Visiting Iguazu Falls in Argentina is, quite simply, a must when you are in the country. No other waterfall in the world can compare to it—not even Kaieteur Falls in Guyana or Niagara Falls. Upon visiting Iguazu Falls, Argentina, Eleanor Roosevelt said, “My poor Niagara.”
I have been to Iguazu during each trip to Argentina, and I think I yelled a few wows when I saw it in front of me! I have been to the Argentine side of the falls as well as the Brazilian sides and loved them both for different reasons.
As you can imagine, visiting Iguazu Falls feels like it’s straight out of an Argentinian movie with all its beauty, glory, and overall magnificence.
The waterfalls of Iguazu are made of a huge series of large and small waterfalls (the amount really depends on water levels) that you can admire from an incredible array of viewpoints. There are so many, indeed, that you can easily spend a couple of days visiting Iguazu Falls, especially if you decide to check out both the Argentine and the Brazilian sides.
Curious to find out more about this incredible place? Great! In this guide to Iguazu Falls Argentina, I will tell you everything you need to know to visit Iguazu Falls and make the most of it.
Make sure to also read my post, A Great Argentina Itinerary, before you start planning your trip to Argentina for more fun ideas.
Background Information On Iguazu Falls
Iguazu Falls, or Las Cataratas del Iguazú in Spanish, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was named one of the Seven Wonders of Nature in 2011.
They stretch for almost 3 km (1.86 miles) between the Argentine province of Misiones and the Brazilian state of Paraná, and they are the largest waterfall system in the world (though they are not the highest ones).
Iguazu Falls is constantly changing, and your experience there may change a lot depending on the year you visit, the time of year you visit, and even the day. Visit after some heavy rains, and some trails may be closed due to flooding, and some wooden paths may even be completely carried away by the water. Other times, there may be very little water.
When I visited Iguazu Falls, Argentina, the flow of water was nice and strong, but it hadn’t rained in a while, so I could walk all the trails and paths to all the viewpoints. But since there was a lot of water, I still got (pleasantly) sprayed by the mist.
Considering Iguazu Falls is one of the best things to do in Argentina, there’s no question you should make the time and see what it’s like for yourself.
Is Iguazu Falls Worth Visiting?
Iguazu Falls is absolutely worth visiting. It’s one of the most iconic sets of waterfalls in all of South America and can’t be missed on any Argentina trip. It’s very easy to get to. You can even join on a day trip from Buenos Aires if you simply don’t have the time.
A lot of active travelers come to Argentina for Patagonia or maybe even as a starting point for an Antarctica Cruise. But Iguazu Falls is quite possibly the most beautiful piece of Argentina, you need to see it for yourself.
How To Get To Puerto Iguazu
Puerto Iguazu is well connected to the rest of Argentina by plane and bus. Flights land at the Iguazu Falls airport, which is close to the city.
There are regular daily flights that leave from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery in Palermo, Buenos Aires. The main companies flying to Puerto Iguazu are LATAM, Aerolinas Argentinas, and, as of late, Norwegian Air. The flight from Buenos Aires takes 1 hour and 45 minutes.
From the airport, you can get to town via public transportation or taxi.
Rio Uruguay has overnight buses from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazu. The ride takes around 17 hours.
How to get to Iguazu Falls from Puerto Iguazu
Puerto Iguazu is the nearest town to Iguazu Falls on the Argentinian side, so most people stay here when visiting the national park.
Getting to Iguazu Falls from Puerto Iguazu is very easy. Buses leave regularly from the bus station to go to Iguazu National Park. Alternatively, you can take a taxi.
The distance from Puerto Iguazu to Iguazu Falls is about 27 km (17 miles), and it only takes 45 minutes by car.
Guided single-day Iguazu Falls tours
You can easily visit Iguazu Falls, Argentina, independently using public transportation. A guided tour will likely provide a more complete experience, especially if you manage to get a knowledgeable guide who shares a lot of information about the geology of the waterfalls, nature, and the local wildlife.
Most people spend just one day at Iguazu Falls, and that’s totally okay. It’s enough time to see some beautiful viewpoints, even get right up to the falls, and explore some of the many magnificent trails.
