Visiting the Iguazú Falls was on my bucket list for a long time. When backpacking through South America I had to include this somehow. As my time was restricted my only solution was to visit the falls by plane from Buenos Aires.
The falls are the largest waterfalls system in the world and it’s no surprise why they are classified as UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the 7 Wonders of the Natural World.
I can tell you it did not disappoint in the single detail; in fact, the waterfalls are so majestically powerful that I almost miss the words to describe it!
The Iguazú National Park on the Argentinian side and the Iguaçu National Park on the Brazilian side share the falls at the border and have different things to do.
If you have some time it’s a good experience to visit both sides but for this article I will be talking more about the Iguazú National Park and my experience there.
WHY VISIT THE IGUAZÚ FALLS?
There are many reasons that drive people to visit the Iguazú Falls every day, some to experience the natural beauty of the place, other seek some adrenaline as you can go very close to the waterfalls by boat but most of all to see how nature can be so incredible and create such a spectacle of waterfalls.
The falls are four times as wide as Niagara Falls with a collection of 275 waterfalls all over the park with several heights and widths with most of it being on the Argentinian side.
The tallest waterfall it’s Garganta del Diablo or the Devil’s Throat that is shared between Argentina and Brazil and for me, the most impressive one.
The rainforest including the park and surroundings is a protected rainforest ecosystem with about 2000 plant species and 400 bird species like parrots and toucans. As you arrive to the park there is a lot of information about all the animals and maybe you will be lucky and spot a jaguar or a puma!
LOCATION
The Iguazú Falls are located about 20Km from Puerto Iguazú in Misiones Province north of Argentina, making border with the Brazilian state of Paraná.
GETTING YOUR TICKETS
It’s important to pre-purchase your ticket if you want to really enjoy every minute of the day inside the park. I went during the week and there was still a long queue so I was happy that I got it in advance. You can buy your ticket online here.
For adults the price is ARS 500 or USD 28.
GET THERE
Getting there is relatively easy and there are many points of access as the falls are located in a tri-border between Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. The most usual way people get there is either from the Brazilian town Foz do Iguaçu or from Puerto Iguazú, the Argentinian town.
✈ BY PLANE Both the Brazilian and Argentinean towns have airports very close to the falls.
I flew directly from Buenos Aires to Iguazú Airport with the company Aerolineas Argentinas and the journey was about 2 hours. From there we took a taxi straight to the park.
🚌 BY BUS If you’re on a long trip and have lots of time, bus is the most affordable option. You can get a bus from central Buenos Aires in Retiro station that takes about 18 hours and you can also maximize your trip by buying a bed seat which will allow you to get some sleep before you arrive to Puerto Iguazú.
🚗 BY CAR It’s a good option if you have a lot of time as you will be able to explore things at your own pace and stop whenever you want. It will also make it reasonably easy for you to visit both sides of the falls.
Just be aware to check with your car company about crossing the borders, as you need special authorizations because of the insurances they have on the cars.
👣 BY FOOT If you’re just staying around the falls for some time in one of the hotels you can easily walk to the park.
GET AROUND
The best way to move around is by walking. At the entrance you can get a map with all the foot trails along the park. On the Argentinian side there is a train line that takes you straight from the entrance to the beginning of the trail to the Devil’s Throat waterfall.
THINGS TO DO IN THE IGUAZÚ FALLS
There is lot to do and see while inside the park and I’m sure if you’re going for a day like I did you won’t run out of things to do! When planning your trip consider the opening hours of the park: 8am to 6pm and plan it accordingly so you don’t miss the different trails.
Guides are available in the park but I don’t really think it’s necessary. If you get a map at the entrance everything you need to know is there and along the trails there are also a lot of signs for you to follow.
I would start by getting the Jungle Train to the Falls Station where you can then continue either to the Lower Circuit trail or Upper Circuit trail. You can do this by foot but the train ride is really enjoyable with lots of vegetation to see along the way.
To explain it better, there are five main tracks within the park and in one day we covered three of them, the same ones that we have planned on seeing.
