Where to Stay in Iguazu Falls (Argentina and Brazil)

I hate to pick favorites, but when I think about the best nature experience I’ve ever had, I can’t help but say Iguazu Falls. 

275 waterfalls tucked within the jungle of Argentina and Brazil, insane panoramic views, the 269-foot-tall Devil’s Throat waterfall, I mean, do I need to say more?

I spent two full days exploring both sides during a solo trip to Brazil, and it’s an experience I’ll never forget. 

If you’re trying to figure out where to stay in Iguazu Falls, I’ve rounded up some amazing options for you on both sides of the falls (Argentina and Brazil) at various budgets. 

I’m not including where I stayed because honestly, the reviews since my trip have been really bad (I’ll just say that it was a hostel on the Brazil side), but I know you’re going to love one of these spots I’ve picked out for you.

Deciding which side to stay on

Before you can choose your accommodation, you have one big question to answer: which country do you want to stay in? 

The short version: if you’re coming from Buenos Aires, base yourself in Puerto Iguazú (Argentina). If you’re coming from Rio or São Paulo, base yourself in Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil). Either way, you can easily see both sides on day trips, and you shouldn’t skip either. I based myself in Foz and visited Argentina on a day trip.

My trip to Iguazu Falls was part of a three-week Brazil trip, so naturally I based myself in Foz do Iguaçu, the town on the Brazilian side, and visited the Argentina side of the falls on an easy day trip. But if you’re specifically planning a trip around the falls, then the answer won’t be as obvious.

If I were in your shoes, I’d think about which cities I’m most interested in adding on to your trip, since you’ll most likely have to fly into a major city like Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, or Rio de Janeiro first, so you might as well hang out for a couple days at least before heading to the falls.

If you’re totally stuck, here’s how I’d decide:

Buenos Aires: visit for lots of history, beautiful architecture, great wine, a European vibe in South America (check out my guide on the top things to do in Buenos Aires to learn more)

Rio de Janeiro: A fusion of tons of nature (beaches and mountains!) in a big city, music and culture (here’s my ultimate 1 week itinerary that gives you a little taste of everything — I’m a little biased though, because this is honestly my favorite city!)

Sao Paulo: A major city like New York with lots of art, museums, and restaurants (find the best things to do here)

If you want to check out a similar version to the itinerary I followed when I visited Iguazu, or to get an idea of how the Iguazu Falls can fit into a bigger Brazil trip, here’s my 3-week Brazil itinerary.

Regardless of which side you stay on, it’s super easy to visit both sides — and you better not skip either! I always see discourse about this, and honestly, they’re both 100% worth seeing, since they offer different perspectives of the falls.

Splurge: Stay Inside the Park

If budget is no object, staying inside the park is hard to beat. Each country has exactly one hotel inside its national park, which means you can be on the trails before the crowds arrive and stay after they leave.

I haven’t stayed at either, so these are on my list based on location, amenities, and reviews.

$$$$ – Gran Meliá Iguazú (Argentina)

The only hotel inside the Argentine park, just a five-minute walk to the falls. It reopened after a major renovation as a five-star property, with an infinity pool overlooking the falls, three restaurants with views (including free breakfast), a spa, and tennis courts. You can be on the catwalks early, then return to the hotel to rest during the midday heat.

Why it’s on my list: The access and unparalleled luxury. Check rates for Gran Meliá Iguazú.

$$$$ – Hotel das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel (Brazil)

The only hotel inside the Brazilian park, with old-world luxury and an entrance that leads straight to the viewing paths. Guests can see the falls after hours, including sunset and moonlight visits.

It has a perfect 10 rating on Expedia, and visitors consistently say it’s well worth the premium price, thanks to the location, staff, food, and unbeatable views.

Why it’s on my list: Seeing the falls without the crowd, in a true bucket list hotel. See rates at Hotel das Cataratas.

Where to stay in Iguazu Falls, Brazil

$ – Tarobá Hotel 

If you’re looking for a comfortable and affordable stay, Tarobá Hotel is a great choice. It’s been around for 40 years, and breakfast is included (always a plus), not to mention the hotel has not one but two swimming pools, a gym, and a 24-hour front desk. All rooms have private bathrooms and air conditioning — ideal for those hot, humid days in Iguazu.

If you’re after a great value stay in Foz do Iguaçu without sacrificing comfort, Tarobá Hotel is a really smart pick. It offers:

• A buffet breakfast every morning with 80+ food and drink options — even lactose- and gluten-free selections. (“Breakfast was absolutely phenomenal, one of the best breakfasts we´ve ever had and we go through a lot of hotels,” said one Booking.com reviewer)
  
• Multiple outdoor pools (including a heated one and a jacuzzi), plus a gym, rooftop terrace and games room for downtime after your falls visits.
  
• Rooms equipped with air-conditioning, minibar, flat-screen TV, private bathroom with hair-dryer — all the essentials for a comfortable stay.
  
• Superb location: central Foz do Iguaçu, only 20 minutes away from the actual falls, making it easy to stroll out for dinner or find buses to the falls. 

💓 Why it’s on my list: With pool + rooftop + strong breakfast included, it’s a great “budget stay” with lots of amenities — comfort on a budget.

🏞️ Check out Tarobá Hotel on Expedia if you want a comfortable, central stay with an amazing breakfast and pools — all without paying resort prices.

$$ – Hotel Rafain Centro

Hotel Rafain Centro strikes that perfect balance between value, comfort, and location. Some highlights:

• Located right in the heart of Foz do Iguaçu (Rua Marechal Deodoro 984) and within walking distance to the city’s restaurants, the bus station to the falls and shopping.
  
• Rooms with modern design; many have balconies. Air-conditioning, minibar/fridge, and some premium suites even include a hydromassage bathtub.
  
