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Iguassu Falls are famously shared between three nations: Brazil, Argentina and tiny Paraguay (which doesn't actually claim any part of the primary falls, only the rivers). Though the actual Tripitarte, or triple border, lies unmarked at the deepest part of the confluence of the Iguazu and Parana rivers, all three nations have erected monuments—built around obelisks painted patriotically with the colors of their respective flags—overlooking the spot.

Originally erected in 1903, the memorials are built around three simple cement obelisks, painted in the patriotic colors of the three respective flags. The view is nice, and all three monuments are surrounded with vendors selling snacks and souvenirs. The Argentine landmark has the distinction of being the easiest to visit, a pleasant walk from the city center along the riverfront.

Three Borders Landmark (Marco das Tres Fronteiras)

Iguacu Falls is not the only natural wonder in this amazing neighborhood. Just 10km (6mi) from Foz do Iguacu, massive Itaipu Dam was, until recently, the world's largest man made structure (since eclipsed by China's Three Gorges Dam) and is still the world's most productive hydroelectric facility. 

The dam is considered one of the World's Seven Modern Wonders, clocking in at 7.2km (4.5mi) long, 65 stories high, with a maximum flow more than 40 times that of Iguacu Falls on a good day. 

In fact, Itaipu marks the spot where an almost equally epic cascade was once the centerpiece of Guaira Falls National Park. The "Seven Falls of Guaira" (actually 18 cascades on the Parana River, gushing twice as much water as Niagara Falls) were drowned in 1982 when the dam was under construction. 

The national park was dissolved, the cliffs dynamited underwater to ensure safer navigation on the new reservoir, and today Itaipu produces more than 20% of Brazil's electricity.

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