Iguazu Falls – Travel Guide
Iguazu is recognized by many as the most beautiful waterfalls in the world, the Iguazu Falls, which straddles the border between Brazil and Argentina. Believe it or not, it is a spectacular natural wonder, and one of the most popular destinations for adventure lovers in all of South America. Undoubtedly, the falls themselves are physically on the Argentinean side, where it is possible to get up close and personal, but it is generally accepted that the most impressive vistas are on the Brazilian side, which is the reason why a wide range of visitors like to spend some time on each side.
All about Iguazu Falls
Iguazu Falls FAQ
How do I get from the airport to my hotel?
Iguazu Falls, Argentina is served by Cataratas del Iguazu International Airport (IATA code IGR) which is located 27 miles southwest of Iguazu Falls. When you arrive at the Cataratas del Iguazu International Airport, make sure to avoid any problems by booking a taxi remise with an official taxi company such asRemises El Toro A taxi remise will cost about AR$240 (approximately $14 USD) to Iguazu Falls.
If you are flying into the Brazilian side, Iguassu Falls is served by Foz do Iguacu International Airport (IATA code IGU) which is located 7 miles southeast of Foz do Iguacu. When you arrive at Foz do Iguacu International Airport, make sure to avoid any problems by booking a taxi remise with an official taxi company such as Taxi em foz do Foz do Iguacu (tel. 55 45 99834-3590). A taxi remise will cost about R$50 (approximately $15.50 USD) to Foz do Iguacu.
Is it safe to walk in Iguazu Falls?
Yes, Iguazu Falls is an excellent place to get around by foot. On the Argentine side, you can explore walking trails that intertwine among the park’s tropical rainforest and sense the complete power of the rushing waters. Upon entering the park you will find the Centro de Interpretation, or Visitor Center. Pick up maps of walking trails and take time to read the displays that tell about the history, climate, and geology of the waterfalls. The best way to discover the falls and the park is on foot and a guide is not necessary. The Brazilian side offers sweeping and full frontal views of a multitude of waterfalls.
Is Iguazu Falls safe? Are there any areas I should avoid?
Yes, Iguazu Falls is a very safe area to visit on the Argentine and Brazilian sides. Although the falls are between Argentina only, the city on the Paraguayan side (Ciudad del Este) is a hectic and is not a safe area to visit. Most of the crimes committed are petty and rarely violent. When walking around, keep your passport safely locked away in your hotel room. Pickpockets have been known to target tourists, so make sure your purses, bags, and wallets are close to your body at all times. Stay alert and contact the police immediately if you are the victim of a crime.
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Are there any vaccination requirements to visit Argentina?
Yes, You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria- tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. For the latest updates visit the Centers for Disease Control website at https://www.cdc.gov/ on the internet.
Are there any vaccination requirements to visit Brazil?
Yes, yellow fever is a risk in certain parts of Brazil, so the Centers for Disease Control recommends the yellow fever vaccine for travelers 9 months of age or older to these areas. Vaccinations should be at least 10 days before you travel. See your doctor for advice on if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans. For up to date information visit https://www.cdc.gov/ at the Centers for Disease Control website.
When traveling in Brazil, you should try to avoid mosquito bites to prevent malaria. You may want to take prescription medicine before, during and after your trip to prevent malaria, depending on where you are going, when you are traveling, and how much time you will be spending outdoors or sleeping outside. Consult your doctor about how you can prevent malaria while traveling.
Do I need a visa to visit Argentina?
Yes, a visa is required for entry into Argentina. U.S. citizens need a valid passport to enter Argentina. U.S. citizens with expired or damaged passports may not be allowed to enter and could be sent back to the United States at their own expense.
Do I need a visa to visit the Brazil side?
Yes, tourist Visas are required for U.S. Citizens visiting Brazil. Visas must be obtained in advance from the Brazilian Consulate. Please note: Argentina’s Immigration Department has developed an electronic migration card which will be a requisite for every passenger traveling to Iguazu and crossing into Brazil. Argentines and foreigners must have the card once in Iguassu Falls. The card can be obtained by going to the website www.migraciones.gov.ar and following directions.
What kind of food is available in Argentina?
