New attraction from Grupo Cataratas, which also operates AquaRio, will have more than 300 species and experiences that connect tourism, education and environmental conservation

In the second half of 2025, Foz do Iguaçu will gain one of the largest aquariums in Brazil. With 13,000 m² of built area, 28 enclosures and more than 300 species, AquaFoz will be opened in front of Iguaçu National Park, bringing together tourism, education and environmental conservation in an immersive experience about fresh and saltwater ecosystems.

The project, developed by Grupo Cataratas, proposes a journey through the trajectory of waters — from the Iguaçu and Paraná rivers to the ocean —, combining biodiversity, scientific research and incentives for the conservation of natural resources. This is how AquaFoz takes shape: where the life of the rivers meets the strength of the ocean and each visitor becomes a guardian of the planet.

The largest sustainable tourism operator in the country and founded 25 years ago in Foz do Iguaçu, Grupo Cataratas is responsible for managing eight parks and attractions in Brazil, including AquaRio, Iguaçu National Park (Urbia + Cataratas), and Marco das Três Fronteiras. Since its founding in 1999, it has operated experiences that combine conservation, education, and tourism.

Large-scale structure and immersive experiences

AquaFoz will have a total of 3.3 million liters of water, 750 meters of visiting circuit, distributed over three floors that reproduce the natural path of the waters. The experience begins in freshwater environments — such as the Iguaçu and Paraná rivers and the flooded forest —, continues along the great Amazon rivers and ends in marine ecosystems, where one of the attraction’s highlights is located: an ocean tank with 2 million liters of water, the second largest in Brazil. The largest belongs to AquaRio, also operated by Grupo Cataratas, with 3.5 million liters of water.

The tank is equipped with acrylic panels that are five meters high, 11 meters wide and 19 centimeters thick, each weighing 13 tons. The installation required a large-scale logistical operation, which involved transporting the structures from the Port of São Francisco do Sul (SC) and using the largest cranes in the region.

Education, science and conservation at the center of the experience

More than entertainment, AquaFoz was created with the proposal of being a center for education, science and conservation. In the scientific area, the project maintains partnerships with institutions such as Itaipu Binacional, Fiocruz, UEPG, UNILA and UNIOESTE, among others. The actions include research, species management and water quality monitoring, with a special focus on the conservation of endangered species that inhabit the Iguaçu and Paraná rivers.

A reference in Brazil: AquaRio and AquaFoz

The Cataratas Group has a solid track record in operating large-scale aquariums, and is responsible for AquaRio, the largest marine aquarium in South America. Located in Rio de Janeiro, the space holds more than 4.5 million liters of water, is home to around 350 species and has established itself as a reference in education, conservation and sustainable tourism, receiving millions of visitors since its inauguration.

Purpose-driven tourism and generating a positive impact

The expectation is that the attraction will become a new landmark in tourism in Foz do Iguaçu and Brazil, strengthening integration with other attractions in the city. The operation is expected to generate around 400 direct and indirect jobs in the first year.

The goal is to attract a broad and diverse audience, offering an experience that combines enchantment, knowledge and reflection on the challenges of conserving aquatic life.