no alt text

Travel bucket list idea:

Iguazu Falls

Iguazu National Park, Argentina

|
Bucket List Experience
Aerial view over Iguazu Falls from helicopter
Last updated: 07 April, 2024
Expert travel writer: Alex Robinson

Recently voted one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Iguazu Falls stretch for nearly 3km, emptying 46 million litres of water over an 80m drop every second.

Fringed by lush rainforest and often framed by rainbows rising from the mist, they are majestic – whether flowing in a single curtain – when the river is full or dropping over some 275 separate falls at low water.

The falls span the border between Argentina and Brazil and to see them in their full glory you should walk the extensive panoramic jungle trails on both sides and take one of the myriad adventure excursions on offer.

See them by boat

Boats leaving from both sides take you up close and personal to the same spot just in front of tiny San Martin island. This is close to the highest point of the Falls, but is not in the heart of the Devil’s Throat. Expect to get very wet. See our review here.

See them by helicopter

Helicopter tours offer both a thrilling ride and a bird’s eye view of the Falls. Helisul’s helicopters leave from a helipad opposite the Bird Park, outside the park entrance in Brazil. Flights range from 10 minutes to up to 35. Book a flight in advance in high season.

See them by bike

Igauzu Bike Tours offer bike tours of between 10 and 20km leave from the Visitors’ Centre at the park entrance in Brazil and include cycling through the national park – on trails and park rides, finishing at the trailhead for the paths around the falls themselves (which are pedestrian only). The bike tours offer a good chance of seeing wildlife – especially early morning or late afternoon.

Full Moon Tours

The waterfalls look spectacular under moonlight – falling in silver wisps against a monochrome forest, which sings with treefrogs and cicadas. Enjoy them self-guided by staying at the Belmond hotel on the Brazilian side, or on a three-and-a-half-hour full moon tour on the Argentinian side. These include the scenic train ride and a walk to the viewpoint over the Devil’s Throat (but not the lower trail). See the park website for information.

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 8+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

It’s a simple matter to get a taxi, a bus or to cycle from your hotel to the national park and the visitor centres on both sides of the Falls.

Argentina side

In the Argentinian park, there are two primary (and very easy) walking trails. A scenic railway brings you to the upper circuit and a spectacular viewpoint over the Devil’s Throat. The lower circuit runs around some of the lesser parts of the falls. Boats leave from the end of the lower circuit for the few-metres-hop to San Martin Island.

Brazil side

The Brazilian side offers the best views of the falls. This is where you’ll get those fabulous pictures – of the Devil’s Throat from below, and from the best viewpoints of the entire 3km-wide cascade. Further paths lead into the national park, which is wildest on the Brazilian side. Jaguars have recently been seen here.

Allow at least 4 hours for the Argentinean side and 2 hours for Brazil.

When to do it

Depending on rainfall, Iguazu ranges from a single 3km-wide cascade to a series of broken waterfalls.

It can rain anytime of the year. However, it’s generally drier in September to November. The weather is uncomfortably hot and humid from December to March with temperatures in the low 30s. The falls can be full or dry at any time but are generally fullest in April and May.

Avoid the very busy Christmas, New Year and Mardi Gras (Carnival) periods. Arrive at park gates at 8am (Argentina) or 8.30am (Brazil) to avoid tour groups and for the best light.

Who to go with: organised tours

5

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Iguazu Falls Tour, Boat Ride, Train, Safari Truck

Puerto Iguazu

Iguazu Falls Tour, Boat Ride, Train, Safari Truck
Connect with nature while wandering through the tranquil pathways of the world-famous Iguazú Falls. Plus, embark on a boat ride towards the waterfalls area itself, a thrilling water adventure you can't miss! Accompanied by the narration of an expert guide along the way, you will explore the park' circuits, ride on an ecological train and admire the mesmerizing power of the 'Devil's Throat', an experience that will take you out of this world! As icing on the cake, set off in an open-air truck through the lush tropical forest for an adventurous boat ride that will take you directly to the falls. A truly once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Price: $148

Min age: 13

Rating 4.64 / 5 [194 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Full-Day Tour to Iguazu Falls

Puerto Iguazu

Full-Day Tour to Iguazu Falls
Embark on a unique journey to this world-famous natural wonder: Iguazú Falls. Skip the hassle of dealing with logistics while we take care of your hotel round-trip transportation. Take in Iguazu Falls natural beauty while walking along the main circuits, taking the ecological train and feeling the 'Devil's Throat' mesmerising power. An experience that will take you out of this world! Don't miss out on any interesting fact: your expert guide will give you some insight into the park while touring it. Enjoy the smells, the tiny drops of water on your skin and the noise of this powerful spectacle of nature!

Price: $49

Min age: 0

Rating 4.40 / 5 [191 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Iguazu Falls: Argentinian Side with Boat Ride, Jungle-truck and Train

Puerto Iguazu

Iguazu Falls: Argentinian Side with Boat Ride, Jungle-truck and Train
Visit the Iguazu Falls, the largest waterfalls system in the world, in this unique full day tour. You will tour the Argentinian Side of the Falls which conteins an 80% of the total jumps of the falls. This amazing place was designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7th Wonders of Nature. Travel with an expert guide to the Iguazu National Park, and immerse yourself in the jungle with the Train that will give you access to the waterfalls. Inside the park, you will be able to know the forest and the falls closer than anyone! A natural spectacle that paralyzes our voice and opens our soul. Don´t miss it!

Price: $178

Min age: 0

Rating 4.43 / 5 [87 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Brazilian Side of Iguazu Falls Tour from Puerto Iguazu

Puerto Iguazu

Brazilian Side of Iguazu Falls Tour from Puerto Iguazu
Marvel at the world-famous Iguazu Falls on this tour to the viewing area located across the Brazilian border. Enjoy the most spectacular panoramic views of this epic waterfall as they pour their beauty from the Argentine side of the border to the opposite Brazilian Park. Take your time to step along each walkway, feel the rain on your skin and relax. Admire the mesmerizing beauty of the 'Devil's Throat' to feel its power, one of the few experiences that will take you out of this world. Finish the walk at the amazing ‘Floriano Fall’, which is showcased from various viewpoints.

Price: $55

Min age: 0

Rating 4.5 / 5 [40 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo

Iguazu Falls Argentina

Puerto Iguazu

Iguazu Falls Argentina
This activity is undoubtedly the most beautiful excursion in Iguazu, one of the 7 natural wonders of the world that nobody can miss.

Price: $28

Min age: 0

Rating 4.33 / 5 [39 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Viator Logo
SEE ALL RECOMMENDED TOURS & TICKETS

Destination guides

1

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls, Brazil

viewing platforms next to Iguazu Falls

Two National Parks – one in Brazil, one in Argentina – created to protect an astonishing 3km-wide waterfalls in a vast area of protected rainforest. One of the world’s great natural wonders.

Website >
More details >

Round-ups

1

Round-ups that include this experience