Foz do Iguaçu
Brazil
The city is based on two different industries, that of the local hydropower plant and tourism because of the Iguazu Falls. In fact, it is the second most visited leisure tourism destination (non-business destination) in Brazil (first is Rio). Thus, with the fluctuations of tourism the city has become very susceptible. Unemployment is a problem and one figure showed that 20% of the people live below the poverty line. With these conditions and the amount of money that flows through the town it shouldn't be surprising that crime, mainly pickpocketing, is a problem here. Traveler's should be careful of their things at all times.
In the city there really isn't much to see. Most of the major attractions take place just a few kms away, at the Iguazu Falls in one direction and at the Itaipu Dam down a different road. The main street is called Avenida Brasil which has many retail stores if you want to do a bit of shopping.
Parque das Aves (literally 'Bird Park') is a sanctuary for birds of the Atlantic Rainforest. It is currently open every day from 8:30am to 4:30pm. This is the most visited attraction in Foz do Iguaçu after the Falls.
Address: Avenida das Cataratas, BR-469, Km 17.1 – Foz do Iguaçu
You can visit the Buddhist Temple which has a view of the centre of Foz do Iguaçu. The grounds have over 120 statues, the tallest being 7m (23 feet) high. Entrance is free and there are tours available that last an hour. The temple is closed on Mondays.
Address: Rua Dr. Josivalter Vila Nova, 99 – Foz do Iguaçu
The Omar Ibn Al-Khattab mosque , the largest in Latin America, can also be found in the city.
From Foz do Iguaçu you can visit the Three Borders Landmark where the borders of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay come together.
October is the month with the most rainfall.
Random Fact
In 2005 a proposal was made to change the name of the city to Foz do Iguassu (its original name at the city's founding in 1914). In the first debate the proposal was approved but then rejected in the second debate at the Town Hall.
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