A Visitor's Guide to Iguazú Falls in Brazil and Argentina

The magical paradise of Iguazú Falls, a natural wonder of the world, needs no introduction! Thousands of visitors make the journey every year to behold this renowned tropical landscape full of thundering water, prismatic rainbows, exotic birds, and picturesque trails. It's a delightful playground for the senses and epic bucket list experience!

Iguazú Falls spans two countries in South America: Brazil and Argentina. To make the most of your trip, I highly recommend organizing a three-day itinerary to explore both sides. Group tours and local guides are plentiful, but the national parks are also easy to handle on your own. Some people even squeeze in a visit during a layover!

Below I cover logistics, main attractions, and helpful tips to jumpstart the planning process. Any time of year is great to visit Iguazú Falls, but peak season (high water levels and warm weather) is during November, December, and January.

Logistics

Navigating both sides of Iguazú Falls can seem a bit stressful, especially if you opt for the DIY route. Initially, I was overwhelmed with the lack of information regarding bus schedules and immigration procedures. Don't worry, it's all pretty straightforward! Brad and I began our Iguazú Falls adventure on the Brazil side (one day) since we were coming from Paraguay. Afterwards, we spent two days on the Argentina side.

Airports

Most travelers fly into either Cataratas of Iguazú International Airport (IGR) in Argentina or Foz do Iguaçu International Airport (IGU) in Brazil. Brad and I flew in/out of Puerto Iguazú with Aerolineas Argentinas from Buenos Aires. The most popular airlines in Brazil with flights to Foz do Iguaçu are LATAM and Azul.

Budget airlines, such as JetSMART and Flybondi, also offer direct flights. However, we experienced a cancellation with JetSMART due to an unexpected strike and noticed frequent delays with Flybondi. I recommend booking flights with Aerolineas Argentinas to avoid problems; the extra cost is worth the peace of mind!

Buses & Immigration

Both airports have affordable public buses which connect to the main stations in Puerto Iguazú (Argentina) and Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil). Fares are paid onboard. Brad and I purchased tickets ($5 USD per person) in local currency (Argentine Pesos) via Rio Uruguay to transport us between IGR and Puerto Iguazú station. Buses run every hour and rides take approximately 30 minutes.

We also used Rio Uruguay to go to Puerto Iguazú from Iguaçu National Park (Brazil). Tickets cost $5.50 USD per person (cash) and are payable in either Argentine Pesos or Brazilian Reals. Brad and I disembarked the bus to stamp out at Brazil immigration and waited for another bus (same ticket) to finish the journey.

Be sure to let the driver know that you need to get off at the border. Typically, buses don't make a special stop because local Argentines are permitted to bypass Brazil immigration. We met a Canadian backpacker on the second bus who never went through Brazil immigration. Oops! Drivers wait for passengers to finish Argentina immigration. Buses leave every hour (see schedule below). Our trip took approximately two hours to complete.

Our back-to-back visits to Iguazú National Park (Argentina) via Rio Uruguay were less complicated. We bought round-trip tickets at Puerto Iguazú station for $10 USD per person. Buses depart every 20 minutes and drop passengers off at the main entrance. Return times are just as frequent (see schedule below). Rides last approximately 30 minutes.

Bus #120 via Foztrans operates a loop between IGU, Iguaçu National Park, and Urbano station in Foz do Iguaçu. Brad and I purchased our tickets for $1.75 USD via credit card. Buses leave every 20 minutes and rides take approximately 30 minutes. Brazil certainly makes it simple for travelers to visit Iguaçu Falls!

Uber & Taxis

If you don't want to wait for a public bus or need to save time, consider a taxi or Uber ride. Both options are available in Puerto Iguazú and Foz do Iguaçu. Be sure to have plenty of local currency for taxis. Knowing a bit of Spanish/Portuguese is useful to negotiate fares.

Hotels

There are plenty of accommodations in both cities, including luxury hotels with pools and budget-friendly hostels. Keep bus stations, grocery stores, and restaurants in mind while searching for a place to rest. Proximity is important, especially if you intend to walk everywhere!

Brad and I were impressed by the thoughtful amenities at Uru Apart Iguazu in Puerto Iguazú. The cozy bed, tasty pastries, cute dining area, beautiful bathroom, keyless entry, filtered water, and quiet location were top notch! I highly recommend Bogari Hotel in Foz do Iguaçu for its kind staff, comfortable bed, clean bathroom, and delicious buffet breakfast with freshly-brewed coffee.

