Iguazu Falls Travel Guide

Our Iguazu travel guide is here for all you need to know if you're travelling to Iguazu, Argentina, to visit the spectacular Iguazu Falls. Read on to find out more about the best places to visit, general information, weather and the top attractions within the province of Misiones, beyond the waterfalls.

The Iguazu Falls, is one of the most impressive tourist destinations in the world / Photo: Canva Pro

IGUAZU GENERAL INFO

Along the border of Argentina and Brazil, 700 miles from Buenos Aires, through the dense wilderness of the jungle in the Province of Misiones, lies a permanent eerie fog. As day breaks and the hot sun climbs into the sky, the mist transforms into a breathtaking network of rainbows. It is here that lies one of the new seven wonders of the natural world, Iguazu Falls. 

The Iguazu Falls, also known as Cataratas del Iguazú in Spanish, or Cataratas do Iguaçu in Portuguese, lie on the border between Argentina and Brazil, and stem from the Iguazu River originating in Brazil's Paraná province. The name Iguazu comes from the indigenous Guaraní dialect, meaning "Big Water". Iguazu Falls is a stunning spectacle of 275 waterfalls stretching 2.7 kilometres alongside the Iguazu River. The sheer volume of water cascading down distances of between 60 and 80 metres, makes it one of the largest waterfalls in the world, and its annual water flow is second only to Niagara Falls. It is not only an awe-inspiring sight and a top attraction in Argentina, but also an unforgettable sightseeing experience filled with exploration and adventure.

IGUAZU CITY HIGHLIGHTS

The twisting walkways of the upper and lower tour circuits throughout the Argentinean National Park of the Iguazu Falls day trip offer utterly unique views of each waterfall before leading to the precipice of a mighty 80m gorge at the so-called Garganta del Diablo (Devils Throat), while tours through the Brazilian National Park give fantastic full panoramic views of the waterfalls. The incredible landscape is a photographer's dream and it will be difficult for you to take your eyes, and camera, away from the powerful mass of water falling before you.

However beyond the two conventional ways of seeing Iguazu Falls (from the Argentinean side and the Brazilian side), there are many more exciting ways to sightsee the falls: If you are looking for more adventurous tours you will get a thrill racing through the Iguazu jungle in a 4x4 before climbing aboard a motorboat which will transport you right to the edge of the crashing cascades, or flying above the Iguazu falls in helicopter. More environmentally conscious travellers will enjoy an Iguazu Ecological City tour, exploring further highlights within the Jungle of Misiones.

And if you want a truly special experience sightseeing the falls by night, why not book a spectacular starlit night cruise or if you’re lucky enough to be visiting during the full moon, a spectacular full moon cruise?

Beyond the Iguazu National Park: The Exotic Jungle of Misiones

Iguazu Falls National Park. However, there is still an abundance of attractions and interesting things to do and discover around the city of Puerto Iguazu (the gateway to Iguazu Falls) and in Misiones Province. The history, culture and nature of the Misiones area are greatly distinct from the rest of Argentina, as it embraces the exotic exuberance found in other tropical areas of South America.

While visiting Puerto Iguazu and its surroundings, you can take time to learn about and connect with nature by visiting attractions such as La Aripuca, a mammoth monument constructed from 30 species and 500 tons of trees, which is dedicated to the memory of the fallen Jungle of Misiones. The reserve of Güirá Ogá, (meaning "home of birds" in the Guaraní language), is a project which aims to preserve, research and educate others about the rainforest and its biodiversity. The Triple Frontiers, is the meeting point of the Iguazu and Parana rivers marking the border between Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay and is signposted with an obelisk that is decorated with each of the countries colours. Also head to the ancient San Ignacio Jesuit ruins, a UNESCO world heritage site, offering a fascinating insight into the history and culture of Guarani and Jesuits that originally populated the area.

