Exploring the Majestic Iguazu Falls: A Comprehensive Adventure Guide for Both Sides of the Border

“If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water”

Loren Eiseley

Embarking on a journey to Iguazu Falls opens the door to countless experiences, whether gazing from the Argentinean or Brazilian side of the border, beholding panoramic vistas from afar, or standing only meters away from the majestic Devil’s Throat on a viewing platform. Whether by day or night, from the depths below on a special rafting boat, or soaring above in a thrilling helicopter ride, the ways to encounter the awe-inspiring wonder of Iguazu Falls are as diverse as they are captivating.

If you are indecisive and still don’t know whether you should come all the way to this corner of the world to see ‘just a waterfall’, because after all you’ve seen many waterfalls in your life already, let me tell you, this is an experience like no other. Even if you were lucky enough to have experienced other gems like Niagara or Victoria Falls and your expectations are high regarding waterfalls, trust me, Iguazu Falls is in a league of its own. So breathtaking is its power that when US First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt visited Iguazu Falls in 1944, she reportedly exclaimed “Poor Niagara!”.

I’m fortunate enough to have experienced the waterfalls on both sides of the Argentina-Brazil border twice and I know how overwhelming it can be to plan this trip. Questions start popping into your head: How much time do I need? Is it worth seeing the waterfalls from both sides? How do I cross the border? And what about visas?

Don’t stress. You are in the right place. Stay tuned, because in this comprehensive Iguazu Falls guide I clarify all your questions and much more!

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Overview

Iguazu Falls, the largest waterfall system in the world, located on the border between Argentina and Brazil, consists of approximately 275 individual waterfalls and cascades spread over nearly 3 km (around 2 miles). For comparison, it’s taller than Niagara Falls and wider than Victoria Falls. Its majestic beauty can only be described as jaw-dropping.

The name “Iguazu” comes from the Guarani or Tupi language spoken by indigenous peoples in the region. It roughly translates to “big water” or “great water,” which is fitting given the magnificence of the falls.

The Argentinian side makes up almost 80% of the falls, while the Brazilian side is home to 20% of the jumps. Each side offers its own distinct perspectives and experiences of the falls, with walkways, viewpoints, and boat tours allowing visitors to explore and appreciate their beauty from different angles.

Surrounding the falls is a thriving rainforest teeming with wildlife—jaguars, howler monkeys, and vibrant bird species. Both national parks (on the Argentine and Brazilian sides) were declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1984 for their stunning natural beauty and biodiversity.

Best Time to Visit

If you want to avoid crowds, skip the scorching heat, and reduce the chances of rain, then plan your trip between late March and May or from August to early October. However, if you want to see the falls at their most powerful, October to December is ideal.

But don’t worry, no matter when you visit, Iguazu will leave you speechless year-round.

Weather

Iguazu Falls has a subtropical climate, meaning it’s warm and humid pretty much all year. January is the hottest month, while November through March sees the most rain. You may experience some sporadic showers no matter when you go, so pack accordingly.

What Side Should I Visit?

If you’re debating whether to only visit one side of the falls, let me stop you right there—visit both! I know it’s tempting to think you’ll get the same experience on either side, but that’s simply not true.

The Argentinean side offers a more immersive experience with walkways that bring you close to the action. You’ll be surrounded by the roar and mist of the falls, exploring trails that lead you right into the heart of the action. Meanwhile, the Brazilian side gives you sweeping, panoramic views that showcase the sheer magnitude of the falls.

Let’s pretend you are watching a football match. In Argentina, you’re on the pitch, seeing the action up close. On the Brazilian side, you watch the game from the stands, enjoying a panoramic view. Both have their perks, but together they give you the full picture.

Also, crossing the border is easy and inexpensive. You’ll want at least one day per side to fully appreciate each park.

Whether one side is better than the other remains debatable, so I will leave the decision to you.

How Do I Get Across the Border?

I get it. You are traveling through South America, and you may have heard stories about unreliable transport and that “leaving at 2 PM” can mean anything from 3 PM to… whenever the driver feels like it. Also, perhaps you hold some safety concerns. It makes sense why people may feel worried about this crossing.

