Of all the reasons to travel with kids, one of my favorites is to encourage their natural sense of wonder. Few places in the world are as awe-inspiring as Iguazu Falls, one of the new Seven Wonders of Nature on the border of Brazil and Argentina.

Foz do Iguacu, Brazil is the perfect spot to dip your toes into the fascinating world of South America. It's a family-centric city that welcomes tourists with open arms.

Pack your suitcases and get your passports in order. I'm about to show you how to plan your trip to Iguazu Falls from beginning to end, and why it's the perfect international destination to visit with kids.

How to Get There

Brazil is more accessible than ever with the new e-visa process. You no longer have to drag your children to the nearest Brazilian Consulate and it doesn't cost a fortune to obtain. Simply fill out the application on the website and pay $40 per person, wait a few days and you should be ready to go.

The best way to reach the falls is to fly through the Rio airport and take a connecting flight to Foz do Iguacu International Airport. RIOgaleo International Airport is a perfect spot for a layover with excellent restaurants, lots of duty-free shopping and beautiful VIP lounges where you can shower and charge your electronics before your next flight.

Where to Stay

A great area to stay if you want to visit Iguazu Falls with your kids is the city of Foz do Iguacu. It's certainly a popular spot for tourists, but it's also refreshingly residential. The city itself is picturesque and easy to navigate via buses, taxis and hotel shuttle.

I've found that whenever I travel with my kids, it's important to have amenities like a kitchenette for saving money on food, and a pool so the kids can expend their energy. The Wyndham Golden in Foz do Iguacu has just that with lovely apartment-style rooms where families can spread out and make themselves at home.

Ways to See the Falls

Naturally, the highlight of your trip will be Iguazu Falls itself. There are various ways to see the falls, each with their own advantages. You can try one or all of the options depending on your family's budget and length of your visit.

First of all, you can enter Iguacu National Park and take the Cataratas Hiking Trail for a mile-long path with various lookout points to view the falls. Once you reach the end of the trail, you'll be treated to an up-close look at Iguazu in all its glory.

You can get close enough to feel a light misting from the waterfalls if you take the boardwalk all the way to the end. It's crowded with tourists jockeying for photos and selfies, so keep that in mind if you have really young kids.

Another way to see the falls is via boat on the Macuco Safari. Start by riding a vehicle a short way down the path, then walk a short distance while admiring the flora and fauna of the jungle. You'll end at the waterfront where you get ready to board a boat.

Once there, your group can decide if they want to take the wet or the dry boat. The wet option will take you near enough to the falls to get the entire group completely soaked, so make sure you're wearing comfortable clothing or even swimwear.

If you choose the dry option you won't need a change of clothes, as the boat stops far enough away to prevent you from getting wet.

In my opinion, the most majestic way to view Iguazu Falls is from the air. You can book a scenic helicopter tour over the falls with Helisul. There are 10-minute flight and 30-minute flight options. It's a bit of a splurge, but a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get the full panoramic view of one of the Wonders of the World.

What to do in Foz do Iguazu

Besides visiting Iguazu Falls, there is actually quite a bit to do in the area. If your kids are a little older, start with outdoor adventures by hiking or biking the Poco Preto Trail with the Macuco jungle tour, which ends with a boat ride to Porto Canoas. You can also try your hand at kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding with Aguaray Eco Sports on the beautiful Iguazu River between Brazil and Argentine.

Kids will love the Bird Park (Parque Das Aves) where you can view exotic birds and reptiles. Pay a little extra for the backstage tour and your kids can feed flamingoes, scarlet ibises and toucans. The park's focus on conservation is a major draw, as well as the ability to interact with the wildlife.

For a more in-depth look at the local culture and lifestyle, take a tour of Itaipu Binacional, a hydroelectric dam on the border of Brazil and Paraguay. You'll learn a lot about the relations between the two countries and how the plant affects life in Foz do Iguazu. Kids will be impressed by the impressive size of the plant as well as the views of the Parana River.

Definitely reserve an afternoon for a visit to the Three Borders Landmark where you can see the shores of Argentina and Paraguay, and each country's obelisk represents the colors of their flag. The Three Borders Landmark has a playground for kids as well as a small caf�� where you can grab snacks or hot chocolate.

There's no more enlightening cultural experience than Brazilian Food Tales with Chef Fabio del Antonio at Chef's House (Casa do Chef). He prepares a six-course meal while sharing the history and stories behind Brazil's most popular dishes.

The food is amazing, yes, but it's Chef Fabio's personal touch and passion that make this experience worthwhile. It's only open for private parties, though, so make your reservation ahead of time!

For those itching to grab a few extra stamps on their passport, it's quite easy to cross the border into Argentina and Paraguay to spend a few hours shopping and sampling local cuisine in the nearby towns.

Iguazu is not just one of the Seven Wonders of the World, but a place where your family can come together to experience the beauty of nature and learn about a warm and wonderful culture.

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