Parque das Aves is one of the best places in South America to see tropical birds up close. The park sits beside the road to the Brazilian falls, in a patch of Atlantic rainforest, and its trails lead through large walk-in aviaries where scarlet macaws, toucans, hornbills and colourful tanagers fly or perch within reach. Many of the birds were rescued from the illegal pet trade or injured in the wild, and the park supports breeding and conservation work. Separate enclosures hold harpy eagles, owls and flamingos, a butterfly house flutters with Atlantic forest species, and the reptile area has caiman and snakes. The paths are shaded, mostly flat and signed in several languages, so it works for all ages. Most visitors spend about two hours here, with extra time for the photo opportunities, the feeding times and a drink at the cafe. Opening hours have followed the season, so check the latest times before you set out.
There is an unusual rhythm to the visit. You walk past a succession of aviaries, each with an airlock-style double door to keep birds in, and the biggest ones let you wander among free-flying birds. Early in the day the birds are most active, and the toucans and macaws are especially photogenic in morning light. Bring a zoom lens if you have one, though the best photographs come from patience and low voices rather than from long glass.
The park lies on the road to the falls, so it fits easily into a Brazilian-side day. A common plan is the falls trail in the morning, then lunch and the bird park, or the bird park first in the cooler hours and the falls in the afternoon when the light is better. In 2026 the park advertised opening from about half past eight in the morning to the late afternoon, with later closing for some activities; confirm the time before you travel, because hours have been changed during the year.
The Viator ticket linked here is a general admission product with strong reviews, and it suits independent travelers who are arriving by taxi or bus. Tickets are also sold at the gate and on the park's own website. Children love it, but the paths include some stairs, and the humid forest air can feel warm, so bring water and insect repellent. It is a calming counterpoint to the roar of the falls, and one of the few attractions in the region that works comfortably in rain.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided walk on shaded paths through large aviaries, a butterfly house and enclosures for raptors, flamingos and reptiles.
Best time
Go early when the birds are most active and the paths are cool, or choose it as a shady rest after the falls.
How long
Around two hours, plus time for the feeding shows and the cafe.
Tips
Bring insect repellent, water and a camera with a good low-light setting, and speak softly in the aviaries.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families, bird lovers and anyone who wants an easy, shady break from the falls.
- Families
- One of the best family stops in the region, with colourful birds at eye level and plenty of space to move.
- Couples
- A gentle, photogenic hour or two, ideal on a hot afternoon.
- Pair with
- The Brazilian falls trail, Macuco Safari or a helicopter flight, all within a few minutes.
- Time needed
- Two hours.
Good questions
Where is Parque das Aves?+
On the road to the Brazilian entrance of Iguaçu National Park, a short distance before the park gate, so it is easy to combine with the falls.
How long does a visit take?+
Plan on about two hours, a little longer with the butterfly house and the cafe.
Can I touch the birds?+
The park encourages close views but asks visitors not to touch or feed the birds, and staff supervise the aviaries.
Is it open in rain?+
Yes, the paths are shaded and many sections have covers, so it is a good wet-weather option.
What are the opening hours?+
A February 2026 notice gave hours of about 8:30 to 17:00, with some activities closing later. Hours have changed through the year, so confirm before you go.
