Think colonial-style elegance, but without the formality. Now place yourself seconds away from one of the natural wonders of the world. This would define a luxury stay at Iguazu Falls, Brazil. There is only one property that can offer this experience.
That would be the Hotel das Cataratas, a Belmond Hotel on the Brazil side of Iguazu Falls, creating an upscale environment to go with the perfect location. We will provide the details you need begin your adventure.
First, some facts
We recommend a 3-day visit to Iguazu Falls. There are important things to know about how to spend those days, which we cover in another article.
All the photos in this article are ours, of course, except for the cover photo. That is borrowed from the hotel website. One needs a helicopter for that shot, which we didn’t experience. But if a picture was ever worth a thousand words … well, here you have it.
What’s in a name?
To be clear, these 275 waterfalls go by several names, all of which are correct. They are created by the Iguazu River, which divides Brazil and Argentina. So, in Argentina, where they speak Spanish, the name is Cataratas del Iguazú. In Brazil, where they speak Portuguese, the name is Cataratas do Iguaçu. But wait, for many years the English-speaking countries decided the name would be spelled Iguassu Falls. You will see it all three ways. Who is right? The name originates from the Guarani words “y” (water) and “uasu” (big). That name is from nearby Paraguay!
Location, location, location
This is the only hotel actually located within the National Park in Brazil. Why is this important? Guests of the Hotel das Cataratas can literally walk across the street to view the falls that stretch for some 1.7 miles (2.7 km). This is also the start of the walkway that culminates at Devil’s Throat. Call it the million-dollar path that leads to a priceless view.
Sunrise, sunset
The National Park opens at 9:00 a.m. and closes at 5:00 p.m. 1,600,000 people visit during those hours every year. They are unable to see a spectacular sunrise or sunset. You, as a hotel guest, have unbridled access to the falls from early morning until night. We take the above sunset photo after the park is closed to the public. See our companion article for photos of the walkway at Devil’s Throat. Often packed with hundreds of visitors; we are the only people there to experience the magnificence of the moment. Visit as many times as you want without paying an admission fee.
Beautiful architecture
The Hotel das Cataratas was built in the 1950s, with a pastel pink hacienda-style exterior. It was remodeled by Belmond, but retains the endlessly elegant appearance. Climb the tower to see photos of the property over the years and be treated with a splendid view of both dense jungle and the falls from the top.
Sculpted grounds
The sprawling property deserves a stroll to discover a tennis court, indoor spa, outdoor chess set, large fitness center, unique boutique and more.
Don’t be surprised to encounter coatis, the raccoon-like animals that make their home on the grounds. They will be scavenging for insects or munching on fruit in trees, as in the video above.
Delectable cuisine
Honestly, we aren’t always fans of hotel restaurants. We make an exception here. The options range from the more formal Itaipu Restaurant, which includes a veranda with a view, to the Bar Tarobá, with good food to go with the drinks.
Our favorite spot, the Ipê Restaurant, sits poolside in its own plantation-like open-air structure. Breakfast is a sprawling buffet, with fresh tropical fruits to go with bakery items and made-to-order eggs. Lunch is another buffet, with some of the best condensed milk-based pastries we have ever tasted. Dinner is – what else? – a buffet, augmented some nights by wood-fired pizza and a churrascaria grill.
Sleeping arrangements
Dark rosewood floors and hand-carved furniture adorn the 187 guestrooms and suites. There are two wings, garden and forest. They seem about equal in ambience.
Moorish glazed ceramic tiles accent the bathrooms. The amenities are what one would expect from a 5-star resort.
Wait, there’s more
We keep discovering hideaways in the main building, including a billiards room and a parlor with a roaring fire.
The concierge can arrange a worthwhile day trip to the Argentina side of Iguazu Falls. Other experiences include “First Light Walks,” a dawn walk with binoculars through the rainforest. Try a speedboat tour called Macuco Safari or a helicopter ride. And, if you time it right, there is a full moon nighttime walking tour.
The hotel is just 15 km from the Iguazu (IGU) airport. It’s easy to take a taxi for the 5-minute ride to the National Park entrance. From there, the hotel shuttle takes you on a slow (40 km/hr) 15-minute drive through the jungle to the hotel entrance.
It is tempting to remain within the park for your stay. If you ever decide to venture out, just 100 meters from the park entrance is the Bird Park (Parque das Aves). Trust us, this is actually quite worth a 2-hour visit.
Now that you know where to stay, it’s time to plan your 3-day visit to Iguazu Falls!
Do you have any questions or your own suggestions to help others? Feel free to comment at the bottom of this post.
What’s upscale?
Everything about this property is upscale, but without stuffy formality.
What’s budget?
No admission fees to the National Park – you are living there!
