If there is one place in Argentina that feels like pure magic, it’s Iguazú Falls. Straddling the border between Argentina and Brazil, this wonder of nature is made up of nearly 300 waterfalls crashing down through subtropical rainforest. Standing in front of them, feeling the mist on your face and hearing the thunder of the water, is an experience that stays with you forever. This guide to Iguazú Falls will help you plan your visit, from when to go and what to see, to how to cross into Brazil and the best practical tips to make the most of your time.

Ultimate Guide to Iguazú Falls: all you need to know

Where is Iguazú Falls?

Iguazú Falls (Cataratas del Iguazú) sit on the border between Argentina’s Misiones Province and the Brazilian state of Paraná. The falls are part of two protected areas: Iguazú National Park in Argentina and Iguaçu National Park in Brazil. Together, they make up one of the most biodiverse regions in South America, with dense jungle, colorful birds, playful coatis, and even jaguars (though you’re very unlikely to see one). The nearby town of Puerto Iguazú in Argentina is the main base for visitors, with plenty of hotels, restaurants, and transport connections.

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.

The falls themselves are shared between Argentina and Brazil, but the region is also famous for being a triple frontier: just a few kilometers upriver, Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay all meet at the confluence of the Iguazú and Paraná Rivers. This makes Puerto Iguazú (Argentina), Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil), and Ciudad del Este (Paraguay) neighboring border towns, each with their own character. While Paraguay doesn’t have a direct view of the falls, the triple border is a fascinating cultural and geographical landmark that adds to the uniqueness of visiting Iguazú. You can easily visit Paraguay on a day trip as there are buses going there. When we were there, the traffic was so bad that day, that in the end, we decoded to walk all the way to Paraguay.

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 Iguazú 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 second time I visited, we stayed another 4 days and didn’t even go to the Brazilian side.

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 Melia (we stayed in this hotel both times, but it used to be Sheraton years ago), but even though you won’t be able to walk around much. The guards are very vigilant and most importantly, it’s not safe after sunset. 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.

 

How much does it cost to go to Iguazu Falls

Visiting Iguazú Falls is not the cheapest excursion in Argentina, but it’s absolutely worth the expense. If you plan to see both sides , Argentina and Brazil , you’ll need to pay entrance fees for each national park.

On the Argentine side, tickets for international visitors are currently around USD $45, and you’ll need to show identification when purchasing. We prebooked online and had to provide passport numbers, but nobody checked at the entrance.  If one day isn’t enough to explore the trails and viewpoints, a second visit costs about half the price, as long as you keep your original ticket.

Staying at the Gran Meliá Iguazú Hotel, which is located inside the park, gives you the advantage of paying the entrance fee only once and enjoying early access to the falls (but you are not really saving anything because the hotel is very expensive, although wort every penny, in my opinion. The park is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with ticket sales stopping around 4:30 PM.

On the Brazilian side, entry fees are lower, with international visitors paying approximately R$97 (around USD $19–20). The park opens from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Mercosur citizens receive discounted rates. Keep in mind that small purchases inside the park, like snacks, drinks, or souvenirs, are slightly more expensive than in town, so it’s a good idea to bring cash in local currency.

Overall, a trip to Iguazú Falls is moderately expensive compared to other destinations in Argentina, but it’s very manageable with careful planning. For first-time travelers, this makes it a mid-range adventure, not the cheapest trip in Argentina, but one of the most unforgettable.

How to get to Iguazu Falls

You can reach Iguazú Falls either by bus or by plane, depending on your time and budget.

• By Bus: Long-distance buses are comfortable in Argentina, but the journey is long. From Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazú it takes about 18–20 hours. From Brazil, buses run from São Paulo (15–18 hours) and Rio de Janeiro (21–23 hours) to Foz do Iguaçu. While affordable, these journeys are best if you’re slow-traveling or want to save on accommodation by taking overnight buses.

• By Plane: The fastest and most popular option is to fly. From Buenos Aires, direct flights to Puerto Iguazú (IGR) take just over two hours, with frequent departures on Aerolíneas Argentinas and JetSmart. If you’re coming from Brazil, fly into Foz do Iguaçu (IGU) – the airport is well connected to São Paulo, Rio, and other major cities. Each time, I flew with Aerolíneas Argentinas from Buenos Aires.

For the best fares, I recommend checking Skyscanner or Google Flights,  they make it easy to compare airlines and find schedules that work for your trip.

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 and on top of that there were thousands of butterflies everywhere. The second time I visited Iguazu Falls in August and we had a slightly cooler weather with occasional rain (but mostly at night)

Where to stay in Iguazú

I have stayed in Argentina both time, 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:

What to do in Iguazu Falls: Argentinian side

80% of the falls are in Argentina and you can enjoy them and the extensive park by following assigned walking routes. Truly, there’s quite a lot to do in the park on Argentinian side. 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.

Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat)

 The most famous viewpoint, reached by a small ecological train and a long catwalk over the river. Standing here feels like standing on the edge of the world. You can get there by walking or taking a rainforest train, which is free, but you need to pick up a ticket from the station before boarding.

We went to Garganta del Diablo a few times as it is quite an impressive place. The viewing platform gets extremely crowded, so be prepared for waiting in line and lots of people wanting to take pictures. The best time to go there is either first thing in the morning or towards the end of the day when most tourists leave. We realized that the busiest time on the platform was between 11 am and 2 pm, more or less.

