What does the Iguazu Falls look like? There are as many shapes as there are eyes willing to see

 

Not easy to photograph the 275-cataract-strong Iguassu Falls

 Click on all photos to enlarge

What shape is this by the way? Iguaçu National Park Photo

"It is misleading to say that the Iguaçu Falls have the shape of an inverted "U" with a left leg much shorter than the right one. The left side of this "U" corresponds to  what is conventionally called the Brazilian Side or Brazilian Falls.  Some say the format is an inverted "J". In fact, if you have the chance to take a closer look, preferably aboard a helicopter you will see that the figure is much more complex than a simple "U" letter. It might be a "U" with many internal ramifications. Likewise, it has little to do with the inverted "J" figure" (Transcript of a paragraph of my book being translated to or rewritten in English. Portuguese name: 7 Arcos 3 Degraus - Tudo que você ainda não sabe sobre as Cataratas do Iguaçu. Kindle Edition)

The photos below were taken from a boat that take tourists way up the Iguassu River Canyon all the way to Cascading waterfalls. They show that seen from "inside" the falls, there a multiple ways to see the Falls's structure and "design". Design?    

From this point in the "Iguaszu Canal", on the Argentinean side, both Brazilian and Agentinean boats take a break before pointing their nose into the canyon for a "waterfall shower". Having "San Martin Island right ahead, you have the impression that the falls runs a straight line behind the Island, sort of, spanning the whole length of the Falls from Devil's Throat getting out of sight of those on the boat on its way to the Upper Trails lookout points.   

Amy Winehouse Falls at Iguazu Falls in Argentina seen from Brazil: a Tribute

Amy Winehouse 
(If you own this photo, please let me know if I can keep it here, authorize or suggest a another)

In 2018 I was doing research work in order to write a book about the Iguassu / Iguazu Falls in of all its seven dimensions. It was almost evening, one day, nearly twilight, and it was already dark. I looked across the Falls over the canyon and as always before me there was that huge mass of "Many Waters".

But at that moment, a solitary cascade captured the whole attention of my field of vision. I could just see it. I looked at it (the cascade), smiled back and said: Hi, Amy Winehouse. Then I spent time staring at the thin, long cascade  so that its image glued on to my retina and to make sure that I would never be confused about its location among the hundreds even during flooding times.

Out of this world: floating on the Upper Iguassu River before it plunges down

Calm smooth water surrounded by hundreds of powerful "saltos" falls or cascades

 After seeing the Iguassu Falls from the Brazilian side, out of the official trail, venturing into the canyon of the Iguassu River on board one of the boats of  Macuco Safari, seeing the Falls from all angles from the Argentine side, such as the Upper Circuit, the Lower Circuit, Devil's Throat there are still possibilities for surprises at the Iguassu Falls. How? There is a tour called "Paseo Ecológico" formerly called "Floating Iguazú" that offers an opportunity to enjoy the Iguassu River before it plunges into the canyon below. "It's a tour for contemplation," warns the gentleman who sells tickets for the tour.