Iguazu Falls, on the border between Brazil's Paraná state and Argentina, and surrounded by lush forest, is justly regarded as one of the world's most impressive waterfalls. Iguazu - or Iguaçu in Portuguese - comprises around 275 separate falls, interlinked with verdant river islands. Together the cataracts stretch for almost three kilometres - hence its name in the local Guarani language, Iguazu meaning ‘big water'.

The waters of the Rio Iguazu surge over brown cliffs, the spray creating a rainbow above them. Lush rainforests full of parakeets and toucans complete the scene. Garganta do Diablo - the Devil's Throat - is the broad and powerful central section, 700 metres long and 80-metres high. Taking a tour with a local guide is a good way to see the falls from the best viewpoints on both sides of the falls.

On the Brazilian side, Iguazu Falls are the centrepiece of the UNESCO-protected Iguazu Falls National Park. The park is home to some fabulous Brazilian animals, including the coati - a type of racoon - and monkeys. Elusive ocelots, pumas and jaguars can also occasionally be spotted, most often at dawn and dusk.