But don’t panic. Here is all you need to know:

The Iguazu River forms the border between the two countries, and while you can cross by bridge, there’s no footpath, so transportation is necessary. You will have immigration checks (exit-entry) on each side of the river.
Private transport, like taxis or shuttles, is the easiest but most expensive option, costing between $60 and $120 (USD) for a round trip. You can arrange this through your hotel or hail a taxi for a lower price.
The budget-friendly option is public buses, costing between $3 and $6 (USD) one-way. Buses run every 30 minutes between the terminals in Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil) and Puerto Iguazu (Argentina), though delays are common. The main two companies operating this route are Rio Uruguay and Crucero del Norte.
IMPORTANT: Make sure to inform the bus driver you need to get your passport stamped, as locals don’t need to, and the driver won’t stop unless asked.
The bus won’t wait for you during immigration checks, but don’t worry—you can catch the next bus from the same company with the ticket the driver gives you. Just be sure to take your belongings with you.
As mentioned above, once across, another bus will take you to your destination, whether it’s the national park or the bus terminal.

Argentinian Side

Location

Parque Nacional Iguazu is located in Puerto Iguazu city, in the province of Misiones, northeast of Argentina.

Puerto Iguazu is a border city and the gateway to the majestic Iguazu Falls, it has a population of around 100,000 inhabitants. If you decide to spend at least one night on the Argentinean side, this is where you will be staying.

Do I Need a Visa?

As of 2025, the visa requirements for visiting Iguazu Falls in Argentina vary depending on the nationality of the traveler.

For most European citizens, North Americans, Australians and Latin Americans a tourist visa is not needed to enter Argentina for stays of up to 90 days.

Where to Stay

Puerto Iguazu City offers a diverse range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious resorts. I recommend staying near the downtown, close to the restaurants, bars and shops.

However, for a luxurious stay in an unbeatable location, consider Gran Meliá Iguazú. As the only accommodation within the national park, it offers breathtaking views of the waterfalls right from your room.

Hotel Yvera Cataratas is a great budget-friendly choice, offering a pool and an on-site bar. It’s conveniently located in a quiet area near the city centre, just 300 metres from the Triple Frontier landmark

Parque Nacional Iguazú (Iguazu National Park) - Argentina

Parque Nacional Iguazu is one of the 39 Argentinean national parks. The park is home to approximately 80% of the falls that form part of the Iguazu waterfall system.

On the Argentinian side, you’ll do more walking since it boasts the majority of the waterfalls, offering plenty of trails to explore. You’ll hike through the lush rainforest and get up close to the falls. The park is open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM, and the time limit to enter is 4:30 PM. If you need a break, there’s a complimentary train that can take you to the next station. The train stops at three main stations: Central, Cataratas, and Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat).

The park is split into three must-see areas: the Upper Circuit, Lower Circuit, and Devil’s Throat.

Entrance Fee

On May 15, 2024, resolution 15/2024 of the Argentinian Government Official Gazette came into force, which established new prices for Argentine national parks. Foreign residents will now pay $35,000 Argentine Pesos (approximately $34 USD) at the time of writing for a ticket to access Iguazu National Park, while local residents will pay $10,000 (approximately $9 USD).

PRO TIP: If you decide to split your visit to this national park into two separate days, make sure you keep the physical ticket of your first day (bought at the park’s entrance) and you will get a 50% discount on your second-day ticket.

The Upper Trail

As implied by its name, this route allows visitors to explore the falls from an elevated perspective, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the horseshoe-shaped cascades. It is also the best trail to get photos of the full falls along with some rainbows due to the reflection of the sun through the mist. Commencing its journey 200 meters from ‘Cataratas Station’, the upper circuit boasts a stair-free route, ensuring ease of access and no challenges along the way.

Extending approximately 1.8 kilometers (just over a mile), completing the circuit typically takes between 90 minutes and 2 hours. Restrooms and a bar can be found at ‘Cataratas Station’ before entering the circuit.

The Lower Trail

The Lower Trail offers an immersive experience amidst the awe-inspiring beauty of the falls. As its name suggests, this circuit allows visitors to explore the cascades from a lower vantage point, providing a unique perspective of the power and magnificence of the waterfalls. And be warned, you’ll feel the mist of the water on your skin as you walk. It may not sound very appealing at first, but trust me, it will come as a blessing to cool you off when it gets too hot and muggy.

