Iguazu Falls' iconic walkway closed as water levels reach historic highs

Officials at Iguazu Falls, straddling the Argentina-Brazil border, have taken the unprecedented step of removing the walkway that leads visitors to the Devil's Throat, the most dramatic section of the waterfall complex. The decision came as water discharge reached approximately 780 cubic meters per second—nearly eight times the typical daily average—creating dangerous conditions across the site.

The walkway dismantling reflects both safety concerns and the extraordinary nature of the current water surge. While Iguazu Falls experiences seasonal fluctuations, the recent spike represents a significant weather event that has transformed the already powerful cascade into an even more formidable display of nature's force.

The Devil's Throat, known locally as Garganta del Diablo, typically draws thousands of visitors daily who walk along the suspended boardwalk to experience the falls at close range. The closure, while temporary, underscores the unpredictability of natural phenomena in the region and the authorities' commitment to visitor safety during extreme conditions.

Around 1.7 million tourists visit Iguazu Falls annually, making it one of the most popular natural attractions in South America. The site's management has indicated that operations will resume once water levels normalize and safety assessments confirm the walkway's stability.