Visit Iguazu Falls: Everything You Need to Know (Itinerary)

I’ll be honest: I dragged my feet a bit on visiting Iguazu Falls. I didn’t think waterfalls would be so impressive as to merit a flight and overnight stay just to see them. 

But I couldn’t have been more wrong. Iguazu Falls completely blew me away and couldn’t have been more epic.

If you’re looking for a trip that mixes jaw-dropping natural beauty with adventure, Iguazú Falls is where you want to be. Straddling the border between Argentina and Brazil, these iconic waterfalls are one of the most spectacular sights in the world.

I’ve got you covered with a detailed two-day itinerary to help you make the most of your visit. Let’s dive in!

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Getting there

Iguazu Falls is not near any major tourist cities, so most people fly in. Since Iguazu Falls straddles Argentina and Brazil, there is an airport on each side: Puerto Iguazu (IGR) in Argentina and Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil.

If you are traveling within Argentina, you will most likely fly into Puerto Iguazu (IGR), Argentina. From Buenos Aires, the flight is just under two hours long and can cost less than $100 USD round trip. 

TIP: Make sure you double check your departure airport in Buenos Aires. Flying out of Aeroparque (AEP) is preferable to flying out of Ezeiza (EZE), given it;s proximity to the city center.

There are also flights out of other major Argentine cities, but the availability changes more frequently so you’ll have to check a few months from your travel date.

There is also the option of taking a bus to Iguazu. From Buenos Aires, it’s a 17 hour trip, and isn’t cheaper than the flight. So definitely fly, even if you are on a tight budget!

If you are flying from Brazil, you will most likely fly into Foz do Iguacu. The flight from Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo is also about 2 hours long.

Best Time to Visit Iguazu Falls

The best time to visit Iguazú Falls is during the shoulder seasons (September-November and March-June). During these months temperatures are cooler, it’s not as rainy as during the summer months, and crowds aren’t at peak levels.

School breaks are the busiest times at the falls, including summer break (December-February), easter holiday (April), and winter break (July).

One reason to visit during the summer rainy season is to experience peak water flow and a more dramatic waterfall scene. But be prepared for intense humidity and some closed trails due to flooding. 

I visited in March and the weather was hot, but bearable, and the water was flowing in full force.

Cost of Visiting Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls is a national park, so there is an entry fee. The cost for international visitors to visit the Argentine side is about $38 USD per day. Children and people with disabilities can enter the park for free, regardless of their nationality or residence status.

Argentine peso exchange rates fluctuate frequently. You can read more about exchange rates, cash, and credit cards in Argentina here.

If you plan to spend more than a day on the Argentine side you can get a 2nd day ticket for 50% off.

The Brazilian side of the falls is run independently, so there is a separate fee. As of now, the cost is about $17 USD. Children under the age of 6 get in for free.

While you used to be able to buy tickets at the park, visitors now have to buy their tickets ahead of time. You can find the latest pricing for Argentina’s and Brazil’s entrances and buy tickets here.

Tips for Visiting Iguazú Falls

Get there early: The parks open around 8 a.m., and arriving early helps you avoid the biggest crowds and gives you cooler weather for walking.

Bring pesos and reais: You’ll need Argentine pesos for the Argentine side, and it’s helpful to have Brazilian reais for the Brazilian side. Some places accept cards, but it’s always good to have cash on hand.

Border crossing: Don’t forget your passport! Crossing from Argentina to Brazil is easy, but you’ll need to go through immigration on both sides. Also make sure you don’t need a visa to cross the border.

2-Day Iguazu Falls Itinerary

With two days you will have enough time to visit Iguazu Falls from both the Argentina and Brazil sides, as well as do an activity or two. In case you plan on staying longer, I’ve added a section on additional tours and activities to consider for your trip.

This itinerary assumes you will be flying from within Argentina and arriving in Puerto Iguazu. But if you are flying from Brazil, you would be flying into Foz do Iguacu instead.

Day 0: Arrival and Puerto Iguazú

This is a two day itinerary, but to make the most of your time at the falls, you may want to budget extra time for travel.

Ideally, you would arrive the day before you plan to visit the falls to be able to start early and make the most of your day.

After arriving in Puerto Iguazú, settle into your hotel and take it easy in town. You’ll want to save your energy for the falls, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do. 

