Iguazu Falls

Read our guide and learn about the best time to visit Iguazú, the must-see attractions and things to do in one of the most beautiful national parks of Argentina and Brazil. 

 

Spread between Argentina and Brazil, Iguazú Falls has been classified as the Seven Wonder of the World. It features 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 in the Argentinian side, and travelers visit the city all year round since it’s on this side that the 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. Not far from Puerto Iguazú, the archeological remains of San Ignacio Miní Mission can be visited, as well as native communities that still live in the area. The Iguazú National Park is a natural reserve aimed to protect the Selva Misionera (the jungle of Misiones) where half of the bird species in Argentina can be found and some endangered species like the Jaguar are protected. 

Attractions
Attractions

Attractions

Eating & Drinking
Eating & Drinking

Eating & Drinking

Tips & Advice

Tips & Advice

How many days should I stay in the destination?

We recommend at least 2 nights to get to know both sides of the falls. If you don’t have time you can take a flight and visit the Argentine side of the falls in a one day round-trip from Buenos Aires. 

Best time to visit Iguazu Falls

The months of March, April and May are considered the best time to visit Iguazú Falls, since the rains decrease and the temperatures are more pleasant and moderate. However, those who want to avoid crowds should aim for a date away from the Easter holidays or weekends.

The climate in the Iguazú Falls is humid subtropical, typical of the jungle. Summers are very hot while autumn, winter and spring have mild days. However, it is important to bear in mind that during the winter months there may be cool days (average temperatures of 15ºC), so it is advisable to bring something warm. In summer (from December to March) temperatures can be suffocating (average highs of 32ºC) for those who are not used to heat and humidity.

How to get to Iguazú?

Flight: Puerto Iguazú has the Cataratas del Iguazú International Airport where flights arrive from Buenos Aires and the main cities of the country operated by Aerolineas Argentina. The flight time from Buenos Aires is 1.30 hours. There is also a flight from the city of Salta or Mendoza with Aerolineas Argentinas. And to the city of Foz de Iguazú (in Brazil) flights arrive from the main Brazilian cities.If you are in Rio de Janeiro, or if you want to continue your trip to Brazil after visiting the falls, it is best to fly to and from Foz de Iguazu airport.

Bus: the main companies that connect it with Buenos Aires and other cities in the country are: Expreso Tigre Iguazú, Crucero del Norte and Via Bariloche.

 

How to get to the Brazilian side of the falls from Argentina?

You can visit the Brazilian side in a half-day excursion from Puerto Iguazú (Argentina). 

Can I find ATM’s in Iguazú?

ATMs are located in banks, most of them, but are open 24hs. Each bank has a different fee that will charge you to use their system, plus your bank fee. We recommend bringing a couple of US dollars and exchanging them, so you have some cash to move around and then pay with Credit cards or use an ATM whenever you run out of money.

Exchange money and using CC

You can use credit cards and US dollars in Puerto Iguazú. However, it will be more convenient for you to exchange pesos rather than using US dollars. The rate that shops or restaurants use might not be the most convenient for you. 

What is the proper tipping?

In restaurants, it’s customary to tip about 10% of the bill. Note that tips can’t be added to credit-card bills, so carry cash for this purpose. Estimate around USD 10/15 per person for the guide, for a full day tour and half of it for the driver. In hotels, you should tip porters for handling bags (calculate an amount of currency equal to about $1.00 for every two bags, same amount is calculated for drivers if they help you with your suitcases), the housekeeping (between US$0.50 – $1.00 per night), and the concierge staff if you have used them to arrange dinner reservations, transportation or leisure activities. In Argentina we don’t regularly tip taxi drivers.

How much money can I spend per day in Iguazú?

Estimate around USD 50/100 per day, per person for daily expenses like eating, shopping and transportation, depending on how much money you want to spend on these.

What to include in your luggage?

