Foz do Iguacu

Description

Foz do Iguaçu is the seventh largest city in Paraná state; located on the border between Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, and is one of the most important tourist centers in the whole of Brazil. It is mostly frequented by Brazilians and Argentines, as well as Canadians, Americans, British, Germans, Italians, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Korean, Japanese and Chinese tourists. The city is home to the world renowned Iguaçu Falls and the Iguaçu National Park as well as the famous Itaipu hydro-electric station. Foz do Iguaçu is home to a relatively large minority of Muslims, therefore Muslim tourists will be able to find certain Muslim-friendly facilities, including Halal restaurants and mosques in Foz do Iguaçu.

Although Foz do Iguaçu has numerous places of interest, Iguaçu Falls and the Iguaçu National Park, are its star attractions. Iguaçu Falls are the large and impressive waterfalls of the Iguazu River, located on the border of Misiones, an Argentinean province and Paraná, a Brazilian state. The falls are shared by the Iguazú National Park; which is located in Argentina and Iguaçu National Park; located in Brazil. Both these parks were given the title of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They are home to an array of rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. There are several ways for visitors to see the natural attractions in this unique area. Visitors can make use of the numerous trails and viewpoints, and they can also take a boat ride to the bottom of the falls, conducted by Macuco Safari. Another way to observe this magnificent area and to get a bird's-eye view is to take an exhilarating helicopter ride. Those interested can catch a small ferry which will take them to a beach in the center of the river, after hiking to the bottom of the falls. This area is ideal for swimming, so take along a change of clothes!

The Parque das Aves is located quite close to the entrance of the falls and is definitely a must-visit. It is home to huge aviaries where visitors will be able to view toucans, macaws, hummingbirds and other exotic birds. There is also a butterfly and a section for other animals like; anacondas and alligators. It is considered an ecological sanctuary that is dedicated to wildlife education, conservation and research, and is the ideal family-friendly activity.

Visitors to Foz do Iguaçu will also get to experience a plethora of outdoor activates that include; canopy walking, rappel, swimming, trekking, climbing, rafting and more. There are also numerous shopping areas for those interested.

Nearby Airports

The nearest airport that serves Foz do Iguaçu is Foz do Iguaçu/Cataratas International Airport; which is located approximately 13 kilometres from is Foz do Iguaçu’s city center. This is quite an important airport as it facilitates the connection of the city with many destinations inside and outside Brazil, and has both; domestic and international services.

Halal Restaurants

There is one known Halal restaurants in Foz do Iguaçu, namely; Castelo Libanes. It is said to be a Muslim owned restaurant that serves delicious and authentic Lebanese food.

Muslim visitors can also dine on vegetarian or seafood dishes from local non-Halal restaurants after ensuring that the dishes do not consist of any non-Halal items. Because Foz do Iguaçu has a sizeable Muslim population, Muslim tourists may be able to obtain more information on the availability of Halal food in the area, at the local mosque. Muslim visitors must also be aware that most restaurants in Curitiba also serve alcohol.

Mosques

Foz do Iguaçu has quite a popular mosque that has become a landmark and a prominent tourist attraction. This mosque, namely the Omar Ibn Al-Khattab mosque, in Foz was inspired by the architecture of the Al Akssa mosque and is the largest in Latin America. However, because it is not easy to locate other mosques in the city, Muslim tourists are advised to pray in their hotel room before setting out on any excursion, if possible.

Things to Do and See in Foz do Iguaçu

• Iguaçu Falls
• Marco das Três Fronteiras
• Parque das Aves
• Itaipu Power Plant and Dam
• Iguaçu National Park
• Numerous outdoor activities