Argentina has more cattle than cattle than people and steakhouses (parillas) are legendary. The parilla is the name of the large iron grill on which the meat is barbecued. Barbecued beef such as bife de chorizo (sirloin), Ojo de bife (ribeye), and cuadril (rump) is best enjoyed with friends, laughter, and wine. Other Argentine favorites are the Empanadas con carne (fried or baked), Milanesa a la Napolitana (breaded and fried meat covered with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and ham), Chimichurri (Argentine pesto used to marinate meat or as a dipping sauce), and Choripan (sausage).
If you want to try something different, the Pacu fish is delicious as long as the human-like teeth don’t unnerve you. According to the National Geographic, Argentina is one of the 5 places in the world to have the best hilado (Ice cream). We suggest you try the dulce de leche or the tiramisu. Alfajor de Maicena (dulce de leche cookies) are another Argentine favorite. Malbec wine makes a great complement to every steak meal. If you’re looking for something softer, Yerba Mate is the national drink of Argentina is a herb placed in a mate pot – it is a focal point for social gatherings.
Can I drink the water in Argentina/Brazil?
No, the water is not drinkable in Argentina or Brazil. We suggest that you carry bottled water with you. Most tourist areas will have bottled water available for purchase.
I do not speak Spanish. Will many people speak English in Argentina?
No, Spanish is the official language of Argentina and a vast majority of Argentines speak Spanish as their first language. Other minor languages common to Argentina are Portuguese and Italian.
What are the customs for tipping in Argentina? Can I pay/tip in US dollars?
The currency of Argentina is the Argentine peso. US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for Argentine pesos upon arrival. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the city.
Getting Around Iguazu Falls
By Bus
On the Argentine side, buses leave frequently from the main bus station in Puerto Iguazu to the Centro de Informes for tours of the Iguazu falls. The least expensive bus from Puerto Iguazu to the falls is the El Practico bus. You can either catch one at Terminal de Omnibus or anywhere en-route (it says ‘Cataratas’). The fare is $5 Pesos each way and it takes roughly about 20 minutes. The bus departs every 20-30 minutes from dawn until about 9 pm (the park closes at 6 pm anyway). The busiest times would be from 9-10 am and 5-6 pm and it’s possible you might not be able to find a seat.
On the Brazilian side, City buses begin and end their routes at the Terminal Urbana on Avenida Juscelino Kubitschek (also called Av. JK — pronounced Zho-ta Ka) at the corner of Avenida República Argentina. Buses for the airport and the falls run along Avenida JK and Avenida Jorge Schimmelpfeng to the Avenida das Cataratas. Falls buses are marked Catatatas (cost is R$2.20) or Parque Nacional (cost is R$2). They run every 20 minutes until 6:40 pm. The trip to the park gate and visitor center takes 45 minutes. From the park gate, a free shuttle (departing every 20 min.) will take you the rest of the way to the falls. Getting to the Argentine Falls by bus is cheap but time-consuming. The one-way trip takes about 90 minutes.
By Taxi
On the Argentine side, the taxis are a great way to get around Puerto Iguazu. The cost was A$60 (US$20) to be dropped off at the National Park entrance Visitor’s Centre and then return at a pre-arranged time. The taxis are timely and the drivers friendly with many of the taxis equipped with air conditioning.
On the Brazilian side, Taxi Pontos (stands) are throughout the city or you can flag a taxi on the street. A trip across town costs around R$20. A trip from the city center to a hotel on the Avenida das Cataratas costs between R$25 and R $35. A taxi from the center of town to the park gates costs R$45. Hiring a taxi to take you to the Argentine Falls and wait while you see them then bring you back costs about R$200, depending on your negotiation skills. Coopertaxi (tel. 0800/524-6464 or 045/3529-8821) has cabs available 24/7.
By Walking
On the Argentine side, no matter which trail you are visiting you will want to take the Rainforest Train from Central Station. When you pass through the ticket gate make sure you follow the sidewalk past the gift shops and you will come to the Central Station. Take a ride on the Rainforest Train and take it to Cataratas Station (starting point of Upper and Lower Circuit and San Martin Island) or the Garganta Station (starting point of Devil’s Throat).