As we are talking about a humid subtropical climate, it is important that you bring fresh clothes and the occasional coat, just in case. When you visit the Park, it would be good to bring an extra change of clothes and a hand towel. The force of the water from the falls causes a constant mist, which at the end of the day ends up wetting us. Don’t forget to bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. We also recommend that you wear comfortable shoes since if you decide to walk all the trails in the Park, at the end of the day you will have walked 7 km. 

Tickets to Iguazú Falls National Parks

Argentine side: USD 25.- per person. You can pay at the ticket offices at the entrance to the Park in cash (in Argentine pesos) or with a credit or debit card. They can also be purchased online. Opening hours: The Park opens every day of the year from 8:00hs. You can enter until 4:30 pm and stay inside the Park until 6:00 pm.

Brazilian side: USD 15.- per person. You can pay with cash or credit card. Opening hours: From 9am to 4pm.

 

Do I have to pay for an entrance again if I want to return the next day?

At the end of your first day of visit, go to the ticket offices of the Park Access to revalidate your ticket, and get a 50% discount on the value of your ticket for the second consecutive day of visit.

 

Do I need a visa to visit Iguazú National Park in Brazil?

It depends on your nationality, you will have to have or not a visa to visit Brazil. We recommend that you visit your country’s consulate website to learn about the latest updates. If you need more information you can check this link

How many days should I stay in the destination?

We recommend at least 2 nights to get to know both sides of the falls. If you don’t have time you can take a flight and visit the Argentine side of the falls in a one day round-trip from Buenos Aires. 

How to get to Iguazú?

Flight: Puerto Iguazú has the Cataratas del Iguazú International Airport where flights arrive from Buenos Aires and the main cities of the country operated by Aerolineas Argentina. The flight time from Buenos Aires is 1.30 hours. There is also a flight from the city of Salta or Mendoza with Aerolineas Argentinas. And to the city of Foz de Iguazú (in Brazil) flights arrive from the main Brazilian cities.If you are in Rio de Janeiro, or if you want to continue your trip to Brazil after visiting the falls, it is best to fly to and from Foz de Iguazu airport.

Bus: the main companies that connect it with Buenos Aires and other cities in the country are: Expreso Tigre Iguazú, Crucero del Norte and Via Bariloche.

 

Can I find ATM’s in Iguazú?

ATMs are located in banks, most of them, but are open 24hs. Each bank has a different fee that will charge you to use their system, plus your bank fee. We recommend bringing a couple of US dollars and exchanging them, so you have some cash to move around and then pay with Credit cards or use an ATM whenever you run out of money.

What is the proper tipping?

In restaurants, it’s customary to tip about 10% of the bill. Note that tips can’t be added to credit-card bills, so carry cash for this purpose. Estimate around USD 10/15 per person for the guide, for a full day tour and half of it for the driver. In hotels, you should tip porters for handling bags (calculate an amount of currency equal to about $1.00 for every two bags, same amount is calculated for drivers if they help you with your suitcases), the housekeeping (between US$0.50 – $1.00 per night), and the concierge staff if you have used them to arrange dinner reservations, transportation or leisure activities. In Argentina we don’t regularly tip taxi drivers.

What to include in your luggage?

As we are talking about a humid subtropical climate, it is important that you bring fresh clothes and the occasional coat, just in case. When you visit the Park, it would be good to bring an extra change of clothes and a hand towel. The force of the water from the falls causes a constant mist, which at the end of the day ends up wetting us. Don’t forget to bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. We also recommend that you wear comfortable shoes since if you decide to walk all the trails in the Park, at the end of the day you will have walked 7 km. 

Do I have to pay for an entrance again if I want to return the next day?

At the end of your first day of visit, go to the ticket offices of the Park Access to revalidate your ticket, and get a 50% discount on the value of your ticket for the second consecutive day of visit.

 

Best time to visit Iguazu Falls

The months of March, April and May are considered the best time to visit Iguazú Falls, since the rains decrease and the temperatures are more pleasant and moderate. However, those who want to avoid crowds should aim for a date away from the Easter holidays or weekends.

