Have you ever come upon a waterfall that is renowned for its length rather than its height? Everyone knows the most popular waterfall in Argentina, which is Iguazu Falls. But very few people know about Mocona Falls, which takes the crown as the most unique waterfall in Argentina.
Moconá Falls is also recognized as Yucuma Falls, and it is located in the Uruguay River, in the province of Misiones, Argentina. It is located 337 kilometers from the city of Posadas and 322 kilometers from Iguazu Falls. Moconá’s fall does not follow the normal downward and forward trajectory that most waterfalls do.
In its place, it runs along the length of the river, with water spilling off the side into a gorge. This is about a three-kilometer-long waterfall and probably the only waterfall in the world to run parallel to the river rather than perpendicular.
The Guarani people who lived here gave the region the name “Great Moconá Falls,” or simply Moconá Falls as they are most often known. The name Moconá means “to swallow everything” in the Guarani language and is used mostly in Argentina. Yucuma means “the big fall” and is popular in Brazil.
The Uruguay River acts as a natural border between Brazil and Argentina, and this exclusive geological feature is shared by both countries. A strange feature of the Uruguay River is the presence of a submerged canyon or trench at the bottom of the river channel. It is well believed that the canyon formed during the Ice Age, when the climate was drier and the river was narrower, up to 100 meters deep and 15 to 30% of the width of the river. The canyon is only visible in two places, one of which is Moconá Falls.
Normally, Mocona Falls itself is not visible for 150 days a year. After some time, the falls become more like rapids. When the water level becomes low and falls below the edge of the canyon, it begins spilling into the now-exposed canyon and forms Mocona Falls. The Uruguay River’s dragging water volume is the primary factor affecting the waterfall’s five- to seven-meter height. Therefore, the width of the waterfall also varies entirely depending on the volume of water, ranging between 1,800 meters and 3,000 meters wide.
Most importantly, the area where Mocona Falls is located is considered a provincial park, which includes the Yabotí Biosphere Reserve. Myriad lodges have been settled down in the area, which provides accommodation for visitors in search of water activities such as rubber boat rafting, canoe outings, kayaking, and safaris along the river and creeks around this wetland.
Seeing Mocona Falls requires certain conditions, such as the creek that feeds into the Uruguay River being low enough for boats to get in to reach the dock; the depth of the water will also affect how much of the falls you really see, as these falls are renowned for their length rather than their height. Having visibility depends on the water level, which varies from day to day, so seeing these falls is never guaranteed. The falls are amazing, but the trip there is just as exciting as the final destination.
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