Visiting Iguazu Falls is a must on everyone’s South American itinerary.
The sheer size and immense power of these falls are just some of the reasons why this natural wonder is one of the planet’s most awe-inspiring sights!
What is so special about this waterfall? Well for starters, there are approximately 275 individual waterfalls stretching an impressive 3km wide and standing 82m at their highest point.
Iguazu Falls are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was also selected as one of the new 7 Wonders of Nature. So yes, you are going to want to put this place on your bucket list as it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
I spent two days exploring Iguazu Falls National Park, on both the Argentinian side and the Brazilian side, and have put together this easy guide to visiting including how to get there, the best time to visit, how much it costs, and what to expect!
VISITING IGUAZU FALLS
Let’s kick things off with all the logistics of reaching these magnificent falls including how to get there, the best time to visit, important visa information, and more.
WHERE IS IGUAZU FALLS?
Iguazu Falls (also known as Iguaçu Falls) lies split between the border of Argentina and Brazil in South America.
Click here to see the location on Google maps.
HOW TO GET HERE
From Buenos Aires to the falls it’s approximately a two-hour flight or a sixteen-hour drive.
From Rio de Janeiro, the flight time is around two hours and fifteen minutes, or an eighteen-hour drive.
Fortunately, there are two international airports, one on the Argentinian side (Cataratas Del Iguazu International Airport) and one on the Brazilian side (Foz do Iguacu International Airport), making it conveniently easy to reach this incredible chain of waterfalls in South America.
Search All → Flights to Iguazu
DO I NEED A VISA FOR ARGENTINA & BRASIL?
Depending on which country you are from, you may or may not need a visa to enter Argentina and Brazil.
See the links below for both Argentina and Brasil visa requirements to find out more information and get your visa online in advance.
BEST TIME FOR VISITING IGUAZU FALLS
This destination can be visited all year round, however, the best time to visit Iguazu Falls is in the cooler winter months between May and September, which is also mid-season with fewer tourists.
High-season is generally in the summer months between December and February, so you can expect very hot days and a lot of tourists during this time.
Iguazu Falls National Park is open 7 days a week from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm on the Argentina side and from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on the Brazil side.
Search All → Iguazu Falls Tours
IGUAZU FALLS ENTRANCE FEE
Argentina Side:
The Iguazu Falls entrance fee on the Argentina side is $800 Argentine Pesos (USD $18) for adults and $200 Argentine Pesos (USD $5) for kids up to the age of 12.
Brazil Side:
The Iguazu Falls entrance fee on the Brazilian side is $70 Brazilian Reals (USD $18) for adults and $11 Brazilian Reals (USD $3) for kids up to the age of 11.
ATM machines can be found at the entrance if you wish to withdraw money, otherwise paying by debit or credit card is also an option.
IGUAZU FALLS TOURS
Booking a tour of Iguazu Falls is more expensive but it does come with its benefits.
The majority of Iguazu Falls tours include pick-up and drop-off from your hotel or the airport and an experienced tour guide, making your adventure a stress-free and enjoyable one.
If you are looking for one or two-day tours you can book online in advance to avoid the hassle of having to organize a trip once you have arrived.
I recommend finding a tour that best suits you on the Get Your Guide website. They have thousands of travel deals worldwide that are affordable and reliable!
Click Here to search for all Iguazu Falls Tours and book online ahead of time.
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ARGENTINA SIDE VS BRAZIL SIDE
Both sides of the falls offer a different perspective of this natural wonder of the world, so I recommend allowing at least two days to make the most of your experience when visiting Iguazu Falls.
The Argentina side offers several walking trails to different viewpoints, a boat ride along the Iguazu River to the base of the falls, and a train ride to the top of the falls, all of which will take you one full day to do.
Whereas on the Brazilian side, there is a shuttle bus service from the entrance gate that will drop you much closer to the falls and there is only one walking trail that takes no more than two hours to complete, including stops to take pictures.
Scenic helicopter flights also operate on the Brazil side which will set you back USD $120 for a fifteen-minute flight over the falls.
