Iguazú Falls: Garganta del Diablo to Close for 40 Days Due to Imminent River Rise

For the first time in its history, the iconic Garganta del Diablo circuit at Iguazú Falls will close for 40 days starting August 3rd. The preemptive closure is a direct response to the anticipated rapid rise of the Iguazú River, driven by the El Niño weather phenomenon.

Authorities from the National Parks administration and Iguazú Argentina S.A., the concessionaire operating the park's facilities, announced the unprecedented measure. Instead of waiting for the river to swell and potentially damage the walkways, as occurred in October 2023, all metal structures, including railings and flooring, will be dismantled and stored safely. This proactive approach aims to protect the infrastructure from the destructive force of the high-volume river flow.

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In this context of high tourist influx, and based on meteorological projections associated with the El Niño phenomenon (ENOS), preventive measures have been advanced to protect the infrastructure of the Cataratas Area.

Last October, a surge in the Iguazú River's flow to 24,000 cubic meters per second, more than 20 times its usual volume, destroyed a third of the Garganta del Diablo's 1.1-kilometer-long catwalks. That event led to a nine-month closure and costly reconstruction. This time, park operators are taking a page from hurricane preparedness strategies seen in the U.S. Gulf Coast, dismantling structures to safeguard them.

Iguazú Argentina S.A. stated that the decision is based on meteorological projections and technical analyses anticipating elevated river levels in September and October. These forecasts suggest potential for extraordinary floods that could impact the site's infrastructure. While the Garganta del Diablo circuit is closed, other attractions within Iguazú National Park remain open to visitors, including the Ecological Jungle Train, the Upper and Lower Circuits, and various visitor centers and dining areas.

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The decision is based on forecasts and technical analyses that anticipate rises in the Iguazú River in the coming months. In this regard, companies responsible for climate and hydrological monitoring of the river system in the Brazilian basin agreed to point out that during September and October, high flows are predicted, with the potential to generate extraordinary floods that could affect the infrastructure in that sector.