The climate in the Iguazú Falls is humid subtropical, typical of the jungle. Summers are very hot while autumn, winter and spring have mild days. However, it is important to bear in mind that during the winter months there may be cool days (average temperatures of 15ºC), so it is advisable to bring something warm. In summer (from December to March) temperatures can be suffocating (average highs of 32ºC) for those who are not used to heat and humidity.

How to get to the Brazilian side of the falls from Argentina?

You can visit the Brazilian side in a half-day excursion from Puerto Iguazú (Argentina). 

Exchange money and using CC

You can use credit cards and US dollars in Puerto Iguazú. However, it will be more convenient for you to exchange pesos rather than using US dollars. The rate that shops or restaurants use might not be the most convenient for you. 

How much money can I spend per day in Iguazú?

Estimate around USD 50/100 per day, per person for daily expenses like eating, shopping and transportation, depending on how much money you want to spend on these.

Tickets to Iguazú Falls National Parks

Argentine side: USD 25.- per person. You can pay at the ticket offices at the entrance to the Park in cash (in Argentine pesos) or with a credit or debit card. They can also be purchased online. Opening hours: The Park opens every day of the year from 8:00hs. You can enter until 4:30 pm and stay inside the Park until 6:00 pm.

Brazilian side: USD 15.- per person. You can pay with cash or credit card. Opening hours: From 9am to 4pm.

 

Do I need a visa to visit Iguazú National Park in Brazil?

It depends on your nationality, you will have to have or not a visa to visit Brazil. We recommend that you visit your country’s consulate website to learn about the latest updates. If you need more information you can check this link

Sustainability

Sustainability

Iguazu Falls

Local businesses & Projects

 

  • Different projects for the Selva Paranaense

For more than ten years, Vida Silvestre, with the support of WWF (the World Conservation Organization), has worked for the conservation of the forest in Misiones, where the largest continuous block of remaining forests is located, one of the few that still shelters jaguars. From the heart of the missionary jungle, conservation and sustainable development actions are promoted. You can learn more about this project here

 

  • Proyect Mate

In Puerto Iguazú, the MATE Project (Argentine Model for Tourism and Employment) is dedicated to increasing employment opportunities for young residents of poor neighborhoods. The MATE Model aims to develop the potential work capacity of the indigenous communities near the Iguazú Falls, through the generation of cultural activities and the exercise of fair, environmentally sustainable and socially responsible tourism. You can learn more about this project here

 

  • Proyecto Yaguareté

The Yaguareté Project seeks to ensure the conservation of a viable long-term population of jaguars and the species with which they live in northern Argentina. Their efforts are focused on generating information on the situation of the species, the state of its habitat and understanding its threats, to implement conservation measures in the Paranaense Forest, in the Chaco Region and in the Yungas of Salta and Jujuy, and the reintroduction of the species in the province of Corrientes. You can learn more about this project here

  • Rewilding Argentina

Rewilding is an association that is not specifically for the Iguazu Falls, but it does protect other areas of Argentina. It is a foundation created to confront and reverse the extinction of species and the resulting environmental degradation, recovering the functionality of ecosystems and promoting the well-being of local communities. You can learn more about this project here.

 

Who to meet

 

  • Guarani Yriapu Community

When you visit Iguazú, and if you are interested in the original culture of the area, do not miss this community. It is within the same city and you can surely walk from your hotel. Not only will you be able to know how the Guarani lived – since they retain many of their customs – but you will also be able to buy handicrafts and take home a memory of this great experience.

 

Sustainability tips

 

Take your reusable bag with you when you go shopping.

  • Choose the consumption of local products from artisans and small producers.
  • Travel the city by bike or on foot, it is healthy and does not leave a carbon footprint.
  • When you go on an excursion, ask for food without plastic wrap.
  • Don’t leave trash in nature.
  • Take a reusable bottle with you to carry water in restaurants.
  • Don’t feed native fauna.
  • Use rechargeable batteries and batteries.