Devil's Throat (Garganta del Diablo) is the absolute heart of Iguazu Falls. It is a colossal U-shaped chasm where 14 cascades converge into an 80-metre-deep, 150-metre-wide abyss, generating a column of spray that rises more than 30 metres above the drop and can be seen from kilometres away. The roar is so intense that holding a normal conversation near the viewpoint is nearly impossible. It is, without question, one of the most awe-inspiring natural experiences on the planet.
The first European explorers named it "Garganta do Diabo" because they felt they were peering into the jaws of the underworld: the water disappears into a void of mist and thunder from which there appears to be no return. The Spanish explorer Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca was the first European to document it in 1542, and it has captivated millions of travellers ever since.
Devil's Throat Facts
- Height of drop: 80 metres
- Width: 150 metres
- Converging cascades: 14
- Walkway length: 1,100 metres
- Access: Ecological Train + pedestrian walkway
- Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours (round trip)
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
- Included in: Iguazu National Park entry
How to Get to Devil's Throat
To reach Devil's Throat, first enter the Iguazu National Park via the main entrance (18 km from Puerto Iguazu). From the park's Central Station, take the Ecological Jungle Train to the Garganta del Diablo Station (last stop, about 25 minutes). The train runs on natural gas and departs every 20-30 minutes.
From the station, the 1,100-metre metal walkway begins over the Upper Iguazu River. The walk is completely flat and accessible. You walk over emerald-coloured waters flowing with apparent calm, while on either side you may spot fish, turtles and even the occasional caiman. The jungle surrounds you with its sounds. And then, almost without warning, the river vanishes before your eyes: you are arriving at the edge of the Throat.
The Viewpoint Experience
The final viewpoint is a metal balcony extending over the void. From there, you look straight down: 80 metres of free-falling water disappearing into an eternal cloud of spray. The water falls with unimaginable violence -- the average flow is 1,746 cubic metres per second, but during floods it can multiply several times over.
What you feel up there is hard to put into words: the vibration of the metal beneath your feet, the deafening roar, the mist that drenches you within seconds, the rainbows that appear and vanish with every gust of wind. Many visitors are moved to tears. This is no exaggeration: Devil's Throat is an experience that transcends tourism and enters the realm of the spiritual.
Photography tip: For the best rainbow shots, visit between 9:00 and 11:00 when the sun is at the ideal angle. Use burst mode or video on your phone, as rainbows appear and fade with the gusts. And do not forget a waterproof pouch -- the mist is relentless and your gear will suffer.
Practical Tips for Devil's Throat
What to bring
- Waterproof phone pouch: this is mandatory, not optional
- Rain poncho: you will get soaked regardless, but it helps
- Grip footwear: the walkway can be slippery from spray
- Quick-dry clothing: wet cotton in tropical humidity = discomfort
- Hat with strap: the wind near the Throat is strong
Best strategy
Arrive at the park at 8:00 when it opens and head straight for the train to Devil's Throat. At that hour, the walkway is practically empty and you can enjoy the viewpoint in peace. After 10:00 the tour groups start arriving and the experience changes dramatically: queues for the train, crowding at the viewpoint and less time to contemplate.
Recommended Tour
Includes Devil's Throat Iguazu Falls (Argentine side)
Tour with transport from Puerto Iguazu. Includes Devil's Throat, Upper and Lower Circuits and free time.
Top rated Argentine side + Triple Border landmark
Combine Devil's Throat with the Triple Border landmark. Hotel pick-up and professional guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the walk to Devil's Throat?
The full round trip takes 1.5 to 2 hours. It includes 25 minutes on the Ecological Train from the Central Station to the Garganta Station, then a 1,100-metre walk along a walkway over the Iguazu River. At the final viewpoint, you will want to spend at least 20-30 minutes taking in the spectacle.
Will I get wet at Devil's Throat?
Yes, it is practically unavoidable. The mist rising from the 80-metre drop is constant and intense. Even with a rain poncho, you will get quite wet. Keep your phone and camera in a waterproof pouch or dry bag. Many visitors bring a change of clothes.
What is the best time to visit Devil's Throat?
Ideally arrive early, before 10:00, when there are fewer people and the sunlight produces spectacular rainbows over the mist. After 15:00 is also good: the crowds thin and the afternoon light creates a golden atmosphere. Avoid midday, when the walkway is most congested.
Is Devil's Throat wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The walkway is fully accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. It is flat metal with safety railings on both sides. The Ecological Train also has accessible carriages. It is one of the most inclusive experiences in the park.
This article contains affiliate links. If you book through them, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
