Niagara and Iguazu falls (Read about my Iguazu experience here) are known to be the largest waterfalls in the world. I had the opportunity to visit both falls recently, and in this post, I am attempting to compare them. Of course, each falls is unique in its own way, but it also human nature to compare!!
Before I get into details here are some technical parameters.
| Parameters | Niagara falls | Iguasu falls |
|---|---|---|
| Width of the falls | 1.2 km | 2.7 km |
| Height of the falls | 167 ft | 197 to 269 ft |
| Average flow rate | 85,000 cu ft/sec | 62,010 cu ft/sec |
| Number of drops | 3 (American falls, Bridal veil falls, Horseshoe falls) | 275 |
The beauty of the falls cannot be judged by technical parameters. They are just for reference. Also, many other falls score over these parameters. For example, Bayoma falls in Congo has 600,000 cu ft/sec flow rate. Angel falls in Venezuela is 3,212 ft in height. The Khone falls in South East Asia is about 10 km wide!! So, let’s look at the practical aspects!!
Geographical location
Niagara Falls is located in the border of US and Canada. Situated near the big cities of Toronto and Buffalo, the falls can be easily reached by Air and also by car. Interestingly, Iguazu is also shared between two countries, Argentina and Brazil. But it is located in a geographically distant location from the main cities of the two countries. Though the airports are located near the falls in both countries, flying there is expensive. It is a long journey to reach from big cities by road, about 20 hours from Buenos Aires. It makes Niagara more visited and famous. Of course, the US knows how to market stuff.
Natural beauty
Both waterfalls have maintained their natural beauty despite the huge tourist flow. But Iguazu scores over Niagara as it is situated in the forest while Niagara is right in the middle of the town!!
Ease of viewing
It is just 5-minute walk from the parking lot to Niagara Falls!! Though there are many trails in the park, almost all locations in the falls can be reached by car. Elevators are available to get to the base of the falls at “Cave of winds” and “Maid of the mist”. In that way, it is easily possible to see Niagara Falls without much physical effort.
Iguazu is different. It requires solid walking of about 10km in the humid subtropical climate to see the waterfall to the fullest. Apart from a slow train to Devil’s Throat trail, the rest of the distance has to be covered by walking through forests, and there is a possibility of sighting animals.
Other attractions
Iguazu provides a pure view of the falls, and there are no tourist traps. But Niagara Falls is surrounded by casinos, fast food restaurants and even some viewing towers (on Canada side). In both falls, it is possible to go down the falls on the boat or have a tour on a helicopter.
Niagara Falls is also illuminated during the night each day (which is very beautiful). There is no such thing in Iguazu, and everyone is expected to exit the park by 6 PM.
Which is better?
Both falls are spectacular, no doubt in that. Each is unique in its own way. If you are a person who loves forests and remoteness, then it is likely that you would like Iguazu more.
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