Iguaçu National Park sees record September tourism and wildlife alerts

Iguaçu National Park recorded its highest September visitation in history, welcoming 186,906 visitors from 124 different nationalities. This record was driven largely by the Brazilian Independence Day holiday, with a single-day peak of 15,942 tourists on September 6.

While tourism reaches record levels, the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio) has issued a safety alert regarding increased snake sightings on park trails and cycle paths. The agency noted that rising temperatures and the start of the species' breeding season have made sightings of both venomous and non-venomous snakes more frequent.

ICMBio advises visitors to maintain distance from wildlife and avoid sudden movements. The park's management, Urbia+Cataratas, provides technical support for animal handling, and the park's visitor center is equipped to provide first aid and facilitate access to antivenom through the Unified Health System (SUS).