How to Visit Iguazu Falls (Argentina + Brazil Guide)
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I spent a couple of days in Iguazu Falls during a three-week solo trip through Brazil — and honestly, I haven’t shut up about it since. With around 275 different waterfalls, including the massive 260-foot Devil’s Throat, and endless jaw-dropping views, it’s impossible not to fall in love with this place.
Since the falls run across the Brazilian and Argentinian border, to visit Iguazu Falls, it takes a little planning — you’ve got two national parks, two currencies, and one border crossing to think about. That’s where this post comes in.
This Iguazu Falls travel guide is meant to be your simple overview — how to visit, which side to start with, and what to expect — before you dive into my more detailed guides on each park.
But if you’re already deep into planning, here are my full guides with all the nitty-gritty details:
🇦🇷How to Visit the Iguazu Falls Argentina Side: A Complete Guide
🇧🇷Brazil Side of Iguazu Falls: What to Know Before You Go
How to Get to Iguazu Falls
Getting here will depend a lot on which side you’re basing yourself in — Argentina or Brazil. Each side has its own airport, Foz do Iguaçu International Airport in Brazil, and Cataratas del Iguazú International Airport in Argentina. Both offer daily domestic flights from cities like Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and Buenos Aires.
My visit to Iguazu was part of a three-week trip through Brazil. So, I stayed in Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil, and took a quick and easy bus ride to the Brazil side.
I decided to go with a tour group to get to Argentina — it was a super flexible tour where I got to explore the park independently, but it handled the border crossing part super smoothly — as in, I got to sit comfortably in the bus while our guide handled the whole passport ordeal.
If you’re based in Argentina for your trip, you can do the same thing, just in reverse. A tour isn’t necessary though. You can also easily use public transportation to cross the border, or take a private car/taxi.
Ready to plan your visit? Here are the top-rated tours I recommend:
🌿 If you’re based in Brazil like I was, looking for a super easy way to visit the Argentina side, this is a top-rated option that will make sure everything goes smoothly for you.
🌊 If I was based in Argentina and wanted to take a tour to the Brazilian side, I’d go with this one! High ratings, an easy hotel pick-up, and 0 worrying ✨
If you’re looking for a way more in-depth break-down of border crossing and getting to the parks, depending on where you’re based in, definitely check out these two guides:
- How to Visit the Iguazu Falls Argentina Side: A Complete Guide
- Brazil Side of Iguazu Falls: What to Know Before You Go
What It’s Like Visiting the Brazilian Side
Although there’s less to see on the Brazil side, that doesn’t mean it’s at all worth skipping! This is the one I started with, since I was based in Brazil, and it was such a dream!
It’s super easy to navigate, and this is coming from someone who manages to get lost everywhere — there’s just one path that you follow.
It leads up to the highlight of Iguazu: Devil’s Throat (Garganta do Diabo), a 260-foot-tall, horseshoe-shaped waterfall, which will seriously take your breath away. You can get super up-close, unlike on the Argentina side, which is just magical.
The key details:
- Entry is $117 BRL for foreigners ($21.83 USD at the time of writing), and you can purchase your tickets online ahead of time or in-person at the entrance.
- The park is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with the last entry at 4:30 p.m.
- Give yourself two to three hours here.
Exploring the Argentina Side of Iguazu Falls
The Argentina side has way more to see — and unlike with the Brazilian park, there are a few different routes you can take to explore.
The non-negotiables in my opinion are the upper and lower circuits (they each take around two hours or so), plus checking out a different — and equally amazing angle — of the Devil’s Throat waterfall. On the Argentina side, you can look at it from above — which is just crazy to see.
There’s also another trail that’s almost 5 miles, the Macuco Trail, which I didn’t have time for. But it has more of a traditional hiking feel, and is supposed to feel a little quieter and more “in nature” than the upper and lower circuits. It also leads to a 65 foot waterfall!
The key details:
- Entry is $45,000 ARS, which is $30.54 USD at the time of writing — but keep in mind that the currency is always fluctuating a ton in Argentina, so check the exact exchange rate before you go. You can book online or purchase tickets at the entrance!
- Park hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the last entry at 4:30 p.m.
- Plan to spend at least several hours — I spent around five hours there, but could’ve spent longer!
Argentina vs Brazil: Which side of Iguazu Falls is better?
I’ve heard plenty of differing opinions on this one.
But in my humble opinion, it’s an impossible question. They both offer different things — while the Argentina side has a lot more to see, I felt like with the Brazil side, you can get really up-close to the falls, which is such an amazing experience.
Either way, you’ve got tons of panoramic views and jaw-dropping scenery.
I think they’re both 100% worth visiting, so make time for both!
The itinerary I’d recommend following would be:
Day 1: Brazil side (Devil’s Throat + Parque das Aves, a national bird sanctuary on the Brazilian side)
Day 2: Spend all day on the Argentinian side.
If you do feel a stronger pull to one side though, definitely choose an accommodation on that side! I break down some great options ranging from budget to affordable luxury in both Puerto Iguazu and Foz do Iguaçu in this “where to stay in Iguazu Falls” guide.
