Iguazu Tourism Information
The attraction of Iguazú is such, that there are now direct flights from Europe or America to see them! It is one of the most visited regions in Argentina by its beauty and logically everybody comes to see the falls, famous worldwide.
The Iguazú National Park is a huge subtropical rainforest and is home to thousands of different species of flora, fauna and birds, including colourful parrots and hummingbirds.
The Iguazú Falls, was declared a National Heritage Site by UNESCO. The deep flowing waters of the river comprise 275 falls, the most famous of which is Devil's Throat.
On the border with Brazil, it drops 70m, almost twice the height of Niagara Falls!
As well as enjoying the stunning views from the series of platforms, visitors can enjoy kayaking and other watersports on the river.
The Park is located 17 kilometers from the Iguazu River feeding into the Paraná River, where the Argentine, Brazil and Paraguay borders meet, and where the cities of Puerto Iguazu (Argentina), Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil) and Ciudad del Este (Paraguay) face each other. From each of these cities its possible to reach the falls and arrange tours. The Argentine and Brazilian sides are the two accessible sections.
Both sides are excellent, and we suggest visiting both parks to get the full experience. However, there are differences between both sides.
- The Argentine park, is a larger park, it has three main circuits and a secondary one for those who like to trek (Macuco Trail). The three main circuits let you enjoy the Iguazu Falls in different ways. But obviously for this visit you will need more time. The views across are still impressive, but you are not able to appreciate the full length of the falls and a panoramic view. Also most of the time the views are from the top, looking down.
- The Brazilian national park is a smaller park than the Argentine side. It consists of a single circuit of approximately 1500 meters. But a fundamental difference with respect to the Argentine side is that during all that journey you will have a constant panoramic view of the Iguazu Falls, which allows you to appreciate it from many angles. This park, due to its dimensions, can be visited in approximately 4 hours. The views are most of the the time, looking upwards towards the fall
The decision on which side to take from the falls depends on your available time and location.
(The photos in this guide were taken from the Brazilian side)
The climate in the Iguazu area is typical of the jungle, humid and hot. Obviously depending on the season it can be more or less hot, but in general it is a destination to go with comfortable and light clothing. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent!
The best time to travel is from June to August, when it's not as hot and temperatures top around 25 °C. However, it can be cloudy more often and the chance of rain is higher. The high season from December to February, the skies are generally clear but heat and humidity are high with temperatures reaching as high as 35°C!
As we mentioned, Iguazú is shared by two countries: Argentina and Brazil. Although Paraguay is nearby, it only shares the river that Iguazu Falls feeds, but it is quite far from the falls and cannot even be seen from there. However, multiple tours can be arranged from either side, Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay.
The city in Argentina where the Iguazu Falls are located is called Puerto Iguazu, and in Brazil it is called Foz de Iguazu. Both cities are very close to each other: only 16 km from center to center. Both cities are very close to each national park, that is why all the excursions that are offered on both sides of the falls can pick up from any hotel in both destinations.
Iguazú is close to several major cities with direct flights. For example, going to Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires only needs about 2 hours. From Rio de Janeiro you can also get to Iguazu in two hours. It is also possible to reach Iguazú by direct flights from Europe and America now with carriers operating schedule and charter flights over the year.
As the Iguazu Falls are shared by Argentina and Brazil, you have two airports to choose from, Puerto Iguazu (airport code IGR) and Foz de Iguazu (airport code IGU).
Once you choose your location, moving around is mostly done by tours and private hire.
All travellers come to the region for one main reason, to see the falls! However, there are some extra activities available to visitors, who stay on the Argentinian side, which include a ride on the Ecological Jungle Train, a meal at La Selva Restaurant, and a trip to the San Martin Island at the heart of the falls. Travellers can also enjoy a trek along the Green Trail or Macuco Trail, a walk along the Upper Circuit (the very top of the falls) or the Lower Circuit (the bottom of the falls), and a full moon walk accompanied by national park guides.
The cost of the basic entrance is 800 Pesos. (2020). However, if you are coming with tours, most likely this is already included in the price of a more complete tour.
For more information on what to see and do at the Argentinian side of the park visit Iguazuargentina.com.
Hotels are expensive, generally speaking, when compared to the rest of the country. This is due to the better facilities located on the Argentinian side and the high demand which the region sees, especially if you are coming to visit from December to February.
Take note that accommodation is a little cheaper if you decide to stay in the Brazilian side. However, this depends on which area you decide to visit mostly and what is more practical, with the time you have.
✔️Tip: In any case, one thing is clear, because of the popularity of the region, booking in advance is essential, in getting the best deals and locations!
With the Argentinian side offering a wider range of activities and places to see, it makes sense to spend a little more time in this great natural of the world, with 2 to 3 nights giving the traveller, enough time to relax and enjoy the wonders of the Iguazú Falls.
If you are only coming for short while or on a budget, it's also possible to arrange a one half-day tour to the falls. (specially from the Brazilian side).
Iguazu Photo Slide 📷
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