The National Iguazu Falls Half Marathon is more than a race; it’s a raw encounter with one of South America's most formidable spectacles. Set in Puerto Iguazú, Misiones Province, this 21-kilometer course courses through the lush subtropical forest that hums with life and edges dangerously close to the roaring falls themselves. The route tests your endurance while immersing you in an environment that’s fiercely alive, where the spray from falls dares runners to press forward and the jungle trails challenge footing with roots and humidity alike.

Starting near the town center, the path winds through well-maintained dirt trails, punctuated by occasional paved stretches. It climbs gently, accumulating around 120 meters in elevation gain, enough to raise your heartbeat against the backdrop of cascading water and dense greenery. The terrain is a mix of packed earth, forest pathways, and low hill ascents, demanding sturdy shoes with strong grip and breathable fabrics to manage the damp heat.

The sound of the Iguazu River, a loud and insistent force, accompanies you, pushing you to synchronize your rhythm with the natural world’s pulse. Along the route, towering trees stretch skyward, leaves filtering the sun and dropping splashes of light and shadow across runners’ paths. The fresh, earthy scent mingles with mist from the falls, marking every kilometer with sensory hits that refuse to let you forget the power of the place.

Timing is key. The mid-year event fits within the cooler, drier shoulder seasons of April to June, where humidity eases just enough and the forest’s green deepens without overwhelming heat. Hydration stations pepper the race, but come prepared with your own water supply system; the tropical climate pushes sweat rates higher than you might expect.

For first-timers and skilled athletes alike, pacing through the half marathon requires respect for the terrain and the weather. Slow and steady wins the day here—not just because of the distance, but because the course rewards focus and adaptability. Keep a close eye on footing and listen to your body as it negotiates the interplay of forest, hill, and river mist.

Post-race, Puerto Iguazú offers a practical base with plenty of recovery options: local eateries serve up hearty Misiones cuisine rich in flavors from regional ingredients, and plenty of lodging caters to runners seeking comfort after the exertion. The town’s friendly vibe makes it a natural place to regroup and reflect on an experience that’s as much about endurance as it is about respect for a landscape that lives and breathes as vividly as any competitor.

Planning your participation in the National Iguazu Falls Half Marathon means packing for more than a race. Prepare for a test where every step is shared with a commanding natural force—one that invites you to move forward but demands acknowledgement of its powerful presence. This is running with nature, as practical as it is thrilling.