VISITING IGUAZU FALLS – ARGENTINA SIDE
Visiting Iguazu Falls is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I guarantee you will never forget!
It doesn’t matter how many photos or videos you have seen from these falls; they don’t do it any justice, and to see it with your own eyes is 100% worth it.
One of the best things to do on the Argentina side is taking the speed boat ride up the Iguazu River to the very base of the falls, soaking your head to toe!
A speed boat ride is USD $60, and the adventure takes around 1.5 hours.
You can purchase your boat tickets at the same time as paying for your entrance ticket. Once you have your ticket, head to the pick-up point, just five minutes walk from the main entrance, and a 4WD people carrier will pick you up and drive down through the jungle to where the boats are located.
Before jumping on the boat, each person is given a dry bag to put all non-waterproof valuables in and a lifejacket.
Once everyone is on board and seated, the boat then shoots up the rapids, and the skipper will give everyone some time to take pictures of the falls before dunking the boat several times right under the tremendous spray that emits from the falls.
Tip: Bring a rain jacket and a change of clothes if you are planning on experiencing the speed boat ride at Iguazu Falls – you will get wet!
There are changing rooms down by the river to get changed out of your wet clothes and into some dry ones.
Once you’ve had your fun getting soaked under the falls, spend the rest of the day walking along the circuit trails to several different viewpoints overlooking the waterfall.
You’ll be given a map of Iguazu Falls when you enter the park and it’s really easy to navigate your way around. I have also attached a map below for your perusal.
There is a lower circuit trail that leads through dense rainforest, offering many different viewpoints of Iguaçu and other smaller waterfalls along the way.
And the upper circuit trail takes you across suspended walkways right over the top of the waterfall, getting you as close to the edge as possible.
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ARGENTINA SIDE – CONTINUED
I am guessing you may be getting hungry by this point, so there are a number of snack bars and restaurants that can be found in central park to grab some food and take a rest.
Alternatively, it is advisable to bring a packed lunch as the restaurants can be a bit overpriced.
Once you’ve had a feed, jump in the queue at the central station to ride the ecological train ride to the topmost section of the falls.
Trains depart from the central station every half an hour and it is free of charge.
Search All → Hotels & Resorts at Iguazu
The train will arrive at the top train station, and from here, it’s a fifteen-minute walk across the Iguazu River on the suspended walkway until you reach the most epic viewing platform above the falls.
Hold on to your hats as the spray from Iguazu will be sure to soak your face from this viewpoint and you may want to throw your poncho back on to keep you dry.
This part of the falls is the very neck of the Devil’s Throat, boasting immense power and mass water flow that is phenomenal to witness!
To get back to the main entrance of Iguazu National Park, jump back on the ecological train for the twenty-minute return journey which will conclude your visit on the Argentina side.
IGUAZU FALLS BRASIL SIDE
The Brasil side is a much more cruisy adventure than the Argentinian side. Basically, less walking is involved as there is only one trail in and out.
Once inside the entrance gate, big green shuttle buses are waiting to transport passengers to and from the waterfall.
The bus drops everyone off at a bus station located across the road from a large pink hotel and this is where the trail begins, you won’t miss it.
Follow the trail along the edge of the falls and take the time to stop for pictures along the way as this is where you’ll get your best shots of the falls.
At the end of the trail, there are some nice restaurants that are perched right on top of the waterfall, making for an unbelievable lunch setting.
Again, the restaurant prices are generally high so bring a packed lunch if you prefer.
And that’s it for the Brasil side. You can find the bus station next to the restaurants and make the return journey back to the entrance gate.
WHERE TO STAY AT IGUAZU FALLS
There are two major cities located close to the falls and they are Puerto Iguazu, on the Argentina side, and Foz do Iguaçu on the Brasil side, both of which have hundreds of accommodations to choose from.
I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to fit the needs of budget backpackers and luxury travelers. See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend.