① Garganta del Diablo – Devil’s Throat
Devil’s Throat was our first stop in the park and what I was looking forward to see. We took the train to Devil’s Throat Station and then after that it’s a walk of about 1, 2 Km on a wooden trail crossing the river until the platform to see the waterfall.
Once there it’s incredible! The waterfall is a powerful force dropping down 80 meters on a high speed. It’s no surprise that this is the biggest attraction of the Iguazú Falls.
② Circuito Superior – Upper Circuit
We continued to visit the Upper Circuit to see the upper waterfalls. It’s a really relaxing walk because of the many animals, flowers and trees. It took us about one hour and half which by then we were ready for lunch!
③ Circuito Inferior – Lower Circuit
After lunch we made our way down to the Lower Circuit. It’s even more beautiful as you go down in my opinion as it’s very fresh by the river and the rainforest vegetation really gives the sensation you are out and about in the jungle.
From there you can catch a free ferry to San Martin Island where you can sunbathe and even swim in the river. This is also the place to get a speed boat to go under the falls.
[highlight]BOAT TRIPS[/highlight]
During the Lower Circuit trail you can get a speed boat that goes under the falls. The ride it’s very quick but full of adrenaline! Be sure to leave just your swimwear or clothes that you will change after as you end up drenched in water.
[highlight]ANIMALS[/highlight]
Look out for all the animals around. I spotted beautiful reptiles, insects and butterflies. There are also many other animals but mostly you will see the raccoons and a lot of different trees and flowers.
I leave you a map of the park that includes all the trails for your trip planning, here.
[highlight]EAT AND DRINK[/highlight]
There are food areas inside the park mostly located near the Visitor Centre and Falls Station; however most of them have overpriced snacks. We took our own snacks, lunch and drinks and did not regret our decision. Make sure you pack a big bottle of water to keep hydrated during the trails.
A quick side note is to be careful with the monkeys and raccoons when eating in these places. In the afternoon we stopped for an ice cream and one the raccoons stole it from me!
WHAT TO WEAR WHEN VISITING THE IGUAZÚ FALLS
The environment in the park is humid, typical from a rainforest climate. When exposed to the sun it was very strong and hot so the first thing I would recommend it to pack sunscreen and reapply during the day.
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes easy for walking. In most of the trails you can even opt for flip flops.
Pack your swimsuit with you and a waterproof jacket if you’re planning to go on the speedboat under the falls.
I took one of these plastic ponchos with me and it did help to protect me. On these boats they give you a big waterproof bag to put your camera and other valuables on, so need to worry with that.
The Iguazú Falls is one of the most beautiful places I have seen and if you are in Argentina and have some time I really recommend a visit. To explore the park you will always need a day and if you can two days is the best to see everything. The Devil’s Throat and the boat ride were the highlights of my trip there.
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Have you visited the Iguazú Falls or have plans to visit? What was your favourite part? I’d love to hear your experiences!
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i have never visited the iguazu falls, but from your perspective, it’s a great experience. in the summer, i will try to go there and experience it myself.
And People say, Niagara Falls is the best. Maybe it is, but after watching all of these, I am going it to show it to my friends and make them wrong. It will be the day. HAHAHA
Author
You made me laugh now! I have not been to the Niagara Falls bu now I’m curious to compare, I bet they are amazing as well, X
What incredible photos! I love waterfalls, there is something so peaceful about them. What an awesome experience!
I had no plans of visiting Iguazu falls until I read this post. the water falls looks so majestic and beautiful, it totally looks like my kind of a tourist spot! I love spending time amidst nature and wildlife. I think a raccoon stealing your ice cream is an incredibly cute experience, but seriously, such an ill-mannered raccoon, right? ha..ha..
Author
Thank you Sarmistha, I’m glad I was able to inspire you to visit the falls! The raccoons were crazy stealing all the food, ahahahah!
I have visited the Iguazu falls from the Brazilian side, it was a wonderful experience, I guess too long ago as I do wish to come back.
Thanks for this post. It brings back memories of an awesome destination. For me, the most beautiful waterfall in the world. I especially love a visit of the Argentinian side.