Explore the local markets for handicrafts or head to Guira Oga, a local wildlife refuge. Puerto Iguazú has a relaxed vibe, so enjoy a quiet night in preparation for your big adventure tomorrow.

Day 1: Exploring Iguazú Falls – Argentina Side

The Argentine side of Iguazu Falls, which contains 80% of the waterfalls, is massive! You’ll want to get an early start so you can explore the park’s many trails without rushing.

The park is open every day from 8 am to 6 pm. Try to get there close to opening time (8 am) to experience the falls without the crowds.

Once you get into the park, you have to walk quite a bit to get to the trailheads or you can take the Tren de la Selva (Jungle Train). 

TIP: you’ll be doing A LOT of walking on this side of Iguazu Falls. I highly recommend you bring comfortable walking shoes - sandals or waterproof footwear are ideal.

The Tren de la Selva has 3 stations within the park: one near the entrance, one close to the falls, and one at the Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat).

You can take the train to the Cataratas station or you can take the Sendero Verde. The only trail you’ll be skipping by taking the train is the Macuco trail, which I would only do if you are spending more than one day on Argentina’s side.

At Cataratas station there’s a restaurant and restrooms. You’ll also be near the three main trailheads: Upper Circuit, Lower Circuit, and Devil’s Throat Trail.

TIP: Keep an eye out for wildlife! Coatis are especially abundant here. But as cute as they are, don’t feed them or get too close - they bite!

Lower Circuit

Start at the lower circuit to get the best panoramic views of Iguazu Falls. The lower circuit is a bit shorter at 1750 meters long, and is a bit less accessible since it has stairs.

This trail offers views of the falls at a distance. You’ll be able to take in the full breadth of Iguazu falls, and see both levels of the falls, while the upper circuit really just offers views of the top level.

You’ll also notice that viewing platforms are larger than those of the upper circuit, so space is less of a concern. The absolute best view of the falls comes at the last platform.

Along this trail you’ll get a closer view of Salto Dos Hermanas, which are the only falls you cans see from the base.

Upper Circuit

This trail is 1850m (a little over a mile) long and fully accessible by wheelchair. You can expect to spend about an hour or so on this circuit.

The walk here is easy and flat. Most of the paths run over the falls, so you get a sense of the force of the water flowing below, and plenty of views!

You’ll see many of the falls on this circuit, including the smaller Dos Hermanas, and bigger ones like Salto Bosetti and Salto Mbigua. 

These pathways are narrower and more likely to get crowded. If you’re patient, you’ll get a turn at the viewpoints as people move along. 

Devil’s Throat Trail

Now for the highlight of the Argentine side—Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat). 

To get to the Devil’s Throat I recommend you take the train. Remember to sign up for a spot on the train at Cataratas station or you might be waiting a while to hop on! The last train leaves at 3:30 pm.

To avoid crowds, you might want to make this your first stop! I went here last and the platform over the falls was definitely crowded. While it didn’t ruin the experience, it is something to consider!

Once you take the train through the jungle to the trailhead, walk along the boardwalks to reach the viewing platform. 

The sheer force of the water plunging into the gorge will blow your mind! Half of the water from Iguazu River spills out of this narrow chasm, and you can FEEL it.

Standing over the edge of the falls and feeling the force of the water rushing below is an incredible experience. Be prepared to get wet from the mist!

Gran Aventura Boat Ride

The Gran Aventura boat ride offers visitors the chance to experience the falls from an entirely different perspective. The trails take you above and right next to the falls – but what about being in them? (Ok, maybe not in, but pretty close!)

To experience the force of the water up-close, I think this excursion is an absolute must-do!

You can get tickets at the front entrance to Iguazu falls. The tour runs about every 75 minutes and lasts about 2 hours.

You’ll be given a life jacket and a dry bag, and will be asked to leave your valuables behind. Some people even bring a change of clothes, because you will get soaked!

Once on the boat, you’ll get to take in the falls from below and really appreciate their height. Then the boat speeds toward the falls, once, twice, three times.

You’ll be completely surrounded by water and the thundering sound for an all-encompassing experience.

Book the experience at the park, or do so online here.

Full Moon Walk

A few days a month, visitors have the option to see the falls under the moonlight. The walk is an hour and half long and is not included in your ticket. As of now, this activity costs $100 USD.

You can check availability and book the tour here.

Day 2: Iguazu Falls – Brazil Side

The Brazilian side is much smaller than the Argentine side. It has just a fraction of the waterfalls and fewer trails. 