I recommend this Iguazu Falls Argentinian Side Full-Day Tour from Puerto Iguazu. On the tour, you’ll walk three complete circuits around the waterfalls and get an entire day to explore the beautiful national park. The tour includes roundtrip transportation and a guide, but it doesn’t include entrance fees.
For an up-close experience, I recommend this Gran Aventura Boat and Argentinian Falls Tour. The full-day adventure includes a boat ride up to the falls, where you can expect to get absolutely drenched. You’ll also have time to explore the national park.
Guided multi-day Iguazu Falls tours
If you have the time, I highly recommend a multi-day tour of Iguazu Falls. Obviously, there’s a lot to see, and it’s hard to see most of it in just one day. Additionally, many multi-day tours allow you to visit both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides of the falls, which is the best way to experience both beautiful perspectives.
I recommend this 3-Day Iguazu Falls Exploring Tour. You’ll explore the Argentinian and Brazilian sides, admire the views from Devil’s Throat, trek both the Upper and Lower Circuits, and ride a train through the jungle while learning all about the local flora and fauna. Your three-day adventure includes accommodation in Puerto Iguazu, breakfast, and a guide from start to finish.
For something a little shorter, I also recommend this 2-Day Argentinian and Brazilian Iguazu Falls adventure. The tour includes a visit to both sides, an optional boat ride, all planning done for you, and excellent guides who’ll teach you all about the falls and wildlife of the area.
Visiting Iguazu Falls at night
One of the coolest things to do in Iguazu Falls is explore it at night. The overall experience is incredible – animals are more active then, the waterfalls glow in the natural light of the moon and the stars, and the atmosphere is incredibly eerie.
This isn’t something that happens every day, but just when there is a full moon. So, if it is something you are interested in doing, make sure that your travel plans to Iguazu coincide with a full moon.
Night tours of Iguazu Falls take place for five consecutive nights every month. There are three departures: one at 7:45 pm, when you see the moon rising; one at 8:30 pm, when you see the final stages of the rising moon and the falls start being better illuminated by natural light; and one at 9:15 pm.
Honestly, it is the best one as you this is when the falls will be better illuminated. All options include dinner at the restaurant inside the park.
You can purchase your tickets for the full moon walk at Iguazu Falls directly through the official website. There’s also more information, such as pricing, times, and official dates for the month.
Day trips to Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires
You should have at least a couple of days in Iguazu to fully enjoy it. However, if you are tight on time (i.e., you are on a business trip to Argentina) and only have a spare day, there are guided day trips from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls that include round-trip flights and a guided tour of Iguazu National Park in Argentina.
It will be a very long day, with a very early departure (the flight lasts about 1 hour and 45 minutes), and it won’t be cheap. But if a day is all you have, it is still worth it, in my opinion.
I recommend this day trip to Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires Iguazu Falls Private Full Day with Airfare from Buenos Aires. The tour includes all transportation, a guided tour of the Argentinian side of the falls, and park entrance fees. It’s also a private tour, so you’ll have your guide all to yourself.
I also recommend this Private Iguazu Day Tour with the Great Adventure (Boat Ride). The tour includes roundtrip transportation, including airfare. It also includes the boat ride right up to the falls, a professional guide, and park entrance fees.
Are you visiting Buenos Aires? Make sure to read my post, A Complete Guide To Where To Stay In Buenos Aires, so you know the best neighborhoods and everything else about the bustling city before your arrival.
Going to the Brazilian side
If you are spending a few days in the region, you should also consider visiting the Brazilian side of Iguazu. Many multi-day tours visit both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides.
Going there is very easy: buses depart from the main bus station in Puerto Iguazu and take you across the border. Once you are there, the driver will collect all passports for border control and return them stamped. So, you can easily go on your own to both sides. However, you can also go on a tour to the Brazilian side.
For one full-day adventure of both sides, I recommend this Full-Day Iguazu Falls Brazil and Argentina Sides. The tour includes views from Devil’s Throat on the Argentinian side, followed by short nature walks on the Brazilian side for some unique views.
