Jakarta, ThedailyID — Iguazu Falls, on the border between Argentina and Brazil, has temporarily restricted tourist access after heavy rainfall caused the Iguazu River’s flow to surge. The disruption comes amid concerns about El Niño’s influence on rainfall patterns across parts of South America.
On Monday, October 12, Argentina’s Iguazu National Park restricted visitor access after river flow exceeded 12,000 cubic meters per second. That figure was more than six times the usual rate of 1,500 to 1,800 cubic meters per second.
“Temporary restrictions have been imposed on visitor movement and access to areas designated for public use,” the national park said in a statement to Buenos Aires Times on Monday.
Park director José María Hervás said the restrictions were a precaution because rain continued to fall. In addition, water releases from upstream dams had yet to decline.
However, access restrictions have changed as river conditions evolved. A report on October 13 said some tourist routes remained closed because water levels were still high.
Iguazu Falls is one of the world’s largest and best-known waterfall systems. It stretches approximately 2,700 meters along the Argentina-Brazil border and attracts visitors from around the world.
Meanwhile, the Devil’s Throat circuit on the Argentine side had already been closed since August 3, 2026. The route is one of the area’s main attractions, bringing visitors close to the falls.
Other sections of the national park had remained open before the latest restrictions. Nevertheless, access to trails and viewing areas can change depending on river conditions and safety assessments.
This is not the first time rising water levels have disrupted tourism at Iguazu Falls. Parts of the Argentine park also closed in 2023 and 2024 because of flooding linked to El Niño episodes.
El Niño originates in the equatorial Pacific Ocean and can alter wind patterns and rainfall across the world. In parts of South America, it can increase the likelihood of above-average rainfall.
In September 2026, park officials warned that El Niño could bring wetter and more unpredictable conditions to parts of southern South America. However, the phenomenon does not mean Iguazu Falls will remain flooded or closed throughout 2026 and 2027.
Argentina’s National Meteorological Service (SMN) has also warned of a higher chance of above-normal rainfall during El Niño’s warm phase.
“In Argentina, during the warm phase, or El Niño, the likelihood of above-normal rainfall increases in coastal areas, with episodes of heavy rain occurring more frequently,” the agency said.
The SMN has urged people to prepare for extreme weather. Potential hazards include severe storms, hail, strong winds, and large amounts of rainfall within just a few hours.