BUT, this also means that it has absolutely stunning views of all the falls in Argentina. Plus, you also get an iconic view of the Devil’s Throat from below.

To avoid crowds, start early. The park opens at 9 am on weekdays and at 8:30 am on weekends. Here you can choose to buy the tickets in advance online, or buy them once at the park.

Keep in mind that if you are staying in Puerto Iguazu, you will be crossing the border into Brazil, and will need a passport

Once you are in the park, you’ll have to get in line for the bus that takes you to the falls. It’s about a 20 minute ride.

There is an upper and lower walkway here also. The lower walkway is just above the water and is more about the experience. The falls are so close that the mist obscures the view.

The upper path will give you the best opportunity to take amazing pictures. There are rainbows everywhere!

You can check out a map of the Brazilian side here.

The gem of the Brazilian side is also the Devil’s Throat, which instead of seeing from above, you’ll experience from the side and below.

The Brazilian side only takes a couple of hours, so you can tack on a few activities here if you’d like

The Brazilian side also offers a speed boat tour, called the Macuco Safari. Much like the tour on the Argentine side, there is a short drive to the jungle after which the boat takes you  close to the falls. At the dock, you do have the option to pick a ‘wet’ or ‘dry’ boat. You’ll get wet on both, but one will be much more extreme than the other. 

My understanding is that the boat ride on the Argentine side gets you closer to the falls, but if you didn’t get to do it there, you shouldn’t miss the chance on the Brazilian side!

A buffet lunch is available at the park, or you can head back into town.

What to Do Beyond the Falls

If you happen to be staying in Puerto Iguazu for more than 2 days, there are a few activities you can do.

Three Frontiers Landmark

You can visit the triple frontier, where Argentina, PAraguay, and Brazil meet. I think of this as a checklist item: the sunset is nice, but you primarily go to say you’ve done it. 

If you would like to extend the evening, you can eat there and watch a folkloric dance show.

Jungle Treks

There are a few options to do small hikes through the jungle outside of the national park. This is an opportunity to check out the surrounding area, swim by a small waterfall, and hear about the local flora and fauna from your guide.

See pricing and book the tour | Explore the Jungle: Trek, E-Bikes, & Lunch in Pristine Iguazu Luxury Camp

San Ignacio Ruins and Wanda Mines (Full Day)

A tour guide takes you to see the San Ignacio Ruins, a Jesuit mission built in the 17th century and UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Wanda mines, a series of caves with precious stones like amethyst and quartz.

See pricing and book the tour | From Puerto Iguazu: San Ignacio Ruins and Wanda Mines

Where to Stay in Puerto Iguazu

For easy access to the falls, I suggest staying in Puerto Iguazú, the closest town on the Argentine side. It has a range of options to suit different budgets:

Gran Melia | Is a luxury option right inside the national park, offering unbeatable views of the falls from your room and pool. You’ll pay a premium, but waking up to that view? Totally worth it.

Tupa Lodge and Overo Lodge and Selva | These are great mid-range options for travelers looking for a jungle-lodge feel. I stayed at Tupa Lodge when I went to Iguazu. Although it is fairly removed from the activity, I really enjoyed the peacefulness and the restaurant on site.

Marin Apartments | For those of you who enjoy having your own kitchen and prefer a more central location, this is a great option.

The Host | A budget pick for the most cost-conscious traveller. This hostel gets great reviews for its location, cleanliness, and daily events.

What to Pack

• Comfortable walking shoes – You’ll be doing a lot of walking on trails, so comfy shoes are a must.
• Light, quick-dry clothing – It’s hot and humid, so pack breathable clothes. A rain jacket or poncho is a must too, especially if you plan on getting close to the falls!
• Sunscreen and a hat – The sun can be intense, especially on exposed trails.
• Insect repellent – The jungle is beautiful, but the bugs can be relentless, especially near the water.
• Water bottle – Stay hydrated! There are places to refill water, so bring a bottle with you.
• Waterproof phone case – You’ll want to snap pictures up close to the falls, and things will get wet.

FAQ

Final Thoughts

By the end of these three days, you’ll have explored both sides of one of the world’s most stunning natural wonders.

Iguazú Falls is truly a bucket-list destination, and with this itinerary, you’ll get the most out of your visit. Is there anything else you would like to know about Iguazu Falls? Let me know in the comments!

Happy travels!

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