The breathtaking Iguazu Falls (Iguaçu Falls), is a World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, it’s one of the top places to visit in South America.
The Iguazu Falls are waterfalls of the Iguazu River forming the border between the Misiones state in Argentina and the Brazilian state of Paraná. The Brazil side and Argentina side of the falls are spectacular. The 275 individual drops stretching for 2700m make up the largest waterfall system in the world. The falls divide the river into the upper and lower Iguazu. The river flows through Brazil for most of its course but, most of the falls are on the Argentine side. Below where it joins the San Antonio River, the Iguazu River forms the boundary between Argentina and Brazil.
Visitors can reach the falls from Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil and Puerto Iguazú in Argentina or from Ciudad del Este in Paraguay. The Iguazu Falls are owned by two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Iguazú National Park in Argentina and the Iguaçu National Park in Brazil.
Best Guided Tours to Iguazu
A boat ride or train ride or helicopter ride in Iguazu National Park are fantastic ways to explore the amazing waterfalls.
This is one of the most popular tourist sites in South America, similar to Machu Picchu there will be thousands of tourists, but it is so spectacular it did not even bother me too much, I was in awe.
The Devils Throat (Garganta del Diablo)
The Devil’s Throat is the largest and most impressive of the falls at Iguazu. About half the Iguazu River’s flow is forced through this 150m wide and 700m long fissure, dropping 80m with amazing power. Garganta del Diablo can be seen up close from Argentina’s and Brazil’s sides of the falls. Both are amazing and are two very different experiences.
Visiting Iguazu Falls – which Side is the Better?
Many people only have time to visit one side of the Iguazu Falls and ask ‘Which side is the best?’ Well, about 80 % of the falls are on the Argentina side, but does this necessarily mean it is better?
Things to do at Puerto Iguazu – Argentina Side of the Falls
Most people stay in Puerto Iguazu, about 20 km from the falls on the Argentinean side. With so many falls, the Argentina side definitely has more to see, with many paths to walk.
Take the Train Ride to the Iguazu Falls
Inside the park catch the Ecological Jungle Train to the Iguazu Falls Train Station the start of the 2 main walking trails. The train is a quiet, natural gas-powered train that leaves close to the park entrance. It is a 25-minute train ride that runs along 14km of track through remote parts of the park to the station.
Explore the Hiking Trails to Iguazu
From here there are five main trails that you can walk varying between 1km and 7km, all but Sendero Macuco are paved. The train line gets you to the entrance of the main circuits. Walking on the pathway you will be surrounded by thousands of butterflies, with many of them often sitting on you. Hike all 5 trails takes the whole day and is more than 15km.
From Falls Station it takes about 2 to 3 hours to walk the upper and lower circuit, there are toilets and restaurants at the station.
The Lower Circuit is about a 2km walk that gets you closer to the falls, with 8 designated lookouts there are some amazing photo spots. We walked for about 2 hours on this circuit.
Upper Circuit has nice panoramic views and we saw some beautiful rainbows form over the falls!
Some more trails to explore; Green Trail, Rain forest Trail, Macuco Trail, and the Devil’s Throat Trail. So, after you’ve explored the two main circuits, you can walk or catch the train to the Devil’s Throat station.
The spectacular Devil’s Throat is the highlight, a 1km walkway above the Iguazu River takes you right over the top of the falls, and the pathway extends all the way to the edge of the falls. The view of the Devil’s throat on this site is an areal view, the thundering roar of this mass of water tumbling over the cliff is awesome. From here it is a little over 1 km to La Garganta del Diablo (the Devil’s Throat) which is nothing short of spectacular. You can feel and hear and see the power of the falls.
The view is spectacular and you are really in the thick of things here. On the pathway look down, there are some big fish and many turtles swimming in the river.
Getting to Iguazu Falls – Argentina
The Argentinian side of the falls can be reached by bus from the town of Puerto Iguazu. Buses run from the main bus terminal about every 20 minutes starting at 7 am. Travel time is about 40 minutes from Puerto Iguazu Bus to the Park.
A taxi is the easiest way to get to the park. There is a paid parking area if you drive your own vehicle. A rental car is a convenient way to get around. We like to use Discover Cars to get the best deal on car rentals.
Iguazu Falls Price -Argentina
- You can purchase your ticket at the entrance of the Park in cash (Argentine pesos only) or by credit card. Staying in the park is allowed from 08:00 am to 6:00 pm local time. Ticket sales and access are allowed until 4:30 pm. The entrance to Puerto Iguazu includes access to the park and use of the Ecological Train of the Forest at no extra cost.
Iguazu Falls Accommodation – Argentina
- On a Budget
- Hostel Damaris – well-rated, budget option to visit the falls from Argentina and meet like-minded travelers.
- Mid Range
- Treat Yourself
- Loi Suites Iguazu Hotel 5 star luxury, beautiful hotel situated in a jungle forest, close to nature, but with all modern comforts
Iguazu Falls Brazil
The Iguazu Falls in Brazil located inside the Iguaçu National Park in Brazil is most frequently visited from the nearby town Foz do Iguaçu.
Iguaçu National Park in Brazil is best known for its spectacular views, but the view of the Devil’s Throat is about halfway down the falls, not an arial view, so here you get really up close and almost into the falls, it is an amazing experience!
There is only one trail to explore here, so half a day should be enough time. Once inside the park, you have to book a bus time, which will then transport you to the trail, this can quickly be done at self-service machines. The trail takes about an hour with some amazing viewpoints.
On the Brazilian side, you can walk almost into the Devil’s throat, guaranteed that you will get wet! Wear waterproof clothing, some people came in board shorts and bring protection for your camera. Most of the falls are farther away, but you can get a better panoramic overview of them making nice pictures.
In comparison, the walk along the Brazilian side is relatively shorter, even if you take your time to explore, you’ll generally need just a half-day to walk it. There are trails along the way, but they are all extra-paid activities/routes.
Getting to Iguazu Falls – Brazil
The Brazilian Falls are located close to Foz do Iguacu. Buses leave from the local bus terminal to the national park. It runs every half hour and is not very expensive.
Iguazu Falls Accommodation – Brazil
- On a Budget
- Hostel Wanderlust – a good spot with a homey vibe, great value for money, fantastic place to meet other travelers.
- Mid Range
- Pousada Rio Das Aguas has Very nice, apartments. Very clean, Excellent location, has a nice breakfast, and good coffee
- Treat Yourself
- Recanto Cataratas Thermas Resort– 5-star luxury, a beautiful resort for the whole family, in between Iguazu enjoy the water park with thermal pools, a bowling alley, and a nightclub
Iguazu Falls Tours
There are plenty of amazing tours to choose from, full day tours from your hotel to both sides of the park, helicopter rides over the park, and getting up close and personal with the falls in a 20-person zodiac boat, we picked some of the best tours, you can check it out and book it here!
Visit Iguazu Argentina and Brazil sides – Full Day Tour Visit both sides of the Iguazu Falls, in one day, on this popular, well-rated, guided small-group tour. Explore the “Devil’s Throat” as well as the upper and lower circuits. See the wildlife such as friendly quatis and tropical birds on the Brazilian side of the falls. Roundtrip transfer from most downtown hotels In Foz do Iguaçu or Puerto Iguazu
Well rated – Panoramic Helicopter Ride seeing both the Argentine and Brazilian sides of the waterfalls. You can choose a take-off time that suits your schedule, the tour is limited to seven travelers.
Day trip to Iguazú National Park including Boat ride – Experience Iguazú National Park from 3 different perspectives on a full-day tour by train, boat, and on foot Small-group tour: maximum of 14 people. Includes hotel pickup and round-trip transport from Puerto Iguazú
Super popular Iguassu Gran Aventure – explore the Iguassu National Park in a 4×4 vehicle. Walk the trails and see the best falls. Exciting Boat ride getting very close to the falls. The most exiting view of the Devils throat. The ultimate Iguazu Falls adventure.
Best time to visit Iguazu Falls
The falls are incredible year-round! Rainfall is highest between December and February, this is when the falls are the most powerful, and this is also the hottest month.
Want to avoid crowds? visiting Iguazu Falls in March/April or August/September- visitors are fewer.
Iguazu Argentina or Brazil?
So which side is the best Brazil or Argentina?
I thought the views on the Brazil side were better, with panoramic views of a network of 275 waterfalls spanning an area of 3km wide area with rainbows everywhere. Add to that walking almost into the Devil’s throat, it made for some spectacular photo opportunities.
I had a better experience on the Argentina side, I enjoyed the 15km of trails to some spectacular views. Walking right onto the waterfall at Garganta del Diablo, seeing that mass of water tumbling down right in front of you was spectacular.
Want to walk the whole day and see many different waterfalls and scenery do the Argentina side, shorter days, fewer waterfalls, less walking but awesome views, and walk into the waterfall go for the Brazil side.
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The strong half of Stingy Nomads, a nomadic aquaman that would be happy to spend all his life in the water diving, surfing and spearfishing but often has to compromise with Alya and go hiking instead. Campbell is responsible for all our marine adventures and following them with write-ups. He loves traveling, braai (BBQ in South Africa), red wine and spending the day in a wetsuit.
