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Iguazu Falls: A breathtaking natural wonder on the Argentina-Brazil border in South America.
Iguazu Falls: The World’s Largest Waterfall System with Over 275 Cascades
Iguazu Falls: A Spectacular National Park in Argentina and Brazil with Unique Views from Both Sides
Discovering Iguazu Falls: A Traveler’s Guide to Reaching the Argentine or Brazilian Side, Including Tips for Independent Exploration and a Detailed Map. Plus, Fascinating Facts about the Waterfall!
Iguazu Falls Location
Iguazu Falls can be found at the border of Argentina and Brazil, on the continent of South America.
Explore Both Sides of the Border with Ease: Towns, Airports, Hotels, and Restaurants Await!
The Argentine side of the falls is known as Puerto Iguazu, and the Brazilian side is named Foz do Iguacu.
Getting to Iguazu Falls in Argentina and Brazil: A Guide
One of the primary methods of reaching Iguazu Falls is by taking a flight from one of the major cities in Argentina or Brazil.
Traveling from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazu in Argentina is convenient and affordable, with multiple airlines offering flights that take less than 2 hours. You can depart from either of the two airports in Buenos Aires, AEP or EZE, to reach Puerto Iguazu (IGR).
How to travel from Sao Paulo or Rio De Janeiro to Foz do Iguacu by air
Check out Argentina & Brazil flight deals on Skyscanner and book now!
Transport options to reach Argentina waterfall from Puerto Iguazu include bus, taxi, or tour. The bus is a cost-effective, safe, and convenient option with frequent departures from the town’s bus terminal to the waterfall and back.
Consider a taxi or private tour for a more personalized and convenient experience. You can request the driver to wait for you while you visit the waterfall and then drive you back to town.
The Brazilian Side of Iguazu Falls: Transportation Options for Visiting the Waterfall
Easily Travel Between Argentina and Brazil to Visit Both Sides of Iguazu Waterfall
I used the Argentina side of Iguazu Falls as my base, but I took a day trip to the Brazil side by bus, and another day trip to the Paraguay side by taxi.
Visa Requirements for US Citizens Traveling to Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.
Top Tours to Explore the Iguazu Falls
Visiting Iguazu Falls is convenient with a day tour from Puerto Iguazu or Foz do Iguacu.
Explore Iguazu Falls with top-rated day tours from GetYourGuide, featuring optional boat tours to get up close to the waterfalls and experience the beauty from a unique perspective.
Day Tours to Iguazu Falls from Foz do Iguacu, Brazil: Explore the Spectacular Waterfalls and More!
We have utilized GetYourGuide for numerous tours and activities worldwide, and we highly recommend their services!
Reserve Your Spot Now for the Iguazu Falls Tour in Argentina and Brazil
Iguazu Falls Tours Beyond the Ordinary
Explore Argentina or Brazil with convenient day tours from GetYourGuide, perfect for those wanting to experience both sides of Iguazu Falls.
They offer a tour that visits the Argentina side of the falls from Brazil, or a tour to the Brazilian side from Argentina. Both options are excellent.
They also offer package tours from Buenos Aires or Rio De Janeiro for those with limited time, which includes flights, a private driver and tour guide, as well as entrance tickets to national parks.
What You Can Anticipate at Iguazu Falls on the Argentine Side
Experiencing Iguazu Falls in person is truly awe-inspiring! Photos simply cannot capture its true beauty.
The Argentina Side of Iguazu Falls Offers Different Circuits for Viewing
The park has a network of walking trails and a complimentary mini train system, making it convenient to navigate. Visitors have the option to either walk the entire park, ride the train, or utilize a combination of both modes of transportation. Additionally, there are benches and cafes scattered throughout the park for resting and refreshments.
A suggestion for those in good physical condition: walk the upper and lower circuits in the morning without taking the train, and save energy to use the train to reach the Devil’s Throat viewpoint in the afternoon. This will provide a satisfying workout without being overwhelming for a single day.
Observing Wildlife in the National Park: Monkeys, Coatis, Crocodiles, and More
The Iguazu upper and lower circuits offer breathtaking panoramic views of the waterfall, but the most impressive sight in Argentina is the Devil’s Throat viewpoint (Garganta Del Diablo in Spanish).
You can experience the awe-inspiring Devil’s Throat at Iguazu Falls, where a massive U-shaped curtain of water creates a tremendous roaring sound and a cloud of mist.
