How to Pronounce Foz do Iguaçu

Meaning and Context

Foz do Iguaçu is a major city in the westernmost region of the Brazilian state of Paraná, internationally renowned as the primary urban gateway to the majestic Iguazu Falls (Cataratas do Iguaçu). This natural wonder, a UNESCO World Heritage Site declared in 1986, straddles the border between Brazil and Argentina, making Foz do Iguaçu a cornerstone of the tri-border area with Paraguay and Argentina. The city's economy and identity are intrinsically linked to tourism in Brazil, with millions of visitors annually arriving to witness the powerful cascade of hundreds of waterfalls amidst the lush subtropical rainforest of Paraná state. Beyond the falls, key attractions include the massive Itaipu Dam, one of the world's largest hydroelectric projects, and the Parque das Aves (Bird Park), a renowned conservation facility. Its unique geopolitical position also establishes Foz do Iguaçu as a vital hub for commerce and cultural exchange in South America, offering easy access to Ciudad del Este in Paraguay and Puerto Iguazú in Argentina.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary term "Foz do Iguaçu" follows standard Portuguese orthography and is the correct, official spelling. Common misspellings and variations often arise from attempts at phonetic spelling in English or confusion with the Spanish name for the falls. Frequent errors include "Foz do Iguacu" (omitting the cedilla on the 'c'), "Foz de Iguaçu" (using 'de' instead of the correct preposition 'do'), and "Foz do Iguazu" (using the Spanish 'z' for the Portuguese 'ç'). The Spanish-language equivalent for the city is "Foz do Iguazú," though this is less common. Typos such as "Foz do Iguassu" or "Iguaçu Falls" (referring correctly to the falls but misspelling the city) are also encountered. It is important to note that "Iguazu Falls" is the common English term for the waterfalls, while "Foz do Iguaçu" refers specifically to the Brazilian city.

Example Sentences

No trip to southern Brazil is complete without spending several days in Foz do Iguaçu to fully experience the power of the waterfalls and the engineering marvel of Itaipu Dam.

Many travelers use Foz do Iguaçu as a base to visit both the Brazilian and Argentine sides of the Iguazu Falls in the same trip.

The vibrant energy of Foz do Iguaçu extends beyond its natural wonders, with a diverse culinary scene reflecting its tri-border culture.

Due to its location, tourists in Foz do Iguaçu often take a short taxi ride to visit the bustling shopping districts of Ciudad del Este, Paraguay.

The local airport in Foz do Iguaçu receives direct flights from major Brazilian cities, making it a highly accessible destination.

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