Foz do Iguacu

A path of 1.2km faces the whole span and ends on a deck pushed out toward the water. At the far end the spray soaks you through a poncho anyway.

Water pours into a horseshoe gorge all at once, and this is where the noise peaks. From the other bank a walkway runs directly over it.

The boat runs under the falls twice and takes the water head on. Everything gets soaked, so bags are left in a waterproof drum on board.

Toucans and parrots fly loose inside large netted enclosures and land on shoulders. It sits beside the Brazilian entrance, so it fits into the same day.

A hydroelectric plant run jointly by two countries, its wall stretching 7.9km. On days when the spillway opens the release is watched from the viewing platform.

Where two rivers meet, each of three countries has raised its own marker. The other two are visible across the water, which puts all three in one frame.

Ten minutes over the falls shows the whole horseshoe from above. Noise rules mean the flights leave from the Brazilian side alone.

Three kilometres of forest lead down to the boat landing, also covered by electric buggy. Butterflies settle on the path and coatis go after open bags.

One bridge across leads into blocks of shops that sell without duty. A passport is required, and the line coming back grows through the afternoon.

For a few nights around the full moon the falls open after dark to be seen by moonlight. Numbers are capped and tickets go on sale weeks ahead.

A refuge for animals rescued from the land that the Itaipu Dam drowned. A guided vehicle drives you in for a forest walk past jaguars, tapirs and anteaters. Tickets come from the same desk as the dam tours.

A Buddhist temple built by the Chinese community, where more than 100 statues line a hillside facing Paraguay over the river. Entry is free. Remove your hat and keep your voice down in the main hall.

Built by Lebanese residents in 1983, its white dome and minaret rise above a residential district. Between prayers visitors may enter, and women are lent a headscarf. It is a sign of how big the city's Arab community is.

A waterfall some 10km from Ciudad del Este on the Paraguayan side, where the river plunges into a horseshoe-shaped gorge. Smaller than Iguacu, it draws so few people you nearly own the viewpoints. Most visitors combine it with a border-market trip.