I recommend this 2-Day Argentinian and Brazilian Iguazu Falls adventure. It goes to both sides, with an overnight stay in Puerto Iguazu. It’s a well-rounded tour, and you’ll have the chance to get to all the best viewpoints and hikes.
Practical Guide To Iguazu Falls Argentina
Iguazu National Park opening hours and tickets
Iguazu National Park in Argentina is open every day from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Visitors are allowed to enter until 4:30 PM.
Entrance to the National Park for nonresidents is 20,000 Argentine Pesos (ARS), which at the current exchange rate is about $23 USD. You can buy tickets online on the official website or directly at the park, paying in cash (only pesos accepted) or by credit card.
If you validate your ticket at the ticket window upon leaving, you can get a 50% discount on your second visit (but only if you visit on two consecutive days).
Tickets to Iguazu National Park include access to all the trails and a boat ride to San Martin Island and Tren de la Selva. Boat tours that go under the waterfalls are extra. Inside the park, you’ll find toilets, restaurants, and kiosks.
NOTE ON PRICES: Prices are fluctuating wildly in Argentina at the moment. For example, several years ago, the ticket prices were only around 2,000 ARS which was also around $20 USD. Now it’s 20,000 ARS, and still around $20 USD. You might see more fluctuations coming up, so it’s important to double-check on the official website when making plans.
Best time to visit Iguazu Falls
The best time to visit Iguazu Falls is either the shoulder or the dry season, when you’ll have higher chances of clear skies, but the temperatures are not as hot.
If you manage to go at the very beginning of the dry season, you should be able to see the falls to their fullest. I visited at the end of February and was very lucky, with 3 full days of sun – though it was actually very hot and humid.
December to February is the rainy season, but the other side of the coin is that you get to see the waterfalls in their full power. April to June is the dry season, and August and September are even drier and cooler.
Iguazu Falls receives tourists any time of year, but if you want to avoid the largest crowds, don’t go in January or July, when it is peak summer season for the Argentines or when they are having their winter break.
How many days in Iguazu Falls is necessary?
You need at least two full days (and three nights) to visit Iguazu Falls. Both the Argentine and Brazilian sides take a full day, if not more.
Yes, there are guided tours that go to both sides in one day, and there are even day trips from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls as a last resort. However, a day trip to Iguazu Falls isn’t the best thing to do in Buenos Aires simply because there is not enough time to admire the beauty. This is a place that deserves to be seen at a relaxed pace to be fully enjoyed.
Which side should you visit?
If you are on a trip across Argentina, it only makes sense to visit Iguazu Falls in Argentina. However, if you are spending a few days in the region, you should visit both sides. After all, Brazil is literally just across the river.
Both Argentina and Brazil have national parks, but the experience you’ll have in each of them is different.
If you have the option of visiting Iguazu Falls on both sides, see the Brazilian one first. If you only have time for one, opt for the Argentine side. The Brazilian side is very panoramic, and you’ll get perfect close-up photos of the giant waterfalls.
But the Argentine side of Iguazu Falls is honestly much more fun. You’re literally IN the waterfalls. Trails take you above them, below them, under them (if you do the boat ride), and you can see a lot of wildlife.
The best trails and viewpoints in Iguazu National Park
If you’re wondering what to do in Iguazu Falls, the easy answer is to hike and explore the breathtaking beauty of the national park.
You should factor in a minimum of 6 hours in the park, though 8 hours is perfect for walking all the trails at a nice pace and spending plenty of time admiring the views.
Once you are inside Iguazu National Park in Argentina, you should take the Jungle Train (Tren de la Selva), which stops in 3 different places. Get off at the stop immediately after you get on, as this is the starting point of the Upper and Lower Circuits.
These two are meant to take you around the park and to all the best viewpoints to fully enjoy Iguazu Falls. You should walk both of them.
The Upper Circuit is a shorter trail of less than one km (0.6 miles) that takes about one hour to complete. It has a wooden path that takes you to the top of the falls, from where you can enjoy impressive views.
The Lower Circuit is a longer trail that will take you up to 3 hours and has several viewpoints. You need to walk this trail to catch the boat to San Martin Island and the boat that goes right under the waterfalls.