• Excellent amenities: outdoor pool, gym, restaurant (Ritorna) serving breakfast & dinner, bar by the pool – so plenty of options when you just want to chill at the hotel.
  
• Very strong guest feedback: couples rated the location 9.2/10 (with an overall 8.7 rating on Booking)

💓 Why it’s on my list: This hotel is comfortable, well-reviewed, and reasonably priced — my perfect combo! Perfect for travelers who want a bit more than “basic” but still are mindful of budget.

✨ See Hotel Rafain Centro on Expedia if you want a reliable, well-reviewed hotel right in the heart of Foz do Iguaçu that makes getting to the falls easy.

$$$ – Sanma Hotel 

For a luxurious stay without a crazy price tag, you can’t do better than Sanma Hotel. Why?

• Luxury 5-star hotel near the entrance to the national park (Rodovia das Cataratas Km 21) — meaning less travel time to the falls, which is a big plus for early morning or sunset visits.
  
• Rooms with private bathrooms, hair-dryer, bathrobes, and some units with forest views — so you can really feel in the midst of nature.
  
• On-site luxury amenities: spa (head/back/foot massages), outdoor pool in lush garden, sports facilities (tennis, volleyball, hiking trail in the grounds) and fine dining (restaurant Amaru, fondue and wine bar).
  
• Ideal for a special-occasion stay (honeymoon, anniversary) or for travelers wanting the “nice indulgence” while still being based at the falls. 

💓 Why it’s on my list: I literally feel more relaxed just looking at these photos — it just looks like the perfect oasis to use as a base while exploring one of the world’s wonders!

🌿Check out Sanma Hotel if you’re craving a peaceful, nature-filled retreat just minutes from Iguazu Falls — it’s the kind of stay that feels like a vacation on its own.

Where to Stay in Iguazu Falls, Argentina

$ – Hostel Iguazu Falls

A great choice for budget-conscious travelers or solo adventurers on the Argentine side. 

Highlights:

• Located in the town of Puerto Iguazú, just 1 block from the bus terminal. That means excellent accessibility for catching the bus to the national park.
  
• Free WiFi, outdoor pool, garden/hammock lounge area, BBQ facilities — perfect for relaxing after a full day exploring.
  
• Offers both shared dorm rooms and private rooms with en-suite bathrooms — flexibility for different budgets and travel styles.
  
• Review highlights: “Location is fantastic for food + transport”, “Staff were super friendly”, “Best value for money”. 

💓 Why it’s on my list: You get basic comfort + access + local feel without major cost.

🧳 Book Hostel Iguazu Falls if you’re looking for a budget-friendly, social stay with unbeatable access to transport and the national park.

$ – La Aldea de la Selva

This treehouse-style lodge is tucked away in the jungle,

Highlights:

• free breakfast buffet (and lots of reviewers rave about how fresh it is and how varied the options are)

• an onsite restaurant serving three meals a day (also a favorite among guests!)

• a pool (with a poolside bar) and a hot tub

• Other dining options located just a couple minutes away by car, plus the entrance to the falls are just a short drive away

💓 Why it’s on my list: I’m obsessed with the upscale rustic vibe here. Its combination of treehouse-style architecture and jungle surroundings make it seem like the ultimate relaxing getaway — for reasonable prices!

🌴 If you want the jungle without the splurge, this budget-friendly lodge has spacious rooms spread through the trees and a large pool. Its breakfast is included. Check rates.

$$ – Rincón Escondido B&B

This B&B is a standout for tranquility, charm and personal service. 

Stay here for:

• Boutique size: only 7 rooms. That means guests often comment on how “friendly the host was” and how they received personal recommendations.
  
• Free bikes, garden, outdoor pool, air-conditioning in rooms, private bathrooms. Many reviewers emphasize the breakfast and how the hosts helped with tours and local transport.
  
• Excellent rating: 9.4 on Booking with nearly 1,000 ratings — very strong for its category. 

• Near the town center so you’ll have easy access to restaurants and local ambiance. 

💓 Why it’s on my list: This is a mid-tier but still special stay — still accessible on a reasonable budget but with personality and local feel.

🌸Reserve your room at Rincón Escondido if you’re looking for a cozy, personal stay with incredible reviews and hosts who truly take care of you.

$$$ – Hotel Saint George

For those wanting luxury on the Argentine side, Hotel Saint George delivers. Key details:

• Located very centrally (Av. Córdoba 148) with excellent location score (9.5) by families.
  
• Outstanding amenities: two outdoor pools (salt-water eco-pools), spa with hydromassage tub for 8 people, sauna, full gym, kids-club & children’s pool — great for families or couples wanting pampering.
  
• On-site restaurant Doña María, bar/terrace by the pool, sustainability focus (eco-friendly lighting, locally-sourced food, wildlife/habitat awareness) which may appeal to more consciously-traveling readers. 

💓 Why it’s on my list: This is a real “treat yourself” stay.

🛁 Stay at Hotel Saint George if you want a centrally located, treat-yourself hotel with pools, spa vibes, and everything handled for you.

FAQs for your Iguazu Falls trip

Planning your trip to Iguazu Falls

Now that you’ve got your hotel squared away, it’s time to sort out all the other logistics you need for visiting this world wonder! (it’s not a ton, don’t worry!)

Head to one of these guides next:

• How to Visit Iguazu Falls (Argentina + Brazil Guide) — start here for an overview of both sides, how to visit, etc.
• How to Visit the Iguazu Falls Argentina Side: A Complete Guide — here, I break down allll the details about the Argentina side, including how to visit depending on which side you’re based on, all the trails to see, and so on.
• Brazil Side of Iguazu Falls: What to Know Before You Go —  everything you need to know about the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls!