Drenched in Wonder: My Life-Changing Experience at Iguazu Falls
Some places leave postcards in your camera roll. Others etch themselves into your memory forever. Iguazu Falls is one of those rare destinations.
There are moments in travel that stick with you way, way after the trip is over—ones that make you thankful that “is this real life?!?!” really is real life. For me, that moment happened at Iguazu Falls in Brazil, where I stood face-to-face with one of nature's most spectacular displays of raw power and beauty.
The approach
Iguazu Falls had been calling my name for years, sitting near the top of my bucket list. Located on the border between Brazil and Argentina, these massive waterfalls represent one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature—a categorization that makes A LOT of sense once you see the falls up close. But nothing, and I mean nothing, could have prepared me for that first encounter.
The approach to the falls is an experience in itself. As our EF Ultimate Break group made our way through the lush rainforest of Iguazu National Park, the anticipation was building. The dense canopy shadowed well-maintained trails, while exotic birds called out from hidden perches and colorful butterflies danced around us. And while the views were stunning, it was the sound that captured our attention first—a distant rumbling that grew steadily stronger with each step.
That first look
Then came the moment I'll remember forever: seeing the falls for the very first time. The sheer magnitude literally took my breath away.
Standing there with my group, jaws dropped by what we were seeing, I understood why Iguazu Falls attracts over two million visitors annually. The system consists of 275 individual waterfalls cascading over a cliff face that stretches nearly two miles wide. The largest and most famous, known as "Garganta del Diablo" (Devil's Throat eeek), plunges 262 feet into the churning waters below with such force that the mist rises hundreds of feet into the air, creating rainbows that dance in the spray.
...and then we got soaked
I'll never forget walking down to the base of the falls and getting completely drenched. The spray was so strong it soaked us right through our raincoats and ponchos, but instead of complaining, everyone was laughing and going with the flow— wholly present in the moment and completely awestruck by the power of nature.
The Brazilian side offers the most panoramic views, allowing you to take in the full scope of the falls' impressive width. The constant spray creates an otherworldly atmosphere where rainbows appear and disappear and the thunderous roar drowns out almost all conversation—leaving you alone with your thoughts (hope that’s alright!) and the overwhelming spectacle before you.
More than a waterfall
There's something about standing in front of one of the Seven Wonders of Nature that makes you pause and truly appreciate the world we live in. Glancing around and seeing travelers from every part of the world equally mesmerized by Iguazu Falls created this unspoken connection between us all.
The experience taught me about the importance of preserving these natural wonders for future generations. Iguazu Falls exists within a protected UNESCO World Heritage site that's home to over 2,000 species of vascular plants and countless animal species, including jaguars, ocelots, and over 400 bird species.
The falls were formed over millions of years through volcanic activity and erosion, creating this masterpiece that continues to evolve with each passing day. The indigenous Guaraní people, who first inhabited this region, called it "Iguazu," meaning "big water"—a beautifully simple name for something so magnificently complex.
Some destinations you visit; others visit you right back. Brazil's Iguazu Falls belongs firmly in the latter category—a place that doesn't just show you its beauty but reveals something beautiful within yourself as well.
