Waterfalls with exceptional flow: what to expect this week

The measurement of 16,997 m³/s (level 534 cm) indicates that the river is exceptionally above the historic average of 1,500 m³/s, that is, about 11.3 times more water passing the Falls. This flow is among the top 5% of values ever recorded in the Guia 3 series, which began in June 2026, and exceeds by 2.6 times the 6,500 m³/s limit that usually leads the Argentine park to close the Garganta del Diablo preemptively.

During such intense floods, the park may close only the final section of the walkway for safety, while the viewpoints remain open. The water takes on a brown hue due to rain-sediment in the basin, but this does not indicate dirt. The current corresponds to roughly 6.8 Olympic-size swimming pools per second, or 1,700 water-truck loads per second, and in about 3 seconds equals the daily water consumption of the entire population of Foz do Iguaçu (285 thousand residents).

The upward trend (+53.7% in roughly 7 days) shows that the flow may stay high throughout the week. It is recommended to check the circuit status on the official waterfalls website before heading out, as the decision to close the walkway is announced on the day.

What this means for you:

• Be prepared to see the falls with record-breaking volume, which creates impressive photos but may also cause longer lines in the open areas.
• Bring waterproof clothing and appropriate shoes, as the spray from the falls will be stronger.
• Check the walkway status at /cataratas-hoje before planning your visit time, and consider arriving early to ensure access to the still-open viewpoints.

Read also: What is the best time to see the Iguaçu Falls?