My original plan was to visit Iguazu falls when I was in Brazil, but I was mentally so tired from traveling and other stuff that were going on in my life, that I postponed the trip until my visit in Argentina.
As I wanted to visit both sides, I managed to book a flight that arrived at 6 AM and a return flight back at 11 PM the next day. This way I only had to book 1 night of accommodation but had 2 full days to plan my itinerary. Luckily, the Airbnb host was so nice to have let us have an early check-in and a late check-in, so extra lucky.
I highly recommend staying at least 2 full days in Iguazu. This 2-day itinerary will give you a better idea of what to expect of Iguazu and how you can plan your trip.
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What is Iguazu Falls?
Iguazú Falls are waterfalls of the Iguazu River and stretching almost 3 kilometer on the border of the Brazilian state of Paraná and the Argentine province of Misiones. Together, they make up the largest waterfall system in the world.
The name of the falls, like that of the river, is derived from a Guaraní word meaning “great water.”
Legend has it that a deity planned to marry a beautiful woman named Naipí, who fled with her mortal lover Tarobá in a canoe. In a rage, the deity sliced the river, creating the waterfalls and condemning the lovers to an eternal fall.
Argentinian or Brazilian side?
A lot of people ask if they should visit the Argentinian or the Brazilian side. I would argue that both sides are really beautiful and impressive in their own way. If you have the time and budget to see both then you definitely should. If you don’t have the time or budget, I will tell you a bit more about both sides.
While Argentina claims a big 80 precent of the falls, Brazil claims the other 20 precent. This means you can view the falls better from the Brazilian side, looking towards Argentina. But on the Argentinian side you are much closer to the falls. The Argentinian side is also much larger and has more options to explore.
Argentinian side Iguazú falls
The Argentinian side of the falls offers a mixed and truly unforgettable experience. 80 precent of the falls are located in Argentina so it’s easy to spend a full day or even two days exploring all it has to offer. On this side you have multiple hiking trails that are surrounded by nature, which allow visitors to spread out a lot more. Because of this the park doesn’t feel crowded at all.
Some trails are long, and some trails are short. You have the option to walk or use the tourist train to get around. The trails are pretty easy, even if you are unfit like me. But if you have trouble walking or less time, I recommend to at least take the train to the Devil’s throat. This is the longest trail in the park.
Each trail has its own number of viewpoints to see the many dramatic falls and smaller adjoining falls. On the Argentinian side you can go above the falls and get right inside the falls.
The lower falls trail allows you to get up close and get wet, and gives some excellent views of the falls. Here you willalso have access to speedboat rides that take you right underneath the falls cruising down the rapids.
There are also a lot of different areas on this side of the park that allow you to spend an entire day and still not feel like you’ve seen it all.
Brazilian Side Iguazú falls
The Brazilian side can be done in just a couple of hours. The trails and walkways on the Brazil side are much shorter and don’t get you as close as on the Argentinian side.
Because 80 percent of the falls are in Argentina, you really can’t see the scale of them from the Argentinean side, whereas, on the Brazilian side, you see everything, which will give you a better grasp of just how big the falls really are. Also on the Brazilian side, the viewpoints are a bit better, because the falls are up-close.
Both sides of Iguazu Falls offer boat trips to various points, but Brazil is the best option for a close-up of the Devil’s Throat. The boats get as closely as they possibly can to where the water crashes at the bottom. You will get soaked so don’t even bother taking a rain jacket of poncho.
Puerto Iguazú Argentina
How to get there?
If you want to travel to Puerto Iguazú, you will have to get yourself to Buenos Aires first. The best way to find cheapest flight is to use a combination of Skyscanner, Google Flights and Expedia to get the latest and cheapest deal that fit your itinerary.
The fastest way to Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires is to fly into Cataratas del Iguazú International Airport via either Aerolineas Argentinas or LATAM airline. The flight will only take you an hour and a half.
You can also take an overnight bus to Puerto Iguazu from Buenos Aires if you want to save money. This is an 18-hour bus ride and should cost you around 70 USD one way. There are several bus companies to choose from such as Expreso Singer, Tiger Iguazu and Crucero del Norte. You can easily book tickets on busbud.com.
I recommend booking a flight and at least 3/4 weeks ahead. We’ve spent 100 USD for a return flight, which was a much cheaper option than the 18+18 hour bus for 140 USD.
Where to stay?
- Airbnb
Cabaña Boutique
We stayed at this amazing Airbnb, and I would go back any time. The hosts are so sweet and kind and will arrange everything that you ask for. A bit out of town, but perfect if you are on a budget, but want some privacy. It’s only a 15-minute drive from Iguazú and a 5-minute drive from the Brazilian border.
