Introduction Of Iguazu Falls
Over the last 12 years, I’ve chased landscapes across the globe — deserts, mountains, fjords, glaciers, you name it. Safe to say, at this point, it takes a lot to impress me. So when I booked a trip to Iguazu Falls, I figured, “Okay, cool, another waterfall.” I’ve already seen plenty.
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Yeah… I was wrong. Really wrong.
From the moment I stepped onto the first viewing platform, jaw on the floor, I knew Iguazu wasn’t just another stop. It was next level. Wildly loud, intensely beautiful, and absurdly powerful. This wasn’t just a waterfall. It was a full-on earthquake for the soul.
Eleanor Roosevelt supposedly said it best when she saw Iguazu:
“Poor Niagara.”
And she had a point. Iguazu Falls is nearly twice as tall as Niagara and three times as wide. It makes even Victoria Falls look like a warm-up act. With 275 distinct cascades stretching across nearly two miles, this beast of a waterfall system is easily one of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth.
This guide? It’s the result of my own trial-and-error adventure — mistakes, wins, and one speedboat-induced soaking I won’t soon forget. I’ll walk you through exactly how to make the most of your time here — where to go, what to skip, and how to beat the crowds. Let’s dive in.
Where is Iguazu Falls?
Iguazu Falls straddles the border of northeast Argentina and southern Brazil. About 80% of the waterfalls fall (pun intended) on the Argentinian side, but both countries offer completely different perspectives — and both are 100% worth seeing.
Paraguay’s not far either. In fact, there’s a tripoint where Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay all meet — you can actually stand near it and see all three countries at once.
Getting There: Flights, Buses, and Border Runs
Getting to Iguazu is easier than you might think, thanks to airports on both sides of the border.
Argentinian side:
Puerto Iguazu (IGR) is your go-to airport. It’s about 10 km (6 miles) from the national park.
Brazilian side:
Foz do Iguaçu (IGU) is just 3 km (2 miles) from the park entrance.
Here’s the catch: You can only fly into IGR from Argentina and into IGU from Brazil. No cross-country flights between, say, Buenos Aires and Foz do Iguaçu.
Flight times and prices:
- Buenos Aires ➝ Puerto Iguazu: ~2 hours, ~$70 USD
- Sao Paulo ➝ Foz do Iguaçu: ~90 minutes, ~$70 USD
- Rio ➝ Foz do Iguaçu: ~2 hours, similar price
Buses are an option too, but distances in South America can get ridiculous. A bus from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazu? That’s a 19-hour ride and might actually cost more than a flight. I’d only recommend it if you’re already nearby and want to save on carbon emissions.
Entry Fees and What to Expect
Each country runs its side of the park separately, so you’ll need to buy two tickets if you plan to do both — and you should.
- Argentina: $24 USD for adults, $12 for kids under 16, free for under 6s
- Brazil: $20 USD for adults, kids under 6 go free
Both sides accept cards and cash. Oh, and if you or your travel buddy has a disability? Entry’s free. Plus, both parks are wheelchair accessible with well-paved trails.
Pro tip: Argentina’s inflation is off the charts, so I’ve listed all prices in USD — way more stable than pesos.
Which Side Should You Do First?
Let’s break this down.
Argentina is all about scale. You’ll hike through jungle paths, ride a train, cross boardwalks over the top of the falls, and soak in panoramic views. There’s a full day’s worth of exploring here.
Brazil is about impact. You’re getting up close to the thunder. One walkway brings you face-to-face with a wall of water, mist blasting in your face like nature’s own fog machine. It’s a shorter visit, but wildly dramatic.
My Advice?
Do Argentina first, then Brazil. The drama of Brazil makes for an epic finale. If you do it in reverse, Argentina might feel like a step down — impressive, yes, but less visceral.
How Many Days Do You Need?
Two. That’s the magic number.
- Day 1: Explore the Argentinian side. Do the upper and lower trails, ride the little train, maybe take a speedboat. If it’s a full moon, consider the night tour — yes, you can see the falls by moonlight.
- Day 2: Cross over to Brazil. Spend the morning in the park, then head to the Bird Park next door or hop on a helicopter tour if you’re feeling extra.
Anything more than two days? Honestly, you’d just be rewatching waterfalls. Not the worst way to spend your time, but not necessary either.
Getting to the Falls from Puerto Iguazu
If you’re staying on the Argentinian side, getting to the park is a breeze.
- Buses leave every 30 minutes from the central terminal. Tickets cost ~$1.80 USD round trip. Aim for the 7:30 a.m. bus if you want a head start.
- Taxis are everywhere, but cost around $20. Not worth it unless you’re running late.
- Rideshare apps? Don’t even try. Puerto Iguazu doesn’t have Uber or Cabify.
Pro tip: Buy your bus ticket from the Rio Uruguay window, then cross the footbridge to the waiting area.
Should You Buy Tickets in Advance?
You can, but it’s not necessary. Tickets don’t sell out, and prices are the same either way.
That said, if you’re someone who hates lines, buy ahead — just make sure to download your ticket. Offline. I didn’t, and when I showed up with no Wi-Fi or service, I had to buy a whole second ticket. Don’t be me.
The Best Way to Avoid Crowds (And Score That Viewpoint to Yourself)
Alright, here’s the golden nugget: If you want to stand at the Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo) without 5,000 people behind you… you’ve got to hustle.
- Be at the park entrance before 8 a.m.
- Grab your free train ticket (included with park admission).
- Head straight to Estación Central and board the first train of the day.
- Sit in the front carriage — you’ll be first off when it arrives at the trailhead.
- Walk fast (don’t jog — but close) to beat the crowd.
You’ll have a few blissful minutes completely alone at one of the most powerful waterfalls on Earth. Just you, the roar of water, and that gnarly mist rising from the abyss.
What Comes Next?
Once you’ve soaked in the Devil’s Throat, ride the train back and hit the Paseo Superior — the upper trail. This one walks you right over the waterfalls, with some shockingly close views of the river plunging into the jungle below.
It’s surreal. One moment, you’re hiking a boardwalk over calm waters. The next, you’re staring into a thundering void just a few feet away.
Next up, I’ll walk you through the rest of the trails, how to time the speedboat ride perfectly, what to pack, and how to cross the border without drama.
But that’s enough for now. Go ahead, soak that in — and when you’re ready, let’s keep building your perfect Iguazu itinerary.
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