Parque das Aves

Located just before the entrance to Parque Nacional do Iguaçu [1], the Parque das Aves (Rodovia das Cataratas Km 17, tel. 45/3529-8282, www.parquedasaves.com.br [2], 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. daily, R$16) boasts a colorful collection of more than 900 types of tropical birds (most of them from Brazil [3] and many of them quite rare) that are housed in enormous walk-in aviaries within the forest.

The vision of so many specimens of parrots, toucans, and parakeets (as well as butterflies) is quite amazing. Many of the birds’ feathers appear to have been painted by a color-mad artist, and the accompanying soundtrack is worthy of a Hollywood jungle movie.

Parque das Aves has a gift shop and restaurant on the premises.