by the government. The Swiss scientist Bertoni did some research on the flora and fauna there, and he collected a lot of strange things. It is well worth a look too.

Argentinean side
In Argentina Iguazu falls is located in the Parque Nacional Iguazú near Puerto Iguazú. These falls lie just east of the confluence of the Iguazu and Paraná rivers.

At least 5000 cubic m (176,570 cu ft) of water per second plunge the 70m (230ft) into the abyss below. Above the falls, the waters are suitable for canoeing, kayaking and other water sports. The surrounding park is home to 55,000 hectares (135,850 acres) of pristine subtropical rainforest, with abundant wildlife and plant species.

Brazilian side
The Rio Iguaçu arises in the coastal mountains of Paraná and Santa Catarina, the Serra do Mar, and snakes west for 600km (372mi) before it widens majestically and sweeps around a magnificent jungle stage, plunging and crashing in tiered falls at the border with Argentina and Paraguay.

Photos below. The majestic Iguazu falls. See the beautiful rainbow! It`s magical!

The best time of year to see the falls is from August to November, when there is least risk of floodwaters stopping you from taking a closer look. One path (walk) you should try, if you dare, is the Devil's Throat.

The sight will hypnotise you, so be careful - mind your steps!

Photo: Returning after an exciting boat trip.

How close will you go to feel, hear and touch the majestic and roaring waterfalls? First your hair will rose, so it will be wet. Iguazu Falls is not the highest falls in the world, maybe the widest, but definitely the most spectacular falls.

Take a look at the opening scene in the movie Mission, you will find inspirations too. But I can ensure you, the falls are more impressing in real.

Stein Morten Lund, 13 July 2000

Additional information

Formal country name:
República Argentina.
Area: 2.77 million sq km.
Population: 37.81 million.
Capital City: Buenos Aires (pop 16 million).
People: 85% European descent, 15% mestizo, Indian and other minorities.
Language: Spanish; Castilian, Quechua, Guarani, Araucanian, Italian.
Religion: 93% Roman Catholic, 2.5% Protestant, 2% Jewish, 1.5% Ukranian Catholic, 1% Armenian Orthodox.
Government: republic.

Formal country name:
República Federativa do Brasil.
Area: 8.51 million sq km.
Population: 170 million.
Capital City: Brasília.
People: 55% European descent, 38% mulatto, 6% African descent (according to the 1980 census). In reality, these figures are skewed by whiteness being equated with social stature in Brazil.
Language: Portuguese.
Religion: 70% Roman Catholic; also a significant proportion who either belong to various cults or practice Indian animism.