Once you have walked both circuits, go back to the train stop to get on the next train to the Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat). Once the train stops, take the wooden trail that leads to the waterfalls for about 1.2 km (one way) (0.7 miles). Along the way, you’ll be able to spot lots of turtles and, at times, even crocodiles in the water.
Factor enough time into your itinerary to visit the Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat), as it is seriously the highlight of Iguazu Falls. It’s massive, and the views are nothing short of amazing.
Another trail you can take is the Macuco trail, which goes all the way to Arrechea Waterfall. It’s a nice nature walk that should take you around 3 hours in total. During this time, you can admire lots of wildlife. The trail also takes you to a lesser-visited part of Iguazu National Park, where you can even swim in a natural pool.
I don’t recommend doing a helicopter tour. Argentina banned them a few years ago in an attempt to reduce the level of noise, which causes noise pollution and disturbs wildlife. They are still available from the Brazilian side, but please refrain from doing it!
Check out my post 15 Amazing National Parks In Argentina, because while Iguazu Falls is one of the best places to visit in Argentina, there are many more beautiful spots.
Wildlife in Iguazu Falls Argentina
Keep your eyes wide open when visiting Iguazu Falls, Argentina, as you will see lots of interesting wildlife. Birdwatchers will be in for a treat, as there are beautiful, colorful toucans and yellow-eyed bluebirds.
You will also spot lots of coatis, which are quite similar to raccoons and not shy at all. Don’t feed them—though they will try to grab your food! And by all means, don’t let them: they may bite or scratch, and that hurts.
There are also lots of monkeys and supposedly also jaguars – though I haven’t heard of anybody who’s spotted these elusive mammals.
Read my post, A Guide To Ethical Animal Tourism, if you’re visiting for the wildlife.
What to wear to Iguazu Falls Argentina
Packing for Argentina can be a hassle, especially if you’re spending a lot of time in Patagonia. But Iguazu Falls is a little less unpredictable, so it’s not as challenging. The most important thing when deciding what to wear at Iguazu Falls is your shoes.
Wearing comfortable clothes and shoes is a must when visiting Iguazu Falls, Argentina. However, it’s also very hot, and you’re likely to get wet. So perhaps, wearing sandals is a better idea.
Having said so, here’s a list of essentials of what to pack for Iguazu Falls:
- A pair of good walking sandals is best if they have good grip and traction on slippery paths.
- A pair of shorts, best if quickly dry. I recommend Kuhl Strattus Chino.
- A cotton T-shirt or a tank top. I love Kuhl Sonia.
- A poncho—It folds really small, and you can just wear it if the spraying from the waterfalls is extreme.
- A quick dry towel to dry yourself after the boat ride.
- A swimsuit—It’s a good idea to wear this on the boat ride so that your clothes don’t get wet (you can keep them in the provided dry bag). It dries much faster than regular underwear.
- A refillable water bottle—I am a fan of Lifestraw.
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- A good camera to capture amazing photos. Alternatively, a smartphone with an excellent camera will do.
- A daypack is best with a rain cover such as Osprey Daylite Plus.
Best Iguazu Falls Hotels
Wondering where to stay for Iguazu Falls?
Puerto Iguazu is the closest town to Iguazu Falls in Argentina, so it makes sense to look for accommodation there (unless you want to opt for one of the expensive Iguazu Falls hotels inside the national park). As it is a very popular destination, there are lots of excellent Iguazu Falls hotels in the area.
This is a selection of good Iguazu Falls hotels:
- The Host Puerto Iguazú is a very good hostel with a large dorm and several private rooms. There is a small pool where guests can relax and several nice hang-out areas. The bathrooms are all shared, but the space is kept very clean.
- Falls Iguazu Hotel and Spa is the best option if you want to pamper yourself. The rooms are large, modern, and comfortable.
- Jasy Hotel is close to the center of Puerto Iguazu and a very short distance from the bus station. It has very large rooms—in fact, they are more like chalets—a good restaurant and bar, and a nice small pool.
Other useful information
Much like for any other trip, I recommend getting good insurance when visiting Iguazu and the rest of Argentina.
Check out my post, Why You Need A Good Travel Insurance. I always recommend HeyMondo because it’s reliable, convenient, and has good coverage for travelers.
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