Countless travelers are drawn to Iguassu Falls by its spectacular waterfalls, which connect Brazil and Argentina. However, the region’s natural story extends far beyond the cascading waters and mist that surround its most iconic landmark.
Beneath the surface of its rivers lies another world rich in biodiversity, which visitors can discover at AquaFoz, an aquarium dedicated to aquatic life, environmental education, and conservation.
AquaFoz offers a different perspective on the destination. Rather than focusing solely on the breathtaking landscapes for which Foz do Iguaçu is known, the attraction invites visitors to follow the journey of water through different ecosystems, from freshwater rivers to the ocean.
With 23,000 square meters of built area and 3.3 million liters of water, AquaFoz showcases approximately 300 species in an immersive experience spread across three floors. Located along Cataratas Avenue, near the entrance to Iguaçu National Park and next to Parque das Aves, the aquarium brings together tourism, education, and biodiversity conservation.
A Journey from Rivers to the Ocean
Water is the central element of the AquaFoz experience. Throughout its immersive environments, visitors encounter species associated with the Iguaçu and Paraná rivers, as well as freshwater animals from other Brazilian ecosystems and marine species.
The area dedicated to the Iguaçu River introduces visitors to the biodiversity found along different stretches of the river, highlighting how aquatic communities vary along its course. The Paraná River environment expands this perspective, showcasing additional freshwater species and highlighting the ecological importance of one of South America’s major river systems.
Further along, Amazon-inspired environments and marine galleries introduce visitors to an even wider variety of aquatic life. Together, these spaces offer an opportunity to understand Brazil’s aquatic diversity, particularly that of Foz do Iguaçu, as a network of interconnected habitats rather than simply a collection of isolated species.
Among the species visitors can discover are the Iguaçu surubim catfish, the dourado, and freshwater stingrays, alongside animals from Amazonian and marine environments. This diversity allows visitors to observe species up close that may not be easily spotted in their natural habitats.
A Unique Way to Experience Nature
AquaFoz also reflects a broader approach to nature-based tourism, in which attractions can combine entertainment with opportunities to learn about the natural world.
The aquarium features educational environments and interactive resources designed to introduce visitors to different aquatic ecosystems. Its mission also includes scientific research, environmental education, and initiatives focused on biodiversity conservation, connecting the visitor experience to a broader discussion about the importance of protecting natural habitats.
Among the initiatives supported by AquaFoz are research projects focused on biodiversity in the Floriano River basin, the impacts of microplastics on rivers, and the conservation of the Iguaçu surubim catfish, a species native to the Iguaçu River basin. These initiatives connect tourism with scientific knowledge and efforts to conserve aquatic environments.
Rather than experiencing nature exclusively through scenic viewpoints and outdoor excursions, visitors can explore the ecological relationships that help shape the landscapes around them. The experience encompasses not only the waterfalls but also the surrounding natural environment, from the rivers that shape the region to the wildlife sustained by their waters.