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Iguazu Falls is a stunning series of hundreds of waterfalls that stretch across the border of Brazil and Argentina. These falls are among the most visited attractions in both countries, offering a memorable experience from either side. To witness their breathtaking beauty, travel to Puerto Iguazu in Argentina or Foz do Iguacu in Brazil, and then take a bus, taxi, or shuttle to the park entrance located on either side of the border.
Procedure
Reaching the Argentinian Side
Head to Puerto Iguazu, Argentina. If you're not already in Argentina, fly into Cataratas del Iguazu International Airport (IGR). Ensure that you have the necessary visa, if required. From there, take a bus or taxi, or drive the 16 miles (26 kilometers) to the town of Puerto Iguazu. For those already in Argentina, you can either fly (into IGR), take a bus, or drive to Puerto Iguazu. The bus is the most popular mode of transportation, though it is a long journey.
- If traveling from Buenos Aires, leave from the bus terminal in the Retiro district. Tickets can be purchased at the terminal or online through Omnilineas (https://www.omnilineas.com/) or Plataforma10 (https://www.plataforma10.com.ar/).
- The bus ride from Buenos Aires takes about 18 hours, typically overnight. Buses in Argentina offer two types of seating: semi-cama, which is a semi-reclining seat, and cama, a fully reclining bed seat. Semi-cama tickets are more affordable than cama tickets.
Take a bus for an affordable way to reach the falls. Board a bus at the main terminal in downtown Puerto Iguazu. Buses to the Argentinian side of the falls depart every 20 minutes, and the journey takes around 20-25 minutes.
- Tickets can be purchased at the bus terminal, with a one-way fare to the falls priced at approximately $6 USD (as of January 2019).
- The park admission fee is about $18 USD on the Argentinian side, and only cash is accepted (as of January 2019).
Opt for a taxi if you prefer private transport to the falls. Arrange for a taxi to take you directly to and from the park entrance. Be sure to negotiate the fare beforehand, with prices typically ranging from $15-$20 USD from the airport or $35-$50 USD from the town.
- The drive from the airport to the falls takes about 20 minutes, while the trip from town takes around 40 minutes.
Heading to the Brazilian Side
Travel to Foz do Iguacu, Brazil. If arriving from abroad, fly into Foz do Iguacu International Airport (IGU). Before your trip, check online for visa and vaccination requirements. If you're already in Brazil, you can drive or take a bus from any major Brazilian city to Foz do Iguacu.
- Buses to Foz do Iguacu are available from Sao Paolo, Rio de Janeiro, Florianopolis, or Curitiba. Tickets can be purchased online or at the bus terminal in any of these cities.
- The bus ride from Rio de Janeiro takes about 21-23 hours, from Sao Paolo or Florianopolis takes 15-17 hours, and from Curitiba, the journey takes about 9 hours with 15 daily buses to Foz do Iguacu.
- Book your bus ticket with Pluma (https://www.pluma.com.br/) or Catarinense.
- You may also opt for a direct flight from major Brazilian cities such as Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paolo if you're already in Brazil.
Take a bus to the falls for an economical option. Buses depart from the terminal every 22 minutes. You can purchase a ticket at the turnstile for around $1 USD.
- The journey to the Brazilian side of the falls from the Foz do Iguacu bus terminal takes about 40 minutes.
- You can also take a bus directly from the airport to the falls without going into town.
- Admission to the park on the Brazilian side is about $12 USD, and you can pay either with cash or a credit card.
Choose a taxi or van for a private transport option to the falls. Arrange for a taxi or private shuttle to take you to the park entrance and wait for you there. Taxis are readily available at both the airport and downtown, while private vans can be booked through tour operators.
- Taxis can take you to either side of the falls. Be sure to negotiate the fare in advance—expect to pay about $10 for a trip to the Brazilian side and up to $40 USD if you want to visit both sides, including the Argentinian side.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Visit in September or October for better prices and fewer crowds. January and February are the peak months, with many Brazilians and Argentinians on holiday, leading to large crowds at the falls. For a quieter experience, consider visiting in September or October, when the weather is more moderate.
- The rainy season from June to August brings the highest water levels and most powerful flow at the falls, so if you're seeking this spectacle, these months are ideal.
Spend at least 2 nights and explore both sides of the falls for the full experience. Each side of the falls offers its own charm. The Brazilian side provides panoramic views of the entire falls and can be explored in under 2 hours, while the Argentinian side boasts extensive walking trails through the rainforest, making it a 6-hour adventure.
- Cruzero del Norte and Rio Uruguay are two bus companies offering direct routes across the border. You can catch the bus at the main terminal in either town to access the other side.
- Border crossings around Iguazu Falls are typically easygoing, and you likely won't need a visa to visit the park on the other side.
- Admission to the park on the Argentinian side is around $18 USD, with cash payments only accepted.
- The entrance fee on the Brazilian side is about $12 USD, and both cash and credit cards are accepted.
Book a budget-