June 28, 2024
Weekend Trip to Iguazu Falls From Argentina
Iguazu Falls (or Iguaçu Falls) straddles the border of Argentina and Brazil and is the most impressive waterfall systems in the world, larger than Niagara Falls and Victoria Falls. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Nestled within a tropical jungle, Iguazu Falls consists of 275 waterfalls and can be enjoyed on both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides.
We went for the weekend and the waterfalls took our breath away (including a quick trip into Brazil and Paraguay). There are many things to do in Iguazu Falls.
In This Guide
How to Get Here
Where We Stayed
How to Experience the Waterfalls
- Important Logistics
- How Long Do You Need
- Experiencing Iguazu Falls
- Day Trip to the Brazilian Side
- Tips and Tricks
Other Things to Do
- Visit Three Countries in One Day (Tres Fronteras)
- Go on a Bike Tour
- Learn About the Guarani Community
How to Get Here
Iguazu Falls can be visited from Brazil or Argentina (or even Paraguay). There are two major airports that you will fly into – Foz do Iguaçu International Airport on the Brazil side and Cataratas of Iguazu International Airport on the Argentina side.
The three major cities for tourism here are:
- Puerto Iguazú (Argentina)
- Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil)
- Ciudad del Este (Paraguay)
For tourism specific to Iguazu Falls, you will want to fly into and stay in either Argentina or Brazil.
LOCAL TIP: There is no Uber in Argentina. You will need to rent a car, use public buses, or rely on taxis (which can be coordinated by your hotel). Depending on your itinerary, renting a car may end up being cheaper then always using taxis.
Where We Stayed
We stayed in Puerto Iguazu, Argentina since we came from Mendoza. Hotels, hostels, and Airbnb’s are abundant. We stayed in La Aldea de la Selva Lodge, a lush hotel situated at the midway point between the airport and downtown.
Downtown Puerto Iguazu has majority of the restaurants and shops. This downtown is smaller and quainter as compared to its Brazilian and Paraguayan counterparts. We were able to walk a majority of the downtown in just an afternoon.
How to Experience the Waterfalls
Ninety-nine percent of the tourism revolves around the Iguazu Falls, which are open year-round. The cataratas (or waterfalls in Spanish) can be viewed from both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides.
1. Important Logistics
- The cost (as of summer 2024) is ARS 35,000 for foreigners and ARS 10,000 for Argentinian citizens. They can be purchased online or at the ticket booth.
- You can join a tour (pre-booked or hire a guide at the park) or explore the park independently.
- There are several restaurants, bathroom facilities, souvenir shops, and a museum on site.
- The entire park is broken by several trials – primarily the upper and lower circuit.
- SUMMER 2024 UPDATE: Due to flooding earlier in the year, the Estacion Garganta is closed.
2. How Long Do You Need
You can spend an afternoon, an entire day, or several days at Iguazu Falls. I recommend at least one day focused on exploring the falls and the park.
We spent half a day at the Iguazu Falls on the Argentina and for us that was the perfect amount of time.
3. Experiencing Iguazu Falls
Once you get into the park, you’re immediately greeted by the Visitors Center and many shops and restaurants. There are several ‘train stations’ or estacions located throughout the park that will take you to the circuits.
You will hop on a train to Estacion Central to Estacion Cataratas. You do not need to pay for the trains since you already paid to get into the park.
Additionally, you can walk the Sendero Verde (Green Trail) to get to and fro these stations.
Once you get off at Estacion Cataratas, you’ll begin your journey on the upper and lower circuits. They are one way and 90% wheelchair-friendly.
You are directly above the waterfalls on the upper circuit, which is about an hour. The lower circuit has restaurants where you can take a much-needed food break.
There are also boat rides that you can take (for an additional fee) up to and very close the waterfalls – look out for the staff wearing the yellow shirts. They have an informational booth by the Visitors Center and another by Dos Hermanas – a food center at the lower circuit.
If you decide to sign up for this, you will get wet! These boat rides are highly dependent on the water currents and levels and may unexpectedly get canceled.
4. Day Trip to the Brazil Side
The Brazilian side also offers stunning views of the waterfalls. It is a little bit smaller but they have additional activities such as helicopter rides and a bird park.
You can get to the Brazilian side by:
- Arrange a tour (the easiest method) that will take you to the waterfalls.
- Take the Rio Uruguay bus from the central bus station in Puerto Iguazu.
- Hire a driver. Many taxi drivers will take you to the Brazilian for a fixed prize (anywhere from USD $60-100). Our taxi driver from the airport quoted us USD $80.
Local Tip: Don’t forget your passport and check visa guidelines when crossing the border. The buses stop at immigration checkpoints along the way and you will need to get stamped when entering and leaving the countries.
5. Tips and Tricks
- Arrive early: The park gets crowded and to avoid the huge tour groups, arrive when the park opens at 8AM.
- Pre-arrange tours if you want to go to the Brazilian side: To save time, having this
- Bring bug spray: There’s nothing more terrifying than the mosquitoes here.
- Wear sunscreen: The UV rays are strong
- Bring a rain jacket: It is humid and hot and wet and you will likely get wet.
- Drink lots of water: Especially in the summertime, the heat and humidity can be a dangerous combination.
- Do not feed (or torture) the animals: There are monkeys at the parks. They are cute. Do not feed them.
Other Things to Do
1. Visit Three Countries in One Day (Tres Fronteras)
The Triple Frontier (or Tres Fronteras in Spanish) represents the geographical intersection of three countries – Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. The borders of these three countries follows the Iguazú and Paraná rivers.
At each country, there is a famous landmark that can be visited. This excursion is a great way to hit three countries in one day. Make sure to check visa requirements before leaving the country you start from.
2. Go on a Bike Tour
There are several bike tours that you can join while you’re at Iguazu. It’s a great to get movement in and immerse yourself in nature. Oftentimes, bike tours will take you through rainforests and other nature reserves, giving you a different experience.
Some bike tours to consider are: Iguazu Bike & Adventure Tours (located in Argentina), Tangol Tours Iguazu (located in Argentina)
If you rather bike independently, there are plenty of shops that you can rent bikes for the day.
3. Learn About the Guarani Community
There is a rich history of indigenous community in Iguazu and the surrounding areas. The Guarani people have occupied the area for over a thousand years, and despite centuries of disruptions, the Guarani have preserved.
Through guided tours, you can visit Guarani villages and have the opportunity to learn about the community’s history, traditions, and culture and customs. Many communities also have handcrafted souvenirs that you can buy at the end of your trip.
Pin This For Later
Welcome to Well Rested Girl
Welcome to my visual diary full of travel guides and experiences. Well Rested Girl is rooted in the belief of balance, wellness, and perspective.
As my travel style and motivations evolved, my deep curiosity and need to expand my perspectives remain stead forth.