The Lower Circuit Trail (1,700 Meters) leads to the boat docks. To get to the docks, look for the stairs just before the Jungle Boat ticket window, they are easy to miss. This trail has many stairs and is largely shaded so it’s better for a hot day. Each trail offers many stunning lookouts and I found the panorama views from this trail to be some of the best for pictures. If you are short on time you can cut out two of the minor waterfalls by turning right on the trail by the picnic area. If you are planning on going to the boat dock be warned that the path has many stairs carved from rock. The path and some smaller sets of stairs that are wet and do not have handrails. We witnessed one gentleman wearing flip-flops slip right off the path onto the rocks below which could have been life-threatening. Luckily he was not injured. This is why I stress the importance of wearing sneakers at all times.
If you wish to visit San Martin Island head out early and be warned that there are a lot of stairs to climb. Look for the signs at the train stations to see whether the boats are still operating as the last boat leaves for San Martin Island at 3:15 pm, and possibly before, based on passenger load. These boats are free with the park admission and simply cross the channel, they do not get close enough to get you wet or go under the falls.
The Upper Circuit (1,750 meters) trail is flat and easily navigated. It is all raised platform and is wheelchair accessible, you will see several on our visit. We recommend this trail first, while there are still plenty of photo opportunities, it doesn’t have the best vantage points when compared to the other trails.
The Garganta Del Diablo Trail (2,200 meters) leads to the Devil’s Throat, an unforgettable look at the power of the falls. You do not want to miss this. This viewing platform gets a little spray from the falls when the wind blows, so if you have a waterproof camera or case use it here. You might want to keep an eye on the water as you take the trail leading to the falls – you may spot some of the massive catfish. This stop was also the best in the park for viewing butterflies. There were water faucets on the trailhead where you can see hundreds of butterflies of all colors and sizes. This trail is the longest in the park but is a flat, easy walk and wheelchair accessible. Stop for a snack or lunch when you get off the train. Trains run about every 30 minutes and there is only one trail from this station, so if you want to have more space for pictures let the crowd get ahead of you by about 15 minutes.
On the Brazilian side, getting around the side of the falls takes very little planning and a map isn’t needed. Get off the bus when it stops in front of the Belmond Hotel which you can’t miss because it is pink. The trail follows along the river banks and is easy to follow from one lookout spot to the next. The highlight of the trail is at the end where you can walk out over the whitewater to stand in the spray of the falls. Before walking out on the boardwalk you can suit up with your waterproof gear.
The trail ends with an elevator to an upper deck viewing area where you can get a professional souvenir picture. The trail takes about an hour with plenty of opportunities to stop several times for pictures.
Top Attractions
Devil’s Throat
The Devil’s Throat is very well known as the largest and most formidable waterfall within the Iguazu Falls system.
Puerto Iguazu
Puerto Iguazú is a city in northeast Argentina. It’s a gateway to Iguazú Falls in Iguazú National Park, with hundreds of cascades.
National Park Train
A narrow gauge train that runs through the immense forest inside Iguazú National Park in the north of the province of Misiones of Argentina.
Border with Brazil
There are three borders in the Iguazú area which separate Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. You can cross all the borders between them at any time of day or night.
Unique Experiences
Brazilian Side of Iguazu Falls.
Discover the Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls on this half-day sightseeing tour from Puerto Iguazú. Travel deep into Iguaçu National Park for the region’s best, up-close views of Devil’s Throat.
Tierra del Fuego National Park.
With the half day tour to Tierra del Fuego National Park you will be able to explore one of the most beautiful parks in the region. This tour will be accompanied by a guide who will tell you all about the native flora and fauna, you can visit the Acigami Lake, of pure and crystalline waters of glacial origin.
Iguazu Falls with Great Adventure Boat.
This excursion combines the experience of the jungle and the waterfalls. It consists of an 8 km route along the Yacaratia trail, within the Argentine National Park, in all-terrain vehicles.
Full-Day Tour to Iguazu Falls.
Experience the thundering, wild beauty of Iguazu Falls on this full-day tour from Puerto Iguazu. On a guided tour of the Argentinian side of the falls, trek along a series of trails, footbridges, and vista points to witness more than 200 magnificent cascades, including the famous Devils Throat.
What to expect while traveling