Places to stay in Puerto Iguazu (Argentina)
- Luxury: Mecure Iguazu Hotel Iru
- Mid Range: Hotel Jardin de Iguazu
- Budget: El Uru Suite Hotel
For all other accommodations in Puerto Iguazu, Click Here to search on booking.com
Places to stay in Foz do Iguazu (Brasil)
- Luxury: Belmond Hotel das Cataratas
- Mid Range: Vivaz Cataratas Hotel Resort
- Budget: Hotel Dany
For all other accommodations in Foz do Iguaçu, Click Here to search on booking.com
WHAT TO PACK FOR ARGENTINA & BRASIL
Here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you when visiting Iguazu Falls.
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MORE ARGENTINA TRAVEL GUIDES
If you are planning a trip to Argentina, be sure to check out my other travel guides below that you might find useful while crafting together your itinerary.
EXPLORE MORE: ARGENTINA TRAVEL GUIDES
FINAL THOUGHTS – IGUAZU FALLS
If you have any questions at all about Visiting Iguazu Falls, please leave me a comment below and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.
TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!
THANKS FOR READING
Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!
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Many thanks!
Great article, thanks for share.
How much distance is there between the two sides ARG and BRA? is Uber available?
Hi Kenneth, the distance between the two sides of the falls by road is approximately 10-15 kilometers (6-9 miles), depending on the specific route taken. Im not sure if Uber is available but you can check the Uber app for the most up-to-date information regarding service availability. Hope this helps and enjoy!
Hi Jonny,
Thank you for sharing your Iguazu experience and all the tips you provided. I’ve also read a lot of Q&As so won’t ask you the same questions. I plan to do 1 day each on Argentine & Brazilian side of the falls in December. I’m also a DIY travel guy, but have also read your Viator recommendations and understand the value of a guide.
My questions is … If I purchase ticket online, can I decide the “day of” to purchase tickets to ride the jet boat to the falls? Online tix for December are not yet available.
Thank you so much in advance for your response.
Hey Jerry, you’re most welcome, glad you found this Iquazu Falls travel guide useful. Yes, absolutely, I recommend a guided tour and I am pretty sure you should be able to purchase the jet boat on the ‘day of’ or a couple of days before to be safe. There are many boat trips and spaces available so you won’t miss out. Have a great trip!
Thanks for the reply Jonny.
One more question. Is it easy to get an Uber at IGR airport? or do you recommend Taxi instead.
Hi Jonny, We are a family of 4 (youngest 9 years) visiting the falls for 3 days in April. We’re staying on the Argentina side but would like to see the the Brazilian side also. We’re used to international travel and like to do our own thing but haven’t done many developing countries with the kids yet. Wondering if you would recommend hiring a taxi or tour that could do the Brazil crossing for us (and if you knew anyone in particular) or if it’s fairly straightforward? Are most hotels in Puerto Iguazu able to book upstanding/affordable taxis/tours? Thanks!
Hi Kristen! Thanks for reaching out and visiting my blog. It’s great to hear that you and your family are planning a trip to Iguazu Falls.
Crossing from the Argentina side to the Brazil side is fairly straightforward, but it’s important to note that you’ll need to bring your passports as you’ll be crossing the border.
Hiring a taxi or booking a tour is definitely an option if you want a hassle-free experience. I would recommend checking with your hotel in Puerto Iguazu Argentinian side if they offer any transportation services or if they can recommend a reliable tour operator.
Alternatively, visit this website to search all available Iguazu Falls tours, some of which include transportation – https://www.viator.com/Puerto-Iguazu-attractions/Iguazu-Falls/d971-a5237?pid=P00039717&mcid=42383&medium=link
I hope this helps and that you and your family have a wonderful time at Iguazu Falls!
Hi Jonny, planning to be in Buenos Aires in the next couple of days. Whats the best way to get to the Iguazu falls from Buenos Aires? I haven’t arranged anything as I travel stand by, so once I make the plane then I start booking things. Also, I am planning to go to the Glaciares, which should be the order?
TIA
Hi Blanca! Thanks for reaching out. The best way to get to the Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires is by plane.
There are several airlines that offer daily flights from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazu, the closest city to the falls. The flight takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the airline and the route.
