Iguassu Falls is synonymous with dramatic cascades and lush biodiversity, but some of the most interesting ways to experience the destination begin away from its famous viewpoints. Along the Iguaçu and Paraná rivers, travelers can get closer to the landscape through experiences ranging from the adrenaline of Macuco Safari, which combines jungle, trail and boat excursions before approaching the falls, to more leisurely cruises that reveal the region’s scenery, history and unique position where Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay meet.

For those seeking a slower pace, the approximately one-hour Iguassu River Tour offers sunset views and stories of the bridges and borders connecting the three countries, while the Kattamaram II provides a broader sightseeing experience encompassing the meeting of the Paraná and Iguaçu rivers, the Friendship Bridge and Three Borders Landmark. Together, these experiences offer a fresh perspective on a destination most travelers think they already know.

The Curated Take: Seeing Iguassu Falls from the water changes the scale of the experience. The rivers aren’t simply another activity to add to an itinerary; they reveal how deeply the destination’s geography, wildlife, history and neighboring countries are intertwined. For travelers willing to look beyond the iconic viewpoint, the waterways offer a more expansive way to understand Iguassu.