Author
I did love Buenos Aires in Argentina too! But this was unique in the middle of such preserved nature, X
Wow looks amazing, I love waterfalls will have to add this to my bucket list of places to visit x
Wow. Stunning pictures. I always end of visiting mountains and waterfalls during my summer holidays and you just gave me enough motivation to start with the planning of my next trip
Author
Thank you Sayanti, do it, there is lots of things to explore out there in that area!
That has to be the most majestic and powerful looking waterfall that I have ever seen before and I like how there is a section in Argentina and Brazil. I love that there is also a rainforest ecosystem as well and being able to be in an animals natural habitat and watching how they interact in the wild must be such an incredible feeling to behold. Will you be going to the Brazil section as well?
Author
That’s what makes it so magical! No, unfortunately for now I have no plans to explore the Brazilian side but would love to as there is a lot to explore on the other side, X
The Iguazu Falls look absolutely breathtaking! You provide a nice look at this waterfall. I will have to check it out.
That’s awesome! And so stunning. It reminds of the Niagara but I love how you can get really near the water.
I have fancied Argentina from past 6 months so much, I just wanna rush and explore that beautiful place. Iguazu falls are magnificent, something which motivates me to applaud the nature.
Author
Please do go! You will love and in this particular area we are very close to Brazil and Paraguay so you explore three countries in one go!
Gorgeous! I would love to see this. Coming from Niagara Falls land I would love to see something bigger. The land looks amazing and what fun it would be so see all the sights.
I have never visited South America, but this would definitely be on my bucket list of places to see in Argentina. The views that you have captured of the falls are spectacular!
This Iguazu Falls looks gorgeous beyond! The waterfall is a very relaxing view. I presume that jumping here like daredevil travels do is not permitted.
Author
No, Blair!! ahahaha but you can go on the boat very close to it!
Wow the Iguazu Falls looks stunning! I would love to visit there in my lifetime. The lower circuit trail looks so peaceful and relaxing. I love how the raccoons joined you guys for lunch! The photos you took really captured its beauty!
Author
Thank you! The raccoons were funny but crazy at the same time, they were a lot of them!
This place is spectacular and the scenery and photos you have shared are awesome.What a wonderful opportunity to be able to visit this place and enjoy it. I would love to be able to share this experience one day by visiting the place.
I just love nature! I would love to see this in person someday, the Falls look amazing! Your photos truly capture its beauty ; )
Wow what a stunning place to visit. I’ve never visited Waterfalls like these and would love to one day, they fascinate me.
Ami xxx
Those falls there do look amazing. It’s hard to imagine something four times as wide as Niagara Falls, but now that you have shown me, I think I am going to have to visit these falls first. Very beautiful.
Author
It’s pretty impressive standing there on the platform looking at the Devil’s Throat for example, there are really no words for how powerful that is! Hope to see the Niagara Falls one day too, X
My goodness your photography seriously makes me feel like I am right there with you (except I don’t get to enjoy the adrenaline lol)! These are beautiful! I have always wanted to head down to South America one day, but I honestly wouldn’t have known where to start. I am bookmarking this because you give a fantastic layout and path!
Author
Oh thank you so much Shawna!! Hopefully this year all my articles on South America will be out to help maybe make a route. I have done (on this order) Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador, X
Wow! that is an amazing fall, with all your spectacular pictures this sounds like a winning adventure. I can’t wait to see it for myself – thanks for sharing.
Author
Thank you Eliza, let me know when you’re heading there, can’t wait to hear all about your adventures too, X
This place is truly mesmerizing! I can’t stop looking at your photos! Also, your smile adds beauty to the place!
I never knew that Argentina had such beautiful falls before. We are off there in few months so will certainly have to add this to the must see list.
Those falls look amazing! I would love to visit Argentina someday. My mom is actually from Colombia! But I would love to explore other countries in South America. Awesome guide!
These pictures instantly reminded me of the Niagara Falls! Iguazu falls look spectacular and it is great to read that these are four times as wide as Niagara Falls.
Although I don’t like getting my picture taken much nowadays, I do want to stand at that spot with the three flags!
This waterfalls is nothing but majestic. It’s kind of scary too after reading how big it is but would still want to see it in person someday.