As for the order of your itinerary, it really depends on your personal preferences and travel plans. Both destinations are incredible and offer unique experiences. However, I would recommend visiting Iguazu Falls first and then heading to Glaciares. The reason being is that Iguazu Falls are located in the northern part of Argentina, while Glaciares is located in the southern region. This way, you can avoid unnecessary backtracking and save time and money on transportation.
I hope this helps, and I wish you a safe and enjoyable trip to Argentina!
Hi Jonny:
Is the border crossing has closing time or it opens 24/7?
Thank you
Bing
hi Bing, yes the Iguazu Falls border crossing is 24/7. Have a nice trip 🙂
Hi Jonny
We are hiring a car on brazil side.
Is there free car parking at Brazil side falls by Visitor Centre?
Thank you
Hey Kim, yes there is! Enjoy your visit to Iguazu Falls!
Are there places to sit and rest along the trails and catwalks?
Hi Helen, yes there are plenty!
Hey,
Heading to Iguazu Falls this December. Your article has been very helpful and answered some of my concerns.
1. Is it wise to purchase entry tickets on line before hand or just go with the flow when I arrive at the entrance?
2. Do I understand there is an elevator on the Brazil side to get to the boat ride ramp?
Thank you for offering this great information.
Hello, I recommend online booking for tickets to skip the queue when you visit. As for the elevator, I am sorry but I am not quite sure as I never used it nor saw it during my visit. Enjoy Iquazu Falls 🙂
Hello Jonny,
I am part of group of 14 travellers that would like to visit the Iguazu Falls. We will be arriving in Rio de Janeiro on March 18th,2023. While most of us are in our early 70s, however, we are pretty fit and healthy. We will fly in to Foz do Iguazu on the morning of Mar 19th and will be flying out approx at 10.30 pm to Rio de Janeiro. Appreciate your opinion as to whether or not we should do DIY touring or get a tour guides to take us to see both sides of the Iguazu falls.
Would appreciate if you can recommend a tour guide who can converse in English.
Thank you so much
I would recommend a tour with a guide, especially with the border crossing involved to see both sides of the falls. You can find a range of Iguazu Falls tours that I have recommended in this post above. Hope this helps and enjoy 🙂
Hello Jonny,
We are 70-year old couple from Canada, still mobile and able to walk for as long as 8 kms., without any problem. We are taking a cruise in Rio de Janeiro commencing March 19, 2022. Prior to this cruise, we would like to visit Iguazu Falls, both Argentinian and Brazilian sides. Your blog is very helpful and would like to know if you can provide more info to us:
1. Is mid-March a good time to visit Iguazu in terms of weather and crowd?
2. We plan to start in Argentina side and then do the Brazil side next? That way, we’ll fly to Argentina first, cross the border then fly out of Foz do Iguacu for Rio de Janeiro. Does this make any sense to you?
3. Do you think 2 or 3 days visit to the both sides will be enough to cover the highlights of the Falls?
4. Do you recommend that we buy a tour package for the visit? If there’s not much hassle involved, we prefer a DIY touring so we’ll have more flexibility.
5. Does Brazil issue visitor’s visa at the border and how long does it take?
Thanks for your attention.
Hello, you’re going to love the falls!
In response to your Qs:
1) Yes March is a great time to visit weather-wise.
2) Yes, this makes sense and the way I did it.
3) 2 days is plenty to see both sides. 1 day on each side.
4) No, you won’t need a tour package, you can do it DIY just grab a map at the entrance.
5) Yes, you can get your Brazil visa at the border quite easily. It shouldn’t take too long at the border, but depends how many people there are at the time.
I hope this helps and enjoy 🙂
Hi Jonny,
Thank you so much for this – we’re heading to Iguazu in a couple of weeks and found your blog super handy!!
Your photos are incredible – we’re soooo excited to go and visit now!
Happy travels 🙂
Hi Rosie, thanks for reading and glad you found this guide useful! Enjoy Iguazu 🙂
Love this one! So good.
Hi Kathleen, thanks for reading and hope you find this guide useful!