This perspective is, in my opinion, the most remarkable feature on both sides of Iguazu Falls.
• Admission Cost (Argentina)
Admission Fee Required for Entry into Iguazu Falls National Park in Argentina
Current entrance fees for Argentina national parks can be found on their website. If you plan to visit for two consecutive days, the second day’s price is discounted by 50 percent. Remember to keep your ticket to receive the discount.
Payment Options for Park Tickets in Argentina: Credit and Debit Cards, Local Currency, and Foreign Currency Accepted
Advance Booking for Park Tickets Not Necessary due to Unlimited Availability and Quick Lines at Ticket Counter; Consider Pre-Booking Boat Cruise Only.
• Hours of Operation in Argentina
What are the operating hours for the Argentina side?
This occurs every single day of the year, even on special occasions such as Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter.
Argentina Map
Check out this useful map of the Argentine side of Iguazu Falls to help you plan your trip. Feel free to click on the map to see it in full size.
Maps are available throughout the national park to assist visitors in locating trails and waterfalls.
What to anticipate when visiting the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls
The Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls is slightly smaller and less elaborate compared to the Argentina side, yet it offers plenty of wonderful attractions to explore.
The park features a primary path that runs alongside the river, culminating in an exciting balcony overlooking the edge of the waterfall, as well as multiple platforms for viewing the waterfall from above, accessible via stairs or an elevator.
The Brazil park features a loop layout and provides a complimentary bus service to transport visitors from the entrance gate to either end of the park, and back again. In general, it is more convenient and less time-consuming to explore compared to the Argentina side.
The Brazil Side of Iguazu Falls: A Photogenic Gem Worth Visiting
After you finish exploring the Brazil side of Iguazu Falls, you can also visit a lovely bird park near the entrance to the national park. The park is home to many beautiful South American birds, such as colorful macaws and toucans!
Visit the ‘Parque Das Aves’ bird park, located just a short walk from the waterfall entrance. Be sure to check it out! The ticket is not included with the Iguazu admission and is a bit expensive, but it’s definitely worth it.
• Cost of Admission in Brazil
Find the latest park fee for Brazil on the official website and take advantage of the option to purchase tickets in advance.
The park tickets on the Argentina side do not need to be booked in advance, as they are unlimited and never run out.
Accepted Payment Methods at Park Entrance Include Credit and Debit Cards, Brazilian Reals, Argentine Pesos, US Dollars, and Paraguayan Guarani.
• Business Hours (Brazil)
The Brazil side is open from 9 AM to 6 PM every day, with the last entry at 4:30 PM.
Brazil Map
Explore the Iguazu Falls Brazil side with this map to easily find your way around the waterfall area. Simply click on the map to see it in full size.
Recommended Time to Spend at Iguazu Falls
To fully experience and explore both sides of Iguazu Falls, plan for two days: one for Argentina and one for Brazil. You can visit the Brazil side in just half a day if you don’t visit the bird park.
Extend your stay at Iguazu for a third day to have more flexibility with the weather and the opportunity to revisit one of the national parks or take a day trip to Paraguay to see Monday Falls (the Saltos Del Monday waterfall).
Visiting Iguazu Falls in Argentina and Brazil in a day is doable with a tour to streamline border crossings and logistics, but it’s a tight schedule.
Essential Items for Your Trip to Iguazu Falls
- What to Pack for a Trip to Iguazu Falls
When is the optimal time to visit Iguazu Falls?
The ideal time to visit Iguazu Falls is subjective, as it maintains a strong water flow and picturesque views throughout the year.
Best Time to Visit for Cooler Weather and Less Rain at the Falls: May to August
I visited Iguazu during the wet season and surprisingly there was very little rain. Most days were sunny with just one evening shower, and it didn’t disrupt my plans at all.
The waterfalls are at their most powerful and breathtaking during the rainy season, but the water may appear murky at times, which may not be perfect for photography.
The ideal time to visit Iguazu Falls is in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds, as it is a popular tourist spot that gets crowded by midday. Photography opportunities are great throughout the day.
Which side of Iguazu Falls is superior: Argentina or Brazil?
Which side of Iguazu Falls is preferable – Argentina or Brazil? It’s a difficult decision as both sides offer incredible views.
