How to plan a trip to Iguazu Falls
Iguazu Falls lies on the river Iguazu that borders Argentina and Brazil. They are really big, I am telling you. There is a total of 275 drops with the tallest being 82 meters and they straddle over 2.7 km. There is no need for me to convince you to go there, this place can do it for itself. The troubles of deciding whether you should go there are rather non-existent. The only big decision you will need to make is what side you would like to visit…first.
In this guide, I’ll share with you everything I know about planning a trip to Iguazu Falls.
How much time do you need for the falls?
If you want to see both sides (and you should) you will need 3 to 4 days, I would say. Nearly four days for me seemed too short actually. I could keep enjoying the place for another month!
The park in Argentina is really big and it is open from 8am to 6pm. You will be asked to leave unless you stay at Sheraton, but even though you won’t be able to walk around much. The guards are very vigilant. Moreover, wandering surrounded by wild animals in the dark might not be the best idea.
The part in Brazil you can see in half a day, in Argentina you definitely need more.
Favourite travel resources:
- Booking.com for searching best prices on accommodation.
- Discover Cars is a great website as they search both local and international car hire services, so you can choose the best deal for yourself. Make sure though, that the company has a good reputation and reviews.
- Get Your Guide is my place to go for searching and booking tours and excursions, especially when I travel solo.
- World Nomads travel insurance. I like them because they have quite extensive coverage of different activities.
- Jack’s Flight Club is a service that can save you hundreds of dollars on flights, it works especially well in Europe.
- Trivago where you can search and save on hotels.
- Go City is a perfect site for booking bucket list experiences and attractions all in one to avoid paying for multiple tickets. Easy and saves money.
- Trip Advisor– amazing for good quality recommendations.
- Skyscanner is a perfect website for searching flight routes and comparing prices.
Argentinean versus Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls
Argentina
I liked more the Argentinian side, mainly because you can feel the majesty of the waterfalls and enjoy amazing walks around the park. Being surrounded by the beautiful nature of the rainforest, and observing toucans, butterflies, colourful birds, jumping monkeys, and other animals endow you with unforgettable experiences.
And if you are lucky, a close reunion with a puma or a crocodile can happen. This national park is so well-organized, spacious and mainly untouched that you can feel the closeness of nature. Although many visitors go there, it is not too crowded and it doesn’t feel like a touristy place.
Brazil
When you go the Brazilian side, you can appreciate the panoramic view of the falls from a distance. You can also organize a helicopter ride there (in Argentina it is forbidden as it scares birds and animals).
To get the real experience of the trip and enjoy the falls to their fullness, you should plan to visit both sides. Please check the visa requirements though, as some nationalities require previous arrangements. For citizens of EU, a temporary visa will be stamped at the border. The walks on the Brazilian side are not as extensive as in Argentina, therefore it feels very crowded there and somehow touristic and commercial.
How much does it cost to go to Iguazu Falls
If you decide to visit the falls on two sides, you will have to pay the entrances to both parks. You will be asked to show ID upon buying the tickets as the prices vary according to nationality.
In Argentina:
If one day is not enough for you (and I bet it won’t), the second day you will pay half the price of the entrance. Just remember to keep your previous ticket. If you decide to stay at the Melia hotel (which is inside the park), you will pay the entrance only once.
Opening times : 8am-6pm. Last entry 4.30pm.
An adult entry costs 250 pesos.
More info here.
In Brazil:
Opening times: Brazil: 9am-5pm
An adult entry costs R$ 52.30 (have the local currency exchanged earlier as the exchange rate is bad there).
There are discounts for citizens of Argentina, Venezuela, Paraguay and Uruguay. Brazilians pay a much lower rate.
More information you can find here.
How to get to Iguazu Falls
By bus:
- Bus from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazu: 15-20 hours
- Bus from Sao Paolo to Foz De Iguassu: 15-18 hours
- Bus from Rio De Janeiro to Foz Do Iguassu: 21 – 23 hours
By plane:
- There are two airlines I found recommendables: LAN and Aerolineas Argentinas. The latter one offered much cheaper fares the dates suitable for us from Buenos Aires.
- To fly there from Brazil, you will need a connecting flight. You will need to find flights with a destination of Foz do Iguassu.
I’d recommend using the Skyscanner website for updated flights and the best offers.
Get there from Puerto Iguazu
Taxis are operating between the park and the nearest town Puerto Iguazu, but they are quite expensive, especially if you plan to make a few trips.
