Iguazú Falls' Devil's Throat Closed Indefinitely Due to Drastic River Swell

Iguazú Argentina, the concessionaire for services within the protected area, has indefinitely closed access to the "Devil's Throat" waterfall. This decision comes in response to a significant and rapid increase in the Iguazú River's flow, a phenomenon attributed to intense rainfall in the upper river basins of Brazil and Paraguay.

The river's volume surged dramatically in just 26 hours, jumping from 2,750 cubic meters per second to 9,190 cubic meters per second. By Thursday, the flow reached 10,000 cubic meters per second, nearly six times the normal rate, which typically ranges between 1,500 and 1,800 cubic meters per second. This rapid escalation prompted the activation of the emergency protocol.

Access to the "Devil's Throat" was closed on Wednesday, allowing operators to begin dismantling the boardwalk railings. The reopening of this main attraction is contingent upon meteorological conditions and a subsequent decrease in the river level. Following any water recession, technical staff must inspect the structure for damage before reinstating the railings and allowing public access.

Despite the closure of the "Devil's Throat," Iguazú National Park remains open, with tourists able to explore the Inferior and Superior circuits. On the Brazilian side, the situation is similarly impactful, with the main circuits also closed to the public due to the immense water flow. This recent surge, while significant, does not reach the historical highs recorded in previous years, such as 2023 and 2014.