For many years, seven landmarks have stood as examples of the earth’s finest natural wonders. Now, as the Great Barrier Reef continues to bleach due to climate change, and other symbols lose their luster and ecological significance, a new campaign seeks to nominate the next democratically elected seven wonders of nature.

Only recently, the Iguazú Falls were selected as a finalist for the New 7 Wonders campaign, representing the countries of Argentina and Brazil. To celebrate this achievement, the Iguazú Grand Resort, Spa & Casino was chosen to host the press conference showcasing the natural landmark as a hopeful finalist for the New 7 Wonders contest.

As the only hotel on either side of the Brazil-Argentine border to offer a casino, gourmet dining and live theatrical entertainment, the Iguazú Grand has been considered the most luxurious hotel of the Falls and was even declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Rates for the 107-room hotel for a Junior Suite generally begin at $181 per night, not including taxes. After a day of viewing the falls, adults can relax at one of the resort’s three pools, while kids can be entertained at Playland, where a professional staff supervises outdoor activities, movies, video games and more. The space is open Sunday to Thursday from 9am to 11pm and Saturday 9am to 2am. For an additional cost, babysitting services are also offered.

Dining options at the hotel include a Breakfast Lounge, open daily from 6:30am to 10:30am, as well as La Terraza, which offers lunchtime options of Argentinian barbeque, and El Jardin, which serves international dishes for dinner from 8pm on.  

After your visit, you can place a vote for the Falls at www.votecataratas.com. Among the other natural landmarks ranking high on the list are Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Germany’s Black Forest, The Great Barrier Reef off the coast of northeast Australia, and perhaps the Iguazú Falls’s biggest competitor, the Angel Falls of Venezuela.

For more information on your stay at Iguazú Falls and other fun things to do in the area such as rappelling and jungle bicycling, visit www.iguazugrand.com or call an agent at 800/745-8883.