When it comes to nature, there is no more remarkable peak than the magnificent Iguazu Falls- an astonishing view of the earth. It is located in Argentina bordering Brazil and boasts a collection of more than 275 separates cascades, making it the largest waterfall system found anywhere on Earth-even greater than the renowned Niagara Falls. If, at all, you have a South American itinerary, then that’s the very first inclusion to your list. The falls have their separate experiences from the view of both sides: Argentine and Brazilian.
Where exactly is Iguazu Falls? Right in the heart of the South American continent, along the border between Argentina and Brazil, surrounded by towns on either side of the border, providing accommodation, restaurants, and entertainments; this is where you’ll find the falls. For the Argentine side, it is the town of Puerto Iguazu that serves as the front door toward the falls, and then for a Brazilian view, one can find nearby Foz do Iguaçu. Good news? Crossing into either country is also quite easy so you might enjoy both sides of the waterfalls.
Iguazu Falls can be simply accessed and easily reached.
It only takes a little less than two hours of flight time to travel from Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Puerto Iguazu (IGR). Many airlines serve this route; hence, this route is regarded as an inexpensive one.
Travelers from Brazil can also enter through Foz do Iguaçu (IGU) with flights via São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro. This takes around two hours.
Once you land, there are many options: public buses, taxis, and private tours can take you directly from both airports to park entrances. Tours are a bit more exclusive; on the other hand, buses are the best bargain and run frequently.
If your wish is to see both sides of the falls, border cross Argentina – Brazil is quite simple. As a citizen of America, I didn’t need any visas for Argentina, Brazil or Paraguay, but current visa requirements for your nationality should be checked before traveling.
Best Tours for Iguazu Falls
For anyone wanting to visit the falls with some added comfort and ease, a day tour can be a great choice. Highly rated tours are offered by companies such as GetYourGuide for both sides of the falls. From the Argentine side, you can take a boat tour that brings you right up close to the waterfalls-Go ahead and prepare yourself to get wet! On the Brazilian side, these tours usually include a visit to Parque das Aves-a beautiful bird park with exotic species.
If you are in a hurry, there are cross-border tours that will bring you from either side of the falls to the other, allowing you to experience both countries on the same day. Or join package tours from Buenos Aires or Rio de Janeiro that include flights, transportation, and guided tours in the region.
Iguazu Falls: Argentina Side
The Argentine side of the falls has the larger landscape and is broader than the Brazilian side, with various trails and viewpoints. Some of the main attractions are the Upper Circuit, Lower Circuit, and the Devil’s Throat.
Upper Circuit: From here, one sees the falls from above, admiring the extent of the waterfalls.
Lower Circuit: Here, the awesomely picturesque view of the waterfall enables one to hear the thunderous roar of the falls.
This is a U-shaped gorge, where water thunders down, getting vaporized into a fine mist, which presents a stunning phenomenon. Out of all the viewpoints, Devil’s Throat holds the most stunning view of the falls that you absolutely cannot afford to miss.
If you have good stamina, you can hike the upper and lower circuits and take the free mini-train to the Devil’s Throat.
Entrance Fees & Opening Hours (Argentina Side)
Entrance fees are paid to enter the national park, but if you plan to visit the park for two consecutive days, there is a 50% discount on the second-day entrance fee. The entrance hours are from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and the last entry is at 4:30 PM.
Iguazu Falls: Brazil Side
Iguazu Falls may have a smaller but not less beautiful side – that is, the Brazil side. The main pathway around here is quite nice, as there are platforms through which one can take in the magnificent views of the falls at different angles. The Brazil side is usually more compact, therefore it could be visited in a shorter time compared to Argentina.
It is believed the Brazilian side is the more photogenic, even though it’s the smaller side. The views here offer a panoramic look at the falls so that you can take some spectacular photographs. Nearby is Parque das Aves, or Bird Park, which is a must-see for bird lovers, showing off colorful species like macaws and toucans.
Entrance Fees & Open Hours (Brazil Side)
The entrance fee for the Brazilian side is about the same as that of Argentina. The park is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, last entry at 4:30 PM.
Things to pack for Iguazu Falls: the real place.
Clothing: It is tropical around the year, hot and humid. Light attire like shorts and sandals is good.
Coat: Also, be sure sunscreen and hat against the sun; don’t forget to pack it.
Rain gear: A poncho is a must; being right near the Devil’s Throat, one can get really soaked from the mist blown by the waterfalls.
Bug spray: Not very likely to spoil the day, but it’s good to be stocked with some insect repellent since there are pockets of bugs in different spots throughout the park.
Camera: A camera with a zoom lens is really important for shooting both sides equally beautiful as this place has waterfalls and wildlife.
Do not forget your passport in case you decide to go abroad.
Iguazu Falls is at its best in: The best time is dry season, May to August, when the weather is mostly cooler with less rain. It is worth exploring during the rainy season, if one doesn’t mind short afternoon showers, as the view of the falls is quite dramatic when heavier.
Which Side Is Better: Argentina or Brazil?
Both sides of these falls have their own perspective. The Argentine one has a larger area with more trails and offers up close views of the waterfalls, especially the Devil’s Throat. The Brazilian side, smaller, offers sweeping views and inviting pictures.
If you can, I truly suggest visiting both sides to have it all!
Iguazu Falls Fun Facts
This is the largest waterfall system in the world: Indeed, there are more than 275 waterfalls combined into a single waterfall system.
The most recent IUCN records state that the height from which the waterfall drops is 64-82m (210-269 ft) over a distance of 2770 meters (8858 ft) In July 1986, both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides of the falls were added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Name Origin: “Iguazu” is derived from the indigenous Guarani meaning “great water.”
Iguazu Falls is, indeed, one of the most spectacular things to which natural forces can be made to give birth: whether by traveling to it from Argentina or Brazil, this place is automatically linked to its appalling entry into anybody’s memory.