Argentina’s side offers the main advantage of being larger and having more trails and walkways for exploration. Additionally, the Devil’s Throat viewpoint is widely considered to be the most spectacular sight at Iguazu.
The Brazil side offers a more compact but still unique scenery and walkways, which some may argue is even more photogenic than the Argentina side. Additionally, there is a lovely bird park located near the entrance.
Ultimately, I found the Argentina side to be more visually impressive, while the Brazil side may offer better photo opportunities. Both sides are worth visiting, and I would suggest seeing both if possible.
Paraguay Side of Iguazu Falls: Saltos Del Monday
Check out the stunning Monday Falls in Paraguay, a beautiful waterfall near Iguazu Falls.
This waterfall is actually not part of the same river system as Iguazu Falls, and even though it can’t compete in size or grandeur, it is located close by and the cascade is quite impressive in its own way, standing at over 45 meters (150 feet) tall.
Easily visit Paraguay and the Monday Falls on a day trip from either the Argentina or Brazil side of Iguazu Falls, and as a bonus, you can also cross another country (Paraguay) off your bucket list!
Discover More: The Waterfalls of Monday in Paraguay
Interesting Information About Iguazu Falls
- What are the dimensions of Iguazu Falls?
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- Comparison of Iguazu Falls and Niagara Falls
- Iguazu Falls is often compared to Niagara Falls in North America, which spans the border between Canada and the United States. Iguazu is generally larger than Niagara, being both taller and wider, although Niagara has a higher flow rate.
- How does Iguazu Falls compare to Victoria Falls in Zambia and Zimbabwe? Iguazu Falls is frequently compared to Victoria Falls, a waterfall located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe in Africa. Victoria Falls is the largest curtain of water in the world and is also taller than Iguazu. In contrast, Iguazu Falls is wider than Victoria Falls, although it is divided into approximately 275 separate waterfalls.
- Where does it come from? The Iguazu River is where the waterfall comes from, and it starts in the Serra do Mar mountains of Brazil. This river stretches for about 1,320 kilometers (820 miles).
- Origin of the Name “Iguazu”: The name Iguazu is derived from the indigenous Guarani language, meaning “great water.” It can be pronounced as ‘ee-wasu’ or ‘ee-wazu’, but some people also say ‘eeg-wazu’ or ‘ig-wazu.’
- Is Iguazu a National Park in Argentina and Brazil?
- The UNESCO Status of Iguazu National Park in Argentina and Brazil
- Is it possible to stay within the national park? Indeed, accommodations within the Argentina national park include the Gran Melia Iguazu, and the Brazil side offers the Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas. While these hotels may be pricey, they are highly regarded and are the sole choices for those wishing to stay within the national park and be in close proximity to the waterfalls.
- What amenities are available at the national parks? Both parks offer lockers for storing belongings, as well as numerous restrooms, cafes, maps, and souvenir shops. While ATMs are available, they are not always dependable for withdrawing cash. However, credit cards are accepted for payment throughout the parks, and visitors can also obtain cash from banks in the nearby town.
- What is the level of difficulty in reaching Iguazu Falls? It is convenient to access either side of Iguazu Falls. You can arrive by air to the town on either side of the river and use it as a starting point to explore both Argentina and Brazil by taking a bus, taxi, or tour.
Additional Recommendations for the Towns of Puerto Iguazu and Foz do Iguacu
- Accommodation, Dining, and Practical Tips in Puerto Iguazu and Foz do Iguacu
“Is a visit to Iguazu Falls worthwhile?”
Absolutely Worth It: The Beauty of Iguazu Falls
This waterfall, while not the most accessible destination in Argentina or Brazil, is truly worth the extra effort to visit. It stands as one of the largest and most awe-inspiring waterfalls on the planet.
Make sure to include this destination on your bucket list if you’re traveling through South America!
Is Iguazu Falls currently open or closed?
Iguazu Falls is open to tourists in both Argentina and Brazil! Both parks welcome international tourists. Any changes will be updated in this travel guide.
Occasionally, certain sections of the park may be temporarily closed for maintenance, but they typically reopen promptly. For the latest updates, you can also visit the official websites for Iguazu Argentina and Iguazu Brazil.
Have a joyful journey!
Additional Advice for Traveling in South America
Thank you for checking this out! I trust you found this map and travel guide for Iguazu Falls in Argentina and Brazil enjoyable.
Make sure to take a look at my other travel blog posts for Argentina and South America before your trip.