Iguaçu National Park marks 87 years this Saturday

Iguaçu National Park turns 87 on Jan 10 with a fair, music, workshops, exhibitions and an outdoor yoga class with prior registration.

Iguaçu National Park celebrates its 87th anniversary this Saturday, January 10. To mark the date, visitors can join educational activities, wellness experiences and nature-focused programming. The schedule was designed by ICMBio, concessionaire Urbia+Cataratas and Hotel das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel.

The program runs throughout the day and is open to visitors. Most activities gather at the Visitor Center, following the extended high-season hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Before or after the main tour, guests can enjoy the Park Fair, face painting, live music, an interactive panel and the “Postcards of the Park” watercolor exhibition.

Visitor Center highlights

At the Visitor Center, the experiences connect local culture with the park visit. In addition, the public can move between activities at their own pace. The goal is to expand how people experience Iguaçu with options for adults and children.

Porto Canoas and Usina area

At Porto Canoas, DJ Fê Santana presents “Brasilidades em Vinil,” alongside face painting and the “Postcards of the Park” watercolor workshop. The Usina area, accessed via the São João Circuit, also hosts painting workshops. All activities are included in the park admission, at no extra cost.

Escola Parque becomes a living hub

As part of the anniversary, the historic Escola Parque building—once the school for residents of Iguaçu National Park—will be active all day. The space is designed for meeting, learning, contemplation and exchange with the public. To reach it, visitors can get off at the first stop of the internal transport.

Continuous exhibits will explore the park’s history, featuring archaeological collections and the newest paleontological set, “Megafauna Iguaçuense.” The display brings together records of extinct animals that lived in the region thousands of years ago. This approach links heritage and science in one visit.

For younger visitors, Escola Parque offers environmental education activities with collages, painting and cutouts. The sessions address Atlantic Forest conservation and the role of native species in a playful format. As a result, learning becomes part of the celebration.

The site also hosts presentations from the Long-Term Ecological Research Program (PELD). The talks highlight ongoing scientific studies in Iguaçu National Park. In addition, they encourage dialogue with students, researchers and visitors interested in conservation science.

Another featured activity is “Frutos do Iguaçu,” focused on how native fruits support biodiversity and local value chains tied to the Atlantic Forest. The proposal is open and dynamic, with refreshing actions throughout the day. It also connects nature knowledge with everyday flavors.

Art joins the program through the “Entre Fios e Florestas” exhibition. The String Art show offers a sensitive, educational view from an environmental manager who works in the park. The pieces address sustainability, environmental issues and fieldwork experiences.

Onças do Iguaçu at Toca da Onça

The Onças do Iguaçu Project invites the public to reflect on the conservation of the jaguar, a symbol of Brazilian wildlife. Activities take place at Toca da Onça, next to Escola Parque, with an exhibit, face painting, drawings and educational games. The program aims to combine wonder with awareness.

Outdoor yoga at Hotel das Cataratas

Hotel das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel, will host a nature-based wellness experience on Saturday. The schedule includes an outdoor yoga class at 9 a.m., open to the public with prior registration. The invitation extends to guests, local residents and visitors.

Registration is available until Thursday, January 8, at: https://forms.office.com/e/drk8pNpWP0. During the session, participants can enjoy a station of natural juices made with native Atlantic Forest fruits. The action was developed in partnership with the “Frutos do Iguaçu” project.

The initiative also highlights regional biodiversity and supports family farming around the park. In this way, it showcases forest flavors while encouraging mindful celebration. The anniversary agenda begins on Friday, January 9, with partners and invited guests.

Tickets and community discount

To avoid lines, visitors are encouraged to buy tickets in advance on the official website: cataratasdoiguacu.com.br. Arriving at 8 a.m., the first entry slot, helps ensure a calmer visit. It also makes it easier to enjoy the anniversary activities right away.

Residents of 14 neighboring municipalities receive 80% off with the community pass, upon presenting proof of residence. Required documents and ticket purchase are available at: https://cataratasdoiguacu.com.br/ajuda-e-cuidados/passe-comunidade/.

Service — 87 years of Iguaçu National Park

Date: January 10

Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Open program at the Visitor Center, Porto Canoas, Usina area and Escola Parque

Yoga class: 9 a.m., at Hotel das Cataratas, with prior registration

Advance tickets: cataratasdoiguacu.com.br