- Hotels
O2 Hotel Iguazu
Amazing hotel with a rooftop pool. It’s located downtown and has everything to offer that you need. It’s the perfect getaway if you want to make your trip to Iguazú extra relaxing or extra romantic (this includes self-love romance).
Secret Garden Iguazu
The name already gives it away. This hostel comes with a secret garden that will give you all the quiet after a hectic and active day. It’s located downtown and includes a free breakfast.
- Hostels
The Host Bed & Meeting
This hostel is downtown and has a pool. It’s one the of most popular hostels on the Argentinian side and most of the time fully booked.
Nomads Hostel Iguazu
Cozy hostel with a good atmosphere and a great pool that is located just two blocks from the bus station.
How to get around?
Getting around Puerto Iguazu is super easy. There are taxi stands at almost all crossroads and buses to and from the Iguazú National Park.
The buses leave from the main bus station in Puerto Iguazu where several companies have shuttle services to the park. All buses go frequently, so you can just show up. At the time of writing a one way trip will only cost you 2 USD.
We were staying too far from the bus station, so hiring a private taxi driver for both days made more sense. Even though it was a bit more expensive, it was definitely worth it to save some time. We paid 10 USD for each day.
On arrival at the airport there is also a tourist shuttle which is a cheaper option. At the time of writing a one-way trip is 3 USD. Vans leave every 20-30 minutes or when the van is full. Keep in mind that they need to drop everyone off at their accommodation. This can take up a lot of time if you are not one of the first ones to arrive.
If you would like to book your shuttle in advance (return ticket), you can book it here.
Puerto Iguazú National Park Argentina
Visitors center
The visitor’s center is open from 8 am to 5 pm. It has billboards and models for a more interactive and entertaining experience. Here you can learn more about the ecosystem of the fall. Personnel from the National Park is present to provide you information.
Ecological train
The ecological train goes to the entrance of the three main walks: lower walk, upper walk and the Devil´s Throat and goes on a very low speed. The train is included in the entrance fee.
Trails
- Sendero Verde, Green trail
650 meter, 15 minute walk
The green trail through the jungle allows you to connect with nature. You can find a variety of native flora species: trees, lianas, shrubs and camalotes. This is a flat trail and easy to walk.
- Paseo Inferior, Lower walk
1400 meter, 90 minute walk
The lower walk leads through trails in the middle of the jungle to experience nature up close. The trail is mostly flat with a few stairs and easy walkable. You can spot various species of butterflies and birds.
On this trail you will encounter five smaller falls. Bosetti fall, Lanusse fall, Alvar núñez fall, Chico alférez fall, Dos hermanas falls. They are all surrounded by jungle and have their own charm.
- Paseo superior, Upper walk
1750 meter, 120 minute walk
This trail offers a unique natural environment made up of rainbows, butterflies, waterfall swifts. You will have the best panoraman incredible viewpoints. This is a flat trail and easy walkable.
- Garganta Del Diablo, The Devil’s throat
1100 meter, 120 minute walk
Amongst Iguazu falls, The Devil’s throat is the biggest fall. The curtain contains 14 falls total and is shaped like a horseshoe. The trail is easy walkable.
- Sendero, Macuco trail
3500 meter, 180 minute walk
This trail ends at the Arrechea Fall, a natural well of transparent water. Arrechea Fallhas a 23-meter-high drop that ends in a natural pool of transparent water framed by rocks. You can only access from 8 am until 3 pm and is only open when the weather is good. The trial is flat and easy walkable, but you will have no service.
Entrance tickets
Brazilian and Argentinians nationals are entitled to the cheapest entrance fee to the falls in their own country. The next cheapest is for the citizens of Mercosur which include, besides Brazil and Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Venezuela. The rest of the world needs to pay full price for their entrance to the National Park.
For the Argentinian side, the entrance ticket to Iguazu Falls is 700 ARS (18 USD) per person as of 2022. Since the reopening of the park, after it closed because of the Pandemic, you can only buy tickets to the park online on the Iguazu official website.
The park entry price does not include the boat rides under the falls. These rides are operated by a private company. If you are thinking of doing the boat trip, then go to the Jungle Explorer ticket desk as soon as you enter the park or you can easily book an organized trip beforehand to make your visit hassle-free.
Foz de Iguaçu Brazil
How to get there?
You can fly to Foz do Iguaçu (IGU) from most big cities in Brazil. From Buenos Aires, you cannot fly directly to IGU. Most flights first go to Sao Paulo or Rio de Janeiro and after a connection, you can fly to IGU. The best way to find cheapest flight is to use a combination of Skyscanner, Google Flights and Expedia to get the latest and cheapest deal that fit your itinerary.
If you’re in Argentina and want to visit the Brazilian side, I recommend visiting Puerto Iguazú in Argentina first and cross the border the next day. It’s way easier.
You can also take an overnight bus to Foz de Iguaçu from every big city. Keep in mind that you have to travel for at least a day 18-28 hours, wherever you are traveling from. This option is more budget (30-50 USD one way),but will take a lot of time.
There are several bus companies to choose from such as Nordeste, Pluma and Catarinense. You can easily book tickets on busbud.com.
Where to stay?
- Airbnb
Studio Apartment in the center of Foz
Cozy apartment in the center of Foz de Iguaçu. This place is perfect when you are on a budget, but don’t want to stay in a hostel. It’s near many bars and restaurants.
Cute apartment with a tropical décor that is located in the city center. It’s close to the border of Argentina. The falls are also very easily accessible from here. A big plus is that they are flexible with the check-in and check-out times.
- Hotels
Eco Cataratas Resort by San Juan
This is the perfect place if you want to treat yourself and have a relaxing day after visiting the falls. This hotel offers a spa, hot and wet sauna, gym, coworking space, gift shop, car rental and 3 swimming pools and ofcourse a free breakfast. You can also book all your tours here and make your visit as stress free as possible.
- Hostels
Tetris Container Hostel
Tetris Container Hostel is a cozy and budget friendly hostel that’s very well located downtown. They’ve built Tetris entirely from recycled shipping containers. This place has everything to offer that you need, full day trips to the falls, easy access to the airport and bus terminal, round trip transfers, pool and most importantly: every night a free Caipirinha at the bar.
Concept Design Hostel
The Concept Design Hostel is an eco-sustainable hostel that feels more like a hotel than a hostel. It’s a quiet place, not a party hostel, and offers breakfast and a great pool to cool down. It’s a bit far from the bus terminal (25 min), but luckily there are plenty of bars and restaurants in a 10 min radius.
How to get around?
At the bus terminal in Foz de Iguaçu buses leave regular to bring you to the National Park’s entrance and the airport and across the border. At the time of writing a one-way trip will only cost you 2 USD.
Taxis are also widely available. If you want to get a taxi, I recommend arranging a private driver with your accommodation for the days that you want to stay. The prices tend to be a bit cheaper than hailing a taxi on the side of the road.
If you would like to book a shared shuttle from and to the airport in advance (return ticket), you can book it here. Keep in mind that they need to drop everyone off at their accommodation. This can take up a lot of time if you are not one of the first ones to arrive.
Foz de Iguaçu National Park Brazil
The National Park on the Brazilian side is not as big as on the Argentinian side. There is only one trail to explore and it ends at the Devil’s throat which is about half way down the falls. You only need a few hours or half a day to explore the area fully.
When you arrive at the visitor center you have to take the bus inside the park to start the trail, this is included in the entrance fee. The trail is only 1,2 km long and will take you no longer than 1 hour.
The Brazilian side also offers helicopter rides that fly over the park. The reason why the Argentinian national parkdoesn’t offer this, is because it’s bad for the ecosystem. The ride only lasts 10-15 minutes and departs from the visitor center.
- Entrance tickets
Brazilian and Argentinians nationals are entitled to the cheapest entrance fee to the falls in their own country. The next cheapest is for the citizens of Mercosur which include, besides Brazil and Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Venezuela. The rest of the world need to pay full price for their entrance to the National Park.
For the Argentinian side, the entrance ticket to Iguazu Falls is 88 BZR (17 USD) per person as of 2022. You can either buy the tickets online from the Iguazu official website or at the entrance at the machines by either cash or card, visa or Mastercard. There is a cash machine at the entrance if you need to get out Brazilian Reals.
Tip: Try to avoid paying in local currency for the parking tickets to avoid terrible rates at the border. Try to pay with your credit or debitcard, especially if you are only planning to visit the Brazilian side for only one day.
The park entry price does not include the boat rides under the falls which are operated by a private company. If you are thinking of doing the boat trip, you can book your boat trip on GetYourGuide for the best experience.
2-day itinerary
Now that you have all the information on Iguazu you can start planning. This 2-day itinerary is what I did because it was easier for me to do it this way. Everyone travels differently or has less or more time. You can easily do this itinerary backwards and start in Brazil, what you prefer.
Day 1 Iguazú falls
Arrive in Puerto Iguazú Argentina
Depending on what time you arrive, you can start your adventure on the same day or a day later. If you arrive before 9 AM, you can easily start in Argentina and have the whole day at the park.
If you arrive at noon and don’t want to waste your day, I recommend checking in your accommodation and get a bus or a taxi straight to the border of Brazil. This because you only need a few hours or a half day in the National Park of Brazil.
If you arrive in the afternoon, I recommend to just check in your accommodation and go explore the city center for a bit. You can start your itinerary the next day.
Go to Iguazu Falls National Park in Argentina
The National Park in Argentina is currently open every day of the year from 8 AM to 6 PM. You must buy your ticket online and arrive on the scheduled time that you choose.
At the entrance you can request a guide to get more history about the falls, but this is not mandatory. You can grab a map, ask for info about the trails and you can start your day.
Trails
If you’ve planned out to stay the whole day, you can do all trails. You can start by doing them from shortest to longest walk. All of this together is around 8 hours of walking and exploring.
- Green Trail: 15 minutes
- Lower walk: 1,5 hour
- Upper walk: 2 hours
- Devil’s Throat: 2 hours
- Macuco trail: 3 hours
If you don’t feel like walking that much, you can take the ecological train to every endpoint of the trails. The National Park in Argentina also offers you to come back for free the next day if you didn’t finish all trails. If you do, you must show them your entrance ticket and tell them that you already visited the day before. This is a nice option if you want to take your time in the park.
Extra fun things to do at Iguazu Falls Argentina
If you decide to walk all the trails and want to do some extra activities, I recommend coming back the next day. Otherwise, I’m afraid you need to make some choices.
On this tour you are going to ride a high-speed boat right up to the splash zone. Getting as close to the falls as possible. After that you will have a ride through the jungle with a 4X4.
Expect to be as active as possible on this tour. You will find your way through the jungle while hiking, ziplining, abseiling and going through a 12-meter-high waterfall.
With this tour, you will explore the rural parts of Iguazú by horseback. Afterwards, visit the Guaraní community and go on a 30-minute walk of the jungle.
This 4-hour Iguazu Forest Adventure offers a variety of activities in the Selva Misionera, one of Argentina’s most stunning locations. It’s located on the Parana River.
Rappel down canyons stones, surrounded by waterfalls and lush greenery. Descend to a platform, with a highly qualified Spanish-speaking instructor, for a dip in a natural pool.
Day 2 Iguazú falls
Border crossing from Argentina to Brazil
When crossing the border between Argentina and Brazil you have to go through immigration and get your passport stamped, even if you are only crossing to visit the falls for a few hours. Most countries don’t need a visa for Brazil or Argentina and get a tourist visa on arrival. Double check, just in case.
In the crossing process you get an exit stamp at the counter when you are leaving one country and you get an entry stamp when you cross the border into the other country. Double check this, because I didn’t get a stamp. Luckily, I had no problems getting back, but that’s not common! The border crossing is open 24 hours a day.
If you travel by bus, a tour or taxi your driver will take you to the border where you get your passport stamped. You can stay in the car during this process. If you are traveling by bus, you have to get out of the bus and go to the counters inside to get your passport stamped. After that you can go back to the bus. You are not allowed to cross the border on foot.
Iguazu Falls National Park in Brazil
The National Park on the Brazilian side is not as big as on the Argentinian side. There is only one trail to explore and it ends at the Devil’s throat which is about half way down the falls. You only need a few hours or half a day to explore the area fully.
Extra fun things to do at Iguazu Falls Brazil
Experience amazing views of Iguazú Falls during a panoramic helicopter ride that reveals both the Argentine and Brazilian sides of the waterfalls. You can choose a take-off time that suits your schedule.
On this tour ypu will have an exciting ride in the jungle on the banks of the Iguazú River, a place of unique beauty. You will hike along trails, navigate the Iguazú River and bathe in beautiful waterfalls.
Located at the Brazilian side of the Iguazú National Park is the Bird Park, an area with direct contact with more than one thousand birds, of nearly 140 different species. On this tour you will be inside the vivarium, where you will be able to interact and take photos as you walk through the forest.
This small-group excursion is a 2-part experience: a visit to the Brazilian side of the falls and an exciting boat ride along the Iguazú River into the falls.
If you want to visit both sides and don’t want to do this by yourself or don’t have the time to plan anything, there are few options to book an organized tour. In this way you don’t have to arrange anything and have good company.
The first option is to book a 2-day tour where your guide will pick you up and drop you off from your hotel.
What’s included
- Local guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
What’s not included
- Food and drinks
- Entrance fees to both National Parks (approx 40 USD total)
- Optional tours
Another option is to book a 3-day exploring tour where you visit the Brazilian and Argentinian side.
What’s included
- Breakfast
- Accommodation for 2 nights in Puerto Iguazu
- Tours & transfers (shared service)
- Bilingual guide (English and Spanish)
What’s not included
- International or Domestic Flights
- Entrance fees to both National Parks (approx 40 USD total)
- Optional tours
I hope this guide will help you plan your trip to Iguazú falls. It’s a one in a lifetime expierence that you don’t want to miss!
Traveling around South America? I wrote a lot of blogs about different countries in South America that can be of help.
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