On our recent trip to Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, we visited Iguazu Falls National Park! While a large portion of the falls lie on the Argentine side, the Brazilian side offers stunning panoramic views. The park entrance fee includes a ride on an open-top double-decker bus that takes you directly to the falls.
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How to get there
Fly into Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil)
To reach the Brazilian side of the Iguazu Falls by plane, you’ll need to fly into Foz do Iguaçu International Airport (IGU). From there, you can take a bus, taxi, or shuttle to the national park entrance.
Bus to Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil)
The bus is a budget-friendly option, and is our top choice especially if you’re already travelling through Brazil. The city you want to head for is called Foz do Iguaçu.
Crossing from Brazil to Argentina
Okay so this part was a little confusing so here’s the lowdown. You’re welcome.
From Foz do Iguaçu, take the yellow bus (cdn) or green bus (Rio Uruguay) for 10 BRL (2 USD). This bus ticket will take you all the way to Puerto Iguazú (Argentina).
Note: make sure yellow bus says cdn because another yellow bus goes to Paraguay (doesn’t say cdn). The yellow bus (cdn) will pass via the falls if you want to go direct to see the falls.
Customs borders
Now for the customs bit. You’ll need to get off the bus twice before arriving at your final destination. Bring your passport.
Stop 1: Get off at Brazilian customs to get exit stamp in passport. The bus will leave you there, so you need to wait at the bus stop for the next bus.
Stop 2: Get off at Argentinian customs to get entry stamp. The bus will usually wait for you but take your stuff anyways just in case.
Continue: After you finish stamping into Argentina, hop back onto the bus and stay on until you reach the station at Puerto Iguazú!
Once you get to Puerto Iguazú, take note that there’s no uber in this part of Argentina. You’ll have to hail a taxi if your accommodation is not within walking distance of the bus station.
Travel Tips
Take your sweet time
We highly recommend taking your time when visiting the Iguazu Falls. Spread your visit out over at least 2 days and spend a day on each side. There’s so much to see and the falls are absolutely breathtaking. You’ll probably never look at a waterfall the same way again so make sure you take a good look at these ones.
Make sure you see both sides
So maybe you’re short on time and thinking of just visiting one of the sides. Wrong. About two-thirds of the Iguazu Falls are on the Argentina side, which means there’s more to see and explore on the Argentinian side. However, the Brazil side offers the most stunning, panoramic views and lets you fully take in the sheer magnificence of the falls.
Must see spots
Once inside the park, you can explore the various trails and viewpoints on foot or opt for a boat tour for an up-close encounter with the falls.
See the Brazilian side
This side is a no-brainer. Simply follow the main trail (there’s only one) from where the internal park bus drops you off. Marvel at the scenery and be prepared to stop every 5 seconds to take pics, punctuated with lots of “oohs” and “ahhs”.
The walk itself is about an hour long, but expect to spend 2.5 to 3 hours in total. The trail culminates in an epic boardwalk that extends right over the rushing water. Here, you’ll get so close to the cascading falls that you might even get misted by the spray!
While you’re there, don’t forget to stop by Hotel das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel, Iguassu Falls. Though it’s not the typical place you’d spot budget backpackers, the building is simply beautiful and definitely worth a quick squiz while you’re there. Even if you don’t stay, you can splash out on a buffet lunch for a special occasion.
Explore the Argentinian side
The Argentine side of Iguazu Falls offers a more immersive experience, allowing you to truly feel the power and beauty of the falls. Here are some of the must-see attractions:
Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo): This is the most iconic waterfall in the park, offering breathtaking views of the powerful cascade. The water plunges over 80 meters into a narrow gorge, creating a deafening roar and a mist that can be felt from afar.
Upper Circuit: Hike along elevated walkways to admire the falls from above. This circuit offers panoramic views of the rainforest, the Iguazu River, and numerous waterfalls, including the stunning Floriano and Bosetti Falls.
Lower Circuit: Explore the base of the falls, feeling the mist and the power of the water. This circuit takes you closer to the falls, offering unique perspectives and the chance to capture incredible photos.
Gran Aventura Boat Tour: For the ultimate adrenaline rush, embark on a boat tour that takes you up close to the falls, getting you drenched in the mist. This thrilling experience allows you to feel the raw power of the water and appreciate the sheer scale of the falls.
Remember to wear comfortable clothing, sturdy footwear, and a waterproof jacket, especially if you’re planning to take the boat tour.
Skip across to Paraguay
Looking to tick off another country on the list of places visited?
Cough, cough. *Looks at Paraguay*.
While you’re staying in Foz do Iguaçu, make a day trip to visit Ciudad del Este in Paraguay. To do this, you’ll need simply need to walk across the bridge from Brazil to Paraguay, all the while enjoying nice views of Rio Parana. While we took our passports with us, nobody seemed to check or care to give us a stamp (sad).
If you’re starting from Brazil, plan to do this last before crossing over to the Argentinian side to continue your Iguazu Falls sightseeing.
Where to stay
Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil)
Trust us on this one: stay at Selina Foz. Think hostel, but extra bougie. This one in particular is like a resort with a large pool and plenty of areas to hang out and meet people. Also did we mention the delicious breakfasts? Yum.
Puerto Iguazú (Argentina)
The city of Puerto Iguazú offers a range of accommodation options, including budget friendly hotels to home stays. Consider staying near the bus station for a central location and easy access to the bus to the park.
Eat and drink
There are plenty of food options around both cities but if you’re staying in Puerto Iguazú in Argentina, don’t miss the Bakery and Confectionery El Arbol Real. The food here was both affordable and delicious – two top qualities we look for. The daily buffet is really tasty and offers a great range of options. For breakfast or dessert, we absolutely loved the alfajores de maicena.
Best time to visit
The Iguazu Falls are open all year round and so the best time to visit Iguazu Falls really just depends on your preference.
Dry season (April to September) offers pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and clear skies, perfect for photography. However, the water flow may be lower, reducing the falls’ power.
Rainy season (October to March) brings higher water levels, making the falls more impressive. However, you may encounter more rain and humidity.
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