The highest jump of the Iguazú Falls is called ''Garganta del diablo''/ Photo: Canva Pro

HOW TO GET TO IGUAZU

By Plane

Flights arriving to the Iguazu Falls International Airport, in Puerto Iguazu, depart from Buenos Aires and the main cities in Argentina, with Aerolineas Argentinas and LAN. The flight from Buenos Aires takes approximately 1.5 hours.

By Bus

The main bus services that run from Buenos Aires and other major cities in Argentina to Puerto Iguazu are: Expreso Tigre Iguazu, Crucero Del Norte and Via Bariloche. Travelling time from Buenos Aires is approximately 17 hours, and services range from standard to sleeper. Meals and drinks are served on board; all buses have toilets and films are shown during the trip. Have a look at Plataforma10’s website for general timetables and prices.

If you are visiting Brazil before travelling to Argentina, it is also possible to reach Iguazu Falls by flying into Foz do Iguaçu Airport in Brazil. To reach the Argentinean side of the Iguazu Falls you are able to cross the border by bus and continue with the rest of your travel itinerary in Argentina from there.

WEATHER IN IGUAZU

High tourist season in Iguazu varies. Peak season is in January and February during the Argentine and Brazilian Summer. In April, due to Easter holidays it gets busier again and then again in June and July, during the winter holidays.

Puerto Iguazu experiences a subtropical climate and has the most tropical weather in Argentina (meaning mosquitoes, don’t forget your repellent!).

Summer in Iguazu

Running from October to April, this season has very high humidity, which is consistently above 90% with temperatures varying between 32°C and 19°C. The Monsoon season is from January to March and causes high water flow. This combined with the heat and humidity can cause mists which can reduce visibility of the Iguazu Falls. However, high water flow also means very powerful, exciting waterfalls so make sure you take a rain coat!

Winter in Iguazu

From June to August, the humidity is approximately 60% with temperatures varying between the 10°C and 23°C. During this season it is more likely to be cloudy which can affect your photos as the best views and photos are taken with blue skies. The sun also causes fabulous rainbows to form over the Iguazu falls! The possibility of drought in September or May means reduced water flow that can even lead to Iguazu falls drying up (which occurred twice in 1934 and 1978).

The Iguazu Falls have an incredible natural walkway, where you can observe macaws, toucans, coatis and other species characteristic of the area / Photo: Canva Pro

IGUAZU USEFUL TIPS

Plan to spend enough time at Iguazu Falls to truly experience these spectacular waterfalls. We recommend that you visit both the Argentinian and Brazilian side to get the full impact of the falls. Bear in the mind that the Argentinian side is considerably bigger, with more walkways and a greater variety of activities. At least one full day on this side is suggested. The Brazilian side gives the best panoramic view of the falls, but the Park is much smaller so less time is needed here. You can also combine your visit to the Brazilian side with other trips, such as a tour to Itaipu dam.

Some nationalities need a visa to enter Brazil to see the falls from the Brazilian National Park. You will need to apply for this visa in advance.

The Argentinian side of the falls is well equipped for travellers with disabilities with a train system and a built-in catwalk network giving easy access to the falls. There is also an option on the Brazilian side of taking a double-decker bus right to the falls, where you can then make use of an elevator to get to the viewing area.

The Argentinian National Park is open daily from 8am to 6pm in Winter, and until 7pm in Summer. The Brazilian side also opens at 8am, but closes at 5pm in winter and 6pm in summer.

Entrance to the Iguazu National Park is AR$260 for foreigners. Bear in mind that this fee is not included in most tours.

There are a number of ATM's on both sides of the border where you can withdraw Argentinian Pesos and Brazilian Reals. It is possible to pay with credit card on the Brazilian side, but not on the Argentinian side.

Iguazu Falls is an incredibly popular tourist destination. We suggest you book in advance, particularly if you're flying to Puerto Iguazu. Last minute bookings are considerably more expensive.

Discover more exciting excursions in Misiones, browse and book one of our Iguazu tours!

 

By: Daytours4u Team Content.