by Lisa Iannucci
Last updated: 3:30 PM ET, Thu September 15, 2016
When most travelers hear the word 'waterfalls' they typically think of Niagara.
But there are waterfalls in Argentina that almost make Niagara look like a trickle.
Located in Argentina's National Park, the Iguazu Falls are almost twice as tall and three times as wide as Niagara Falls. As a matter of fact, when America's First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt saw the falls for the first time, she was said to have exclaimed "Poor Niagara!"
The Iguazu Falls were discovered by Spanish conquistador Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca in 1541, and are situated on the border between Brazil and Argentina. But you don't have to hoof it like he did; instead enjoy a flight on Aerolineas Argentinas.
More than 1 million people visit the Iguazu Falls every year, which is made up of a whopping 275 waterfalls. The tallest of all of the waterfalls is called the Devil's Throat, which drops its water about 262 feet into the Iguazu River below. Interestingly, the name Iguazu actually means "big water," so it's very fitting.
And just like Niagara Falls has a "Maid of the Mist" ride for its visitors which brings you up-close and personal to the falls, the Argentina National Park also has an excursion. Hop on board because you'll be brought into the Lower Iguazu River Canyon and up to the Tres Mosqueteros Fall where you can see both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides and Devil's Throat, also known as the Garganta del Diablo.
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Devil's Throat has been described as having water flowing in from three different sides, making it incredibly unique and a perfect source for a captivating photo. If you don't want to go on a ride, then take a walk onto the Iguazu catwalk, but you'll be wearing much of the waterfalls when you're done.
Around the waterfalls are just as magical as there are rain forests that contain more than 2,000 species of plants, as well as the only marsupial found outside Australia-the opossum. It's also home to other creatures, including wildlife of the region: tapirs, giant anteaters, howler monkeys, ocelots, jaguars and caymans.
Speaking of the wildlife, while you're visiting the waterfalls, make sure to stop on the way and learn about the park's animal hospital and center for rehabilitation of injured wildlife. This hospital also takes care of the Iguazu forest environment and has a breeding program for endangered species. There are tours available where you can learn about the animals that have come through these doors.
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