After doing some research after getting there, we found out that there is a cheaper option, which is not very widely advertised. There is a bus operating for 100 pesos (10 euros) both ways. You get it at the bus station in Puerto Iguazu and it takes you to the entrance of the park or a bit further just outside of Melia Hotel. If you get off at the entrance (of course you need to buy a ticket), there’s a small train (free of charge) that can take you further into the park and to Garganta del Diablo.
How to go to Brazil from Argentina
To go to the side of the falls in Brazil, you will need to take a bus from Puerto de Iguazu to Parque Nacional do Iguassu. It runs every hour and costs P$65.
What is the best time to go to Iguazu?
In summer it gets really hot there taking into account the tropical climate in the rainforest. The water spraying close to the waterfalls will cool you down a bit, but you will get wet.
The hot months are between November and March. The most pleasant temperature and the prettiest vegetation is in spring (October), but I went there in March and it seemed all the plants were quite green and alive.
Where to stay in Iguazu
I have stayed in Argentina, so I am not able to provide much information about accommodation on the Brazilian side, but the first thing you need to decide is whether you stay on the Brazilian or Argentinian side and chose between the hotel inside the park and outside.
In Puerto de Iguazu there are many places to stay with varying prices. Accommodation for a good price you can find here. If you decide to stay inside the rainforest in Melia, the former Sheraton (it is quite pricey though), you will be able to enjoy it longer, eat breakfast accompanied by toucans and fragrant vegetation and have a view like this:
SEARCH ACCOMMODATION IN IGUAZU HERE
And you will be warned like this:
What else can you do in Iguazu Falls
- 80% of the falls are in Argentina and you can enjoy them and the extensive park by following assigned walking routes.
1. Upper Circuit
2. Lower Circuit
3. Garganta del Diablo Circuit
4. Sendero Verde
5. Sendero Macuco (open till 3.30pm; 7 km return trail)
6. Sendero Yakaratia
7. Sendero de Isla San Martin
8. Paseo Ecologico (Ecological Trail)
9. Grand Adventure (Gran Aventura)
- You can also explore the parts of the park away from the falls. The nature is amazing there and when you get tired you can swim in a pool hidden in the jungle.
- Full moon walk to the Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo). The walk is organized on the full moon night, plus two days before and two days after. The spaces for the trip are limited, therefore it is advisable to book it before.
- You can take a waterfall boat trip. You will have plenty information about it once you get there, or here.
Other useful information
- always carry a bottle of water
- bring with you a mosquito repellent
- bring a hat and a sunblock
Disclosure: Please note that this post included affiliate links, when you decide to purchase anything through these links I get a small commission at NO extra cost to you, it helps me to keep running this blog! I only promote products and services I use or would use myself. All images are the property of Postcards from the World and cannot be used without permission.
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Great information! Beautiful photos. I love waterfalls!! I must put this destination on my bucket list. Thank you for sharing. 🙂
WOW! These are breath-taking! I didn’t even know they existed! Thanks for all the information about how to see them, how much time I’ll need, etc. Iguana Falls are officially “on my list!” Thank you!
I am glad, Michelle, that you got inspired 🙂
Iguazu Falls looks amazing! Thanks for the guide.
I hope through all of my lives, I will get to see or have seen all of the wonders of this planet. It is amazing what physical substance can form and the emotions they can evoke. Beautiful.
What a helpful and thorough post Anna! This trip is definitely going on my wish list – those waterfalls are calling me. And the monkey warning makes me laugh.
Hoy comento sobre las Cataratas del Iguazú. El reportaje es maravilloso y exhaustivo. Das todos los datos necesarios. En fin, PERFECTO.
No creo q haya una sola persona q lo haya leído y q no quiera trasladarse allí unos días.
¡Felicitaciones por el blog, Anna! Es precioso.
Gracias por compartirlo con todos nosotros.
These photos are Sensational! I have now bookmarked this page for future reference (I have an international travel folder for places like this) and I have pinned the photos to a new board so I can look at them often. THANK YOU!!!!
I am glad, Elda, that you enjoy it. And thank you so much for such nice compliments, it means a lot to me.
I am genuinely thankful to the holder of this web page who has shared this enormous paragraph
at at this place.
Hi Anna,
Very beautiful. I am planning to visit both sides.
Thanks for the information.
Cheers
Naga
Thanks for visiting. Enjoy the falls:-)
This is a really nice falls, hope to visit and take photo of it in the future
Las fotos de las Cataratas del Iguazú son magníficas,¡ INSUPERABLES!!!