This pathway extends approximately 1.7 km (just over a mile), taking visitors around 1 hour 30 minutes to complete the circuit and it’s mainly flat with easy access for wheelchairs via walkways.

The Devil’s Throat

Good News!🚨📢The walkway to the Devil’s Throat is finally open again as of July 2024, after a long closure due to severe flooding in October 2023. The floods damaged the steel structures, but now it’s ready for visitors to experience this awe-inspiring spectacle.

The Devil’s Throat, or Garganta del Diablo, is the most jaw-dropping waterfall in the Iguazu Falls system. Imagine a massive U-shaped waterfall that plunges 82 meters (269 feet) into the abyss below and spans a whopping 150 meters (492 feet) in width. It’s not just a sight—it’s a force of nature that you’ll feel in your bones.

To reach this natural marvel, you’ll walk about 2.2 km (1.3 miles) along a scenic trail, a journey that usually takes around 2 hours. The trail is equipped with footbridges and metal platforms, making it accessible for wheelchairs. If you’d rather save some energy, hop on the Ecological Train and ride to ‘Estación Garganta del Diablo’ (Devil’s Throat Station). From there, it’s just a short 150-meter walk to the viewing platform.

At the end of the walkway, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking, up-close view of the 82-meter drop. The sheer power of the water as it cascades down is both humbling and exhilarating—a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Standing at the edge, you’ll feel the mist on your face and hear the deafening roar of millions of litres of water crashing into the river below. Trust me, it’s a front-row seat to one of nature’s most impressive shows.

Macuco Trail

Sendero Macuco is a 7-kilometer (4.3-mile) roundtrip hike through the lush jungle, taking about three hours to complete. Despite being a fantastic trail, it’s often overlooked by visitors to Iguazu. If you’re spending two days exploring the Argentinian side of the national park and have a few hours to spare after doing the two main circuits and Devil’s Throat, this hike is an absolute must.

Unlike the busy trails near the major waterfalls, Sendero Macuco offers a peaceful escape into the heart of the rainforest. It’s a chance to connect with nature on a deeper level—listen to the birdsong, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the stillness that surrounds you. The trail leads to a charming viewpoint over the river, followed by a short but steep set of stairs down to a natural pool, complete with a small but beautiful waterfall. If you’re up for it, take a refreshing dip and unwind in this hidden oasis.

PRO TIP: Bring plenty of water—the trail is mostly shaded but can still get hot. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for wildlife! This quieter part of the park is home to a variety of animals that you might miss elsewhere.

Boat Ride 'La Gran Aventura'

Beneath the roar of the magnificent waterfalls, you will have the opportunity to experience the force of nature from a different perspective.

This journey starts with an immersive 5 km ride through the rainforest on an open-top truck, guided by bilingual experts who will introduce you to the region’s natural and cultural wonders. Once you arrive at Puerto Macuco, you’ll board a rafting boat and navigate through the river, eventually reaching the spectacular San Martín waterfall—the second largest and the highlight of the trip.

This exhilarating journey immerses you in the power and beauty of the falls like never before—prepare to get soaked!

Good to Know:

Tickets are available at the park entrance, with flexible times throughout the day. Or you can book online here.
Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes.
To keep your belongings safe, a waterproof dry bag like this one is a must. You’ll also want to protect your phone from the heavy spray, so a waterproof phone pouch would be useful. Also, make sure to wear shoes that can handle being drenched, and bring a GoPro or action camera to capture every incredible moment of this thrilling adventure!”

Full Moon Walk

For five nights each month, the Full Moon Walk offers a magical way to experience Iguazu Falls. The silence of the night brings the murmur of the jungle and the roar of the Devil’s Throat to your ears.

Your journey begins at Central Station, where the Ecological Train takes you through the darkened jungle to Garganta del Diablo Station. From there, you’ll walk along a footbridge over the Upper Iguazu River, illuminated only by the full moon. The endpoint is the mighty Devil’s Throat, where the falls shimmer like silver in the moonlight—a truly unforgettable sight.

Need to Know:

Cost: ARS 77,000 (~77 USD). Tickets are available in the park.
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes, with three time slots available.
The walk may be canceled or postponed due to bad weather.