Bucket list destination:

Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls, Brazil

Last updated: 09 July, 2023

Expert travel writer: Alex Robinson

Nearly 3km wide and 80m high, and with enough water to fill 36 Olympic swimming pools every minute, the Iguazu Falls on the border of Brazil and Argentina, are one of the world’s great natural wonders.

As are their rainforest surroundings – protected by two national parks covering over 2,200 sq km of sub-tropical Atlantic coastal rainforest and with some of the highest biodiversity on Earth.

Alongside the main attraction, there’s plenty to do and see – from rainforest hikes to white-water rafting, and a string of gorgeous falls-side hotels and true rainforest retreats.

Orientation

The Falls span the border of Argentina and Brazil, with each country getting its own national park and resort town.

The city of Foz do Iguacu in Brazil is substantially bigger than Puerto Iguazu in Argentina (roughly 260,000 inhabitants, as opposed to 85,000) and has much better facilities and a wider choice of places to stay.

Both have a fairly nondescript provincial feel, but are conveniently situated around 20 minutes from the Falls.

Tours, tickets & transfers

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this destination, plus helpful tickets and transfers

Full Day Iguassu Falls Both Sides - Brazil and Argentina

Foz do Iguacu

Viator

Get to know the Brazilian and Argentinean Falls in a day and marvel at this natural phenomenon in different perspectives. Visit the Argentine and Brazilian Falls on this full day tour. Start by visiting the Argentine side and then check out another perspective, now on the Brazilian side. Enjoy this natural beauty and capture the most beautiful images of one of the most famous waterfalls on the planet.

Price $99

Min age 0

Rating 4.75 / 5 [274 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Iguazu Falls Tour, Boat Ride, Train, Safari Truck

Puerto Iguazu

Viator

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:

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Full-Day Tour to Iguazu Falls

Puerto Iguazu

Viator

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:

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Day Trip to the Argentinian Side of Iguassu Falls from Foz do Iguaçu

Foz do Iguacu

Viator

The Iguassu Falls area is the meeting point of three different countries, so don't spend all your time on the Brazilian side. Take a day trip to Argentina to admire this natural wonder from another perspective. Crossing the border at the infamous Devil's Throat, you'll admire this UNESCO World Heritage Site from both Brazil and Argentina!

Price $52

Min age 0

Rating 4.08 / 5 [158 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Sightseeing Tour of the Argentinian and Brazilian Sides of Iguazu Falls

Puerto Iguazu

Viator

You will visit the Argentinian Waterfalls with its traditional circuits: Superior Walk, Inferior Walk and Garganta del Diablo. The ride includes the Ecological Train of the Jungle. You will visit the Brazilian Falls and their traditional 1,200 meters long walkways where you can get a spectacular view of the 275 waterfalls that make up Iguazu Falls, of which in the Brazilian side are four: Floriano, Deodoro, Benjamin Constant and Union or Devil's Throat. After the tour you will have access to the panoramic elevator that will reach you to the bus that will take you back to the hotel. *** These tour are made in 2 days, the order of them will be coordinated with the operator in destination ***

Price $49

Min age 0

Rating 4.06 / 5 [148 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Travel advice

When to go

This is a sub-tropical region but climate varies so pack accordingly. Temperatures peak in the low 30s Celsius in summer (November-March) but June-August nighttime temperatures drop to 10°C.

The Falls are great all year round but are at their fullest January to March, though the weather can be uncomfortably hot. The best time to come is March or April when the falls are still full but the weather is cooler or October to December when rains begin and the falls fill again. The park is very crowded over Christmas and New Year and around carnival (the week around Shrove Tuesday).

Getting there and away

In Argentina shuttle buses (30 minutes) and cabs (25 minutes) leave from the Argentinian airport to Puerto Iguazu town. In Brazil bus 220 (0.60, 20 minutes) and cabs (15 minutes) link with downtown Foz do Iguacu town

Getting around

The falls sit in two national parks which are closed to visitors before sunset. It is possible to stay within the national park on the Brazilian side and have the falls to yourself when the park closes.

Shuttle buses run to the falls from both sides (linking with a tourist train in Argentina). Taxis take around 30 minutes from central Puerto Iguazu and 15 minutes from central Foz do Iguacu.

Travelling between the two, Brazil and Argentina, involves going through passport control. A UK passport allows travellers to transit without a visa; other nationalities should check ahead. The Brazilian side requires a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.

You can walk around both towns, though Puerto Iguazu is poorly lit at night, with few facilities.

Where to stay

There are three cities close to the falls – tiny Puerto Iguazu in Argentina, huge, scruffy Ciudad del Este in Paraguay and Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil, which has the best facilities, restaurants and greatest choice of hotels; unlike Puerto Iguazu, streets in Foz are well-lit at light.

It’s worth splashing out to stay at the Belmond – the only hotel right next to the falls and within the national park. There is a selection of jungle lodge boutiques in the forest along the Iriapu jungle road in Argentina. None have waterfall views.

Health & Safety

Mosquito-transmitted Dengue Fever exists in this area, so always wear strong insect repellent. Puerto Iguazu has minimal crime, so you are generally safe to walk around town, with usual, sensible precautions. Foz do Iguaçu is a city, so more care should be taken. Don’t walk around town with valuables and be sure to take taxis at night.