What to do in Iguazú Falls?

Iguazu means big water in Guarani, which is a fitting name for the deafening roar this beast of a natural waterfall showcases. In fact, it is something very akin to ‘magic’—and it should be because the Falls are one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Iguazu Falls are shared by three countries: Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina. Both Brazil and Argentina have National Parks devoted to them, and they are sufficiently different in character to each merit a visit. Iguazu Falls feature 275 waterfalls up to 80 meters high, and one of the most spectacular and colossal is the Devil Throat, a massive drop of turbulent water as you’ve never seen before. 

Puerto Iguazú is the closest city to the Iguazú National Park on the Argentinian side, and travelers visit the city all year round since it’s on this side that 80% of the falls are located. First inhabited by the Guaraníes and then colonized by the Spanish Jesuits, Iguazú still displays many of the traditions of both Argentine and European culture. 

Destinations to combine with Iguazú Falls tours

Iguazú is a highly popular destination in Argentina and it is easily combined with other regions like Patagonia. From Iguazú, you can fly to Buenos Aires, Patagonia, Salta and Jujuy (in the North) and also Río de Janeiro in Brazil. 

• Buenos Aires

Cosmopolitan, dynamic & generous, this city is brimming with places and tourist attractions you wouldn’t want to miss out on. Buenos Aires sits on the coast of Río de la Plata, the widest in the world. If you cross this immense river it will take you 1 hour to reach the other coast in Uruguay! This city is the jumping point for almost any trip to Argentina since the international airport (best known for “Ezeiza”) and a domestic airport (called “Aeroparque”) concentrate the affluent of most of the flights in the country. We recommend staying at least 5 days to wander the streets, the many cafés and taste the delicious meat for which Argentina is famous worldwide.

• El Calafate

This is one of our country’s most impressive landscapes that you will remember the most. The village of El Calafate serves as the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. Huge blue icebergs floating in milky turquoise waters, cracking noises of massive ice pieces falling into the lake, and the massive Perito Moreno Glacier (UNESCO World Heritage Site) will take your breath away.

This is a small city, really easy to get around on foot, and it has beautiful views of Argentino Lake. The nearest airport counts with a good flight frequency, this is the easiest way to reach El Calafate. The city and its glaciers (around 47 in the park) were discovered at the end of the XIX century. Today, El Calafate offers boat trips in Argentino Lake, day tours to Patagonia ranches to learn about the rural culture, visits to El Chaltén and Mount Fitz Roy to enjoy amazing views and adventure hikes and other activities.

• Northern Argentina (Salta & Jujuy)

With colonial plazas, red hills, and green oases, the Argentine Northwest is a region of contrasts. The traditions and folklore of this area, which was once part of the Inca Kingdom, are still alive with indigenous culture. The main provinces known as “the North” are Salta and Jujuy. Salta is the capital city in the province of the same name and was founded in 1582. Called “La Linda” by Argentines, which in Spanish means pretty, Salta is a good place to start exploring Northern Argentina. Travelers depart from this city to the breathtaking Calchaquíes Valley and the city of Cafayate, the birthplace of Torrontés wine. Heading north from Salta, you’ll reach Jujuy, known for the Humahuca Gorge (UNESCO World Heritage site) as well as the Great Salt Flats, a white paradise that everyone should visit at least once in their lives!

• Rio de Janeiro

Known as the “Marvelous City”, Río de Janeiro was founded by a Portuguese sailor in 1502 and nowadays is one of the most visited cities in Brazil. “Janeiro” means January in Portuguese and the first month of Summer in the South Hemisphere. And something that this city always offers is sunshine days and a continuous feeling of vacations floating in the air. Río has the second-largest economy in the country after São Paulo, and today is still the financial center of Brazil. Countless visitors come to Rio de Janeiro to relax on its beautiful beaches, dance the night away to the beat of Samba (the national dance) and learn about Brazilian culture. Among this city’s highlights, you’ll find Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain, Corcovado Mountain, and Copacabana Beach, a perfect visit to combine with tours of Iguazú Falls.

Planning your trip to Iguazú Falls

In these hand-picked articles from our blog, you will find useful information for your next trip to Iguazú. 

• 7 Tips for Visiting Iguazu
• The Best Time To Visit Iguazu Falls
• South America’s Most Action-Packed Destinations
• Iguazu Falls Swimming
• Last-Minute Destinations for Summer Vacation