NatalieAccording to legend, when Eleanor Roosevelt first caught a glimpse of the majestic Iguazu Falls, she couldn’t help but remark, “poor Niagara!” And I gotta say, I totally get it – Iguazu is a natural wonder that will leave you in awe (and for a good reason – it’s one of the seven natural wonders!).
As one of the biggest waterfall systems on the planet, Iguazu offers an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. Trust me, you won’t be forgetting this anytime soon.
Ready to plan the trip of a lifetime to Iguazu Falls? This travel guide for Iguazu Falls has got you covered!
Planning a Visit to Iguazu Falls
How to get to Iguazu Falls
If you’re planning to include the breathtaking Iguazu Falls in your Argentina itinerary (and trust me, you should!), then you’ll want to set up camp in the charming town of Puerto Iguazu. It’s just a hop, skip, and a jump outside of the Iguazu National Park, so you won’t have to travel far to get your waterfall pictures.
Getting to Puerto Iguazu is a breeze! You can catch a flight to Puerto Iguazu Airport (IGR), or if you’re feeling adventurous, hop on a bus from any major city in Argentina to get to Iguazu. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!
Are Iguazu Falls better on the Argentinian or Brazilian side?
Iguazu Falls is so unique because it straddles the border of not one, but TWO countries! That’s right, you can get a double dose of waterfall magic by experiencing the falls from both Argentina and Brazil.
The Argentinean side is all about those big views, with elevated trails that take you to different viewpoints both at the top and bottom of the falls. But if you want to get up close and personal with the waterfalls themselves, then the Brazilian side is where it’s at!
The absolute best view of the Iguazu Waterfalls is from the Brazil side in their Iguacu National Park (also known as Cataratas do Iguacu). Trust me, if you’re planning your Iguazu Falls itinerary, seeing the falls from the Brazil side is an absolute must-do.
How to get from the Argentinian Side of Iguazu Falls to the Brazilian Side?
To get from the Argentinian side of Iguazu Falls to the Brazilian Side you have to take a bus- it takes about 45 minutes to get there from the Puerto Iguazu bus station.
We chose to book with Rio Uruguay, and let me tell you; it was smooth sailing. We snagged our tickets on the morning of our trip at the train station in Puerto Iguazu, hopped on the first bus that left at 7 am, and arrived at the Brazilian side by 7:45 am. Talk about efficiency!
Oh, and don’t forget to bring your passport! You have to go through customs before you can exit Argentina. The bus ride itself cost us a total of USD $15 for both ways. Not too shabby, am I right?
How long to stay at Iguazu Falls
If you plan to see the falls from Argentina, I recommend spending one full day in Puerto Iguazu. If you plan to visit Argentina’s and Brazil’s sides of the waterfalls, I recommend spending at least one full day on each side. This will give you enough time to explore the trails, take boat tours, and see the falls from different perspectives.
Best way to see the Iguazu Falls in Argentina
There are three main ways to see the Iguazu Falls from the Argentinean side. You can see the waterfalls on foot, by boat, or by plane. I recommend seeing them by boat and foot, but a helicopter is truly a magical experience (although a bit more expensive)!
See Iguazu Falls by Boat
The best way to experience the falls is by taking a boat tour on the Iguazu River, where you’ll be taken to the base of the waterfalls and even under the waterfalls.
The boat tour company is Iguazu Jungle. You can purchase the tickets once inside the park. The Great Adventure Tour includes a 45-minute jeep tour through the forest and a boat ride through the falls.
This boat tour will take you up the rapids to the waterfall’s base and then underneath the waterfall! Bring a bathing suit to change into or wear athletic clothes that will dry fast because you will get wet.
The tour departs roughly every hour, starting at 9:30 AM. We chose to do the tour in the morning; however, I’d recommend saving the boat ride for later in the day so that you can explore the trails when the park is cooler and there are fewer people (it WILL get crowded).
See Iguazu Falls by Helicopter
If you feel more adventurous, you can also take a helicopter tour over the falls. This is a bit pricier, but the views make it worth it. This will give you a bird’s-eye view of the falls, and it’s a great way to get a sense of the scale of the waterfall system as you fly over the top. A couple of great options to book your helicopter tour are Argentina Flight Adventures or Iguazu Falls Tour. Both offer tours daily, but you will want to book your ride early to ensure you get your spot.
See Iguazu Falls by Foot
If you want to see the falls on foot, several walking trails will take you to different viewpoints.
On the Argentinean side, there are five main loops to see the falls – each one takes about an hour to complete. My favorite one was the Upper Circuit Trail. The Upper Circuit Trail offers some of the best views of the falls and consists of a combination of elevated bridges that take you right up to the edge to look over the falls.
You can download the map of the Argentinian Iguazu Falls Trails here to help plan your trip!
The Brazilian side’s park is much smaller and offers only one trail. However, the views of the falls are much better, and you get closer to the waterfalls.
You can download the map of the Brazil Iguazu Falls Trails here to help plan your trip!
One of the highlights of visiting Iguazu Falls is seeing the Devil’s Throat, a U-shaped section of the falls that is the most spectacular and the largest of the falls. The best view of Devil’s Throat is from the Brazil side. However, Devil’s Throat Trail also takes you pretty close on the Argentina side.
Where to Stay in Puerto Iguazu
Regarding accommodations, there are plenty of options to suit every traveler’s budget and preferences.
For those looking for a luxurious experience, the Hotel Gran Melia is a great option. This 5-star hotel offers top-notch amenities, including a spa, fitness center, and fine dining restaurants. Plus, this hotel is inside the Iguazu National Park, and by staying there, you get to enter the park an hour before it opens to the public.
The La Aldea de la Selva is a great option if you’re looking for more authentic. Translated in English to The Little Village in the Forrest this hotel option is an Amazon style-lodge
Tips for Visiting Iguazu Falls
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring a rain jacket, as you will get wet from the falls’ mist. If you take the boat ride, bring a change of clothes, or wear a bathing suit because you will get wet.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water because the park will get hot and sunny.
- Bring your passport if you plan to visit both sides of the falls. You will need it to cross the border between Argentina and Brazil to see the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls.
- We recommend booking in advance if you plan to take a helicopter tour as they can sell out quickly.
Iguazu Falls are worth adding to your Argentina Itinerary and make our top list of things to do while traveling in Argentina. I’d recommend visiting Iguazu Falls after traveling through Patagonia.