Upper and Lower Circuits

These trails are the most popular in the park that take you above and below the falls, each giving you a unique perspective. The lower trail is especially good for photos with rainbows in the mist.

The Lower Circuit (Circuito Inferior) takes you right to the base of the falls, where you can feel the spray on your face and hear the water thundering all around you. This loop includes platforms that put you close enough to admire rainbows forming in the mist, making it one of the most photogenic parts of the park. It’s also the trail that connects to the boat safaris, so it’s easy to combine both experiences in one visit.

The Upper Circuit (Circuito Superior) give you a completely different perspective. Here, elevated walkways guide you over the river and along the edge of the falls. Instead of looking up, you’re looking down into the cascades,  a breathtaking vantage point that really shows their power and scale. It’s an easier, less strenuous but longer walk than the lower circuit,  great for all visitors.

Sendero macuco

If you want to step away from the crowds, the Sendero Macuco is the park’s hidden gem. This 7 km round-trip trail winds deep into the jungle, where you’ll walk under the canopy, listen to birdsong, and maybe spot monkeys or even a toucan (we were a bit disappointed though as this time in August, we didn’t see even a single butterfly). The highlight is the small Arrechea Waterfall, a peaceful contrast to the roaring main falls.

It’s less visited, so bring water, sturdy shoes, and mosquito repellent, and be prepared for a couple of hours of quiet immersion in nature. Please note that if it rains heavily, the path will be closed as it get really muddy. Unlike the other trains, this one doesn’t have a a wooden platform- it is really a proper walk in the rainforest.

Boat Safari

If you only do one extra activity at Iguazú, make it the boat safari. This isn’t your typical sightseeing cruise, it’s a full-on adrenaline rush that brings you face-to-face with the power of the waterfalls. You can purchase tickets in the park, just look for Paseos Náuticos Iguazu Jungle or prebook it online. 

The experience begins with a ride through the jungle in special trucks, where guides share fun facts about the park’s wildlife and history. Then, you board a speedboat on the river, life jackets on, cameras packed away (because trust me, they will get soaked).

The boat zips across the water, bouncing with the current, before slowing down at the base of the falls. Here’s where the fun really begins: the captain steers right into the spray of the cascades, and within seconds you’re drenched from head to toe. The roar of the water, the mist on your face, and the sheer power of the falls crashing above you is an unforgettable thrill.

It’s perfectly safe and lasts about 20 minutes on the water, but the memory stays forever. Just be prepared — everything gets wet, so wear quick-dry clothes and bring a waterproof case if you want to film it. For many travelers, this is the highlight of their visit to Iguazú.

Full moon walk to the Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo)

One of the most magical experiences at Iguazú Falls is the Full Moon Walk to the Garganta del Diablo. Unlike the daytime tours, this evening excursion lets you see the falls with moonlight, with shadows and reflections creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere. The trail is illuminated just enough to guide you, and the roar of the waterfalls feels even more dramatic at night. Guides often share stories about the local flora and fauna while you stroll along the boardwalks. It’s a quieter, more intimate way to experience the falls, with far fewer tourists around.

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. Unfortunately, we did not manage to have this experience during either of the visits.

Wildlife Watching

Apart from the incredible waterfalls, Iguazú National Park is alive with wildlife. The subtropical rainforest shelters more than 400 species of birds, including colorful toucans, great dusky swifts (which nest behind the waterfalls), and the plush-crested jay.

On the trails, it’s common to spot playful coatis rummaging for food, families of capuchin monkeys swinging overhead (be careful, the steal your food very fast, so do the coatis), and giant butterflies with neon-blue wings fluttering past. This time, I visited in August and to my disappointment there were not that many butterflies, but the previous time in March, there were thousands of them.

If you’re lucky, you might glimpse a sleepy anteater, a shy tapir, or even the paw prints of a jaguar deep in the forest. We saw one at night at the entrance to the park returning to Melia from dinner in town.

The biodiversity here is extraordinary,  so take your time between viewpoints, listen for birdsong, and carry binoculars if you’re keen on spotting rarer species. Just one word of caution: coatis may look cute, but don’t feed them,  they’re notorious snack thieves and can be quite bold around humans. It also harms them when people feed them with human food. The hotel staff told us, it makes them sick and they lose their fur and ability to fend for themselves.

For me, the most magical moments were when I could take close up pictures of birds. Really, I was so lucky to watch them for 10-20 minutes each time as they were just interested in eating fruit from the trees. One toucan even flew down and I could watch it from the height of my eyes.

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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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See also:

• First Time in Buenos Aires? Avoid These 12 Common Mistakes
• How to Spend 3 Days in Buenos Aires: Food, Culture & Hidden Gems
• A walk to Paraguay from Iguazu
• Salta la Linda. A city in the north of Argentina you should visit.

My view from the room:

Use my favourite travel resources to plan your dream trips

• Booking.com for searching best prices on accommodation.
• AirHelp helps to get compensation for cancelled or delayed flights.
• Travel Payouts is my favourite platform for monetizing the blog.
• 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 and EKTA travel insurance. I like them because they have quite extensive coverage of different activities.
• WeGoTrip sends you audio guides to your mobile, so you can visit places while learning history and interesting facts easily and for little money.
• 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. You can even save 50%.
• Trip Advisor– amazing for good quality recommendations.
• Skyscanner is a perfect website for searching flight routes and comparing prices.
• Airalo is my eSim choice for alternative data abroad.

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