Iguaçu National Park - Brazil

Established in 1939, Iguaçu National Park covers 185,000 hectares (457,145 acres) of Atlantic Forest. Visitors and researchers from all over the world come to appreciate and study the rich biodiversity. Conservation projects and sustainable tourism help protect the rare flora and fauna of the region. In addition to the magnificent waterfalls, you'll encounter dazzling butterflies, acrobatic monkeys, and speedy lizards along the trails/viewpoints!

Tickets & Lockers

Iguaçu National Park is open Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM, and Saturday-Sunday, 8:30 AM-4:00 PM. If you want to plan ahead, tickets ($16.50 USD) can be purchased online with a specific time slot. Discounts are available if you opt for a two-day or three-day pass. Brad and I bought tickets via credit card at the self-service kiosks near the main entrance upon arrival. Bring a photo ID or passport for verification.

Luggage lockers ($5 USD) are available if you need to store anything. Dimensions are 27 in (68 cm) x 19 in (48 cm) x 32 in (82 cm). Find an employee to redeem your receipt for a coin, which will operate any locker of your choice. We were able to fit a small suitcase and backpack inside of one locker.

The bilingual employees at Iguaçu National Park were extremely helpful and friendly. As soon as we exited the Foztrans bus, Brad and I were directed to the kiosks and lockers. Even though we had a 11:00 AM entry slot, employees allowed us to enter the line for the double-decker buses at 10:15 AM. The process was extremely efficient and pleasant!

Food & Bathrooms

Outside food and beverages are allowed. Snack stands are located at opposite ends of the park. Skip the expensive restaurants and eat a few mouthwatering esfihas (triangular bread stuffed with chicken and cheese) for lunch. Pair the Brazilian snack with a few refreshing coconuts, which are available at the Floriano Waterfall platform. Watch out for mischievous coatis looking for a bite!

There are several bathrooms next to points of interest (check the map below for details). Toilet paper isn't flushable and must be disposed of in stall wastebaskets.

Main Attractions

Iguaçu National Park has one roadway with three checkpoints: (1) Macuco Safari/Bananeiras Path, (2) Waterfalls Trail, and (3) Restaurant/Gift Shop. Multiple double-decker buses transport visitors back and forth along the route. Announcements are made in Portuguese, English, and Spanish.

Begin your visit with the paved Waterfalls Trail and its unforgettable grand finale. Soak up the captivating panoramic views as you meander through the lush Atlantic Forest. Check the handrails and trees for peculiar insects and resting butterflies. Brad and I were just as enthralled with the wildlife!

The Devil's Throat platform has the most breathtaking view of Iguaçu Falls! A blanket of soft mist wrapped around us as our jaws dropped in bewildering amazement. Roaring cascades of white water poured over jagged rocks sprinkled with pockets of thick grass. The swooping Great Dusky Swifts, double rainbow, and sparkling sunshine cranked up the WOW factor!

After a quick bite at Floriano Waterfall, Brad and I hopped on the bus to hike Bananeiras Path. We encountered a troop of Capuchin monkeys in the canopy and variety of colorful butterflies on the gravel trail. Escaping the crowds for a few hours was a nice way to end the day. It's also possible to rent bikes to explore Poço Preto Path and Canafístula Trail.

Helicopter rides via Helisul over Iguaçu Falls are also available! Even though the 10-minute flight costs $105 USD, most participants rave about the unbelievable perspective. If heights aren't your thing, consider an exhilarating boat ride via Macuco Safari for $64 USD. Tickets can be purchased online or at the park.

Iguazú National Park - Argentina

Declared in 1934, Iguazú National Park spans 67,620 hectares (167,093 acres) of Atlantic Forest. Wildlife includes 418 bird species, pumas, capybaras, tapirs, and jaguars. Argentina covers roughly two thirds of Iguazú Falls, which formed after a volcanic eruption approximately 200 million years ago. The average water flow is 1,800 cubic meters per second!

Tickets & Lockers

Iguazú National Park is open every day, 8:00 AM-6:00 PM. Tickets ($44.50 USD) can be purchased online in advance with a specific time slot. Keep your ticket to receive a 50% discount for the next day. Bring a photo ID or passport for verification.

Brad and I bought tickets at the main entrance upon arrival with local currency. We noticed employees were refusing to accept international credit cards. Bring plenty of cash to avoid issues. Oddly enough, our credit card worked fine everywhere else in the park.

Small and large luggage lockers ($15 USD) are available near the main entrance. Dimensions are 15 in (38 cm) x 8 in (20 cm) x 15 in (38 cm) and 27 in (68 cm) x 20 in (50 cm) x 27 in (68 cm). There are approximately 40 lockers, so arrive early if you need to store belongings.

Food & Bathrooms

Outside food and drinks are allowed. Kiosks and restaurants with air conditioning are scattered throughout the park. We preferred the affordable chicken sandwiches and fruit cups at the Plaza café over the lackluster Fortin buffet, which had zero flavor and frozen broccoli. There are a few potable water stations in the park to refill bottles.

Bathrooms are abundant and next to points of interest (check the map below for details). Toilet paper isn't flushable and must be disposed of in stall wastebaskets.

Main Attractions

Iguazú National Park has a TON of fun things to do! Brad and I completed all of the trails, plus a thrilling boat ride under Iguazú Falls, in two days. Most portions of the elevated steel walkways are wheelchair accessible. There are three train stations to transport visitors between the main entrance, Upper/Lower Circuits, and Devil's Throat. Tickets are free and have specific time slots.

Brad and I walked along the Verde Trail (green line) to reach the Lower Circuit (blue loop). We were instantly enthralled by the beauty of the dense jungle, chirping birds, and spectacular waterfalls! There are a variety of platforms to admire the scenery and take photos. Try to spot some Great Dusky Swifts, which like to perch against the mossy cliffs.

The Devil's Throat (red line) is the most popular attraction in the park. I recommend visiting this gargantuan marvel in the afternoon to avoid the morning rush. You may get soaked, but that's half the fun! Feel the full power of Mother Earth as you watch the hypnotizing and vigorous water cascade into the white abyss. The invigorating energy is palpable, especially with a rainbow!

Not often do you get to see multiple waterfalls from such great heights! The Upper Circuit (yellow loop) has a unique perspective of Iguazú Falls. You'll hear and see colossal rapids pour over into the heavenly valley below. Be on the lookout for monster catfish patrolling beneath the walkway. The serene oasis brought tears of joy to our eyes.

Attention birdwatchers! If you want to catch a glimpse of a gorgeous Toco Toucan, I recommend checking out the Macuco Trail (purple line) in the morning. Brad and I couldn't believe our luck after finding one beneath the canopy within 15 minutes! To behold my favorite bird was a moment I will treasure forever. In addition to numerous birds, we also saw iguanas, flowers, spiders, and bizarre bugs.

Kawabunga! Iguazú Falls has a fantastic speed boat ride via Iguazú Jungle, which takes you under two separate waterfalls. Brad and I paid $75 USD per person for the two-hour Gran Aventura tour. Despite a thunderstorm, the captain expertly maneuvered our vessel through piercing rain and grey skies. This one-of-a-kind experience is worth every penny and the ultimate adrenaline rush!

Helpful Tips

Prepare for high humidity and hot temperatures. Brad and I were comfortable with our athletic gear and Tevas. I recommend bringing sunscreen, insect repellent, and sunglasses. Consider a rain cover for your backpack or waterproof bag to protect your belongings, particularly electronics. A rain jacket, umbrella, or poncho is handy in a sudden downpour!

Take pictures of the trail maps at the main entrances to use as a reference. Map placards and bilingual signs are located throughout the national parks. Overall the trails are easy to navigate and suitable for all ages. Please take out what you take in and leave no trace, including biodegradable food which can harm wildlife.

If you are interested in birdwatching, I recommend downloading the Merlin Bird ID app by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The app is easy to use and recognizes over 1,382 bird species by sound. Install the Argentina and Brazil bird packs to help keep track of your encounters. We saw a Smooth-billed Ani, Black-fronted Piping Guan, Green-headed Tanager, Rufescent Tiger Heron, two Toco Toucans, and several Plush-crested Jays. Bring a pair of binoculars!

Final Thoughts

Iguazú Falls is a bountiful Garden of Eden overflowing with enchantment. Every step you take brings you closer to feeling the grandeur of Mother Earth. This spiritual place touches the soul and connects you to the environment in an exceptional way. Iguazú Falls isn't just a landscape, it's a heartfelt experience in the Atlantic Forest.

Iguaçu National Park and Iguazú National Park both feature pristine trails with panoramic views, exciting boat rides, and remarkable wildlife. Brazil has the best overall view whereas Argentina has the most immersive walkways. I highly recommend exploring both sides of Iguazú Falls since each park offers something different for visitors. Skipping one is like trying to finish a puzzle without all of the pieces!