How Iguazu Fits Into a Brazil/Argentina Trip
If you’re planning your whole trip around Iguazu Falls, then you have to decide which side you’d like to base yourself in.
You’re probably going to first have to fly into a major international hub like Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, or Sao Paulo — all of which are places that deserve at least a few days as well, so I would just base yourself on whichever country interests you more right now.
All are super easy flights to Iguazu:
- A direct flight between Buenos Aires and Puerto Iguazu is less than two hours.
- A direct flight between Rio de Janeiro and Foz do Iguaçu is also around two hours.
- From Sao Paulo, the flight is just around one hour and 15 minutes.
Like I said, my time in Iguazu Falls was the perfect easy addition to a longer trip through Brazil — I visited right between my time in Sao Paulo and Salvador.
Check out my three-week Brazil itinerary here.
What to pack for Iguazu Falls
There’s nothing too crazy you need to worry about packing — basically you’ll be walking around a lot, will get wet, and will be in the sun, so you’ll want to pack accordingly.
But here are some things you’ll want to consider bringing along:
- I wore sneakers, which were perfect for walking around all day. But you could also go with water shoes if you prefer, especially if you’re thinking of going on a boat ride!
- Athletic clothing — Definitely dress comfortably and in clothes that you don’t mind getting wet. The hiking isn’t really vigorous on either side, but you will be outside all day, with a high chance of getting wet at some point. If you go on a boat ride, I’d probably bring a change of clothes, as well as a bathing suit.
- Sunscreen and insect repellant — both essentials for being outside all day, in nature!
- Snacks and water — You’ll find food options in both parks — I only got lunch on the Argentina side, and I wasn’t super impressed with either the price or the quality, so it’s not a bad idea to come prepared.
- Camera – It’s completely safe to have your camera out here, and you don’t want to skip taking photos!
- Camera protector – Speaking of, I wish I’d had an actual camera protector when I was there! You’ll definitely want to make sure your camera stays protected from water — if you go on the boat ride, I’d definitely opt for leaving any valuables in a locker that both parks offer, but even apart from that, the falls are super misty and you have chances of getting sprayed throughout the park.
- Water poncho – This was the look everyone was flaunting at the park! I didn’t get one, but it’s again, definitely a good idea for that boat ride.
Best Time to Visit Iguazu Falls
I visited during January, which is super hot, humid, and crowded. To be honest, this didn’t bother me — I still had a great time! If anything, it made the feeling of the mist and getting sprayed by the waterfalls that much better 😂
It’s also the rainiest time. Luckily I didn’t experience that, but it is something to consider. On the flipside, the falls will be at their fullest, which just makes it extra amazing!
Generally, shoulder season — so April, May, September, and October — are considered the best times, both weather-wise and as far as crowds.
Just try to steer clear of weekends or public holidays, and you should be ok.
FAQs about visiting Iguazu Falls
Can I visit Iguazu Falls on my own?
You can absolutely visit by yourself.
I went solo and had such an unforgettable time. I went with a tour for the Argentina portion just so I didn’t need to worry about any logistics, so you could do this as well, or visit totally independently.
Just be sure to check out information about crossing the border (it’s super common around the falls so the process is really easy, I promise!) ahead of time so you know what to expect.
Can you visit Iguazu Falls in one day?
I feel like this is something a lot of people try to do (there are a bunch of tours offering this too), but I would really advise against it.
Although the Brazil side doesn’t need a whole day — just a couple of hours — the Argentina side does, and it would just be super tiring trying to tackle it all in one day. Plus, you really don’t want to be rushing around — you want to, you know, enjoy the scenery.
I stayed in Foz do Iguaçu for three nights, giving myself two full days there, with an extra buffer to rest before flying to my next destination, and this is 100% what I’d suggest.
There are also some other things to see around the falls, like the Parque das Aves, a large bird sanctuary on the Brazil side, if you want to explore more.
Can you visit Iguazu Falls at night?
Both parks close at 6 p.m., so normally no, you can’t visit at night. The exception is a few nights each month, during the full moon, you can explore the Argentina side on a guided tour! I would love to do this next time I go — it is around two-and-a-half hours, and looks so magical! Get more info here.
Is it worth visiting Iguazu Falls?
100%! Iguazu Falls is by far the most amazing experience I’ve had in nature — like nothing even comes close.
I’ve literally never heard about anyone having a bad time or regretting going, so if you’re hesitant, just go for it! I hope this guide has shown you how easy it is to visit Iguazu Falls, so you have no excuse!
Planning your Brazil trip
Visiting Iguazu Falls is such a dream — from the rainbows crossing over the falls, to feeling the power of Devil’s Throat (did I mention that it can fill six Olympic pools in just one minute?!), it’s a place you’ll never forget.
Now that you’ve got an overview, definitely check out the more detailed guides below. I’ll get into the nitty-gritty for your options visiting each side, more to do on each side, and all that fun stuff.
👉 If you’ve decided to start with Argentina, read my Complete Argentina Side Guide next.
👉 Already in Brazil? Jump straight to my Brazil Side Guide.
👉Ready to book your accommodation? I’ve got you covered in this Iguazu Falls hotel guide.
If you’re looking for more inspiration for your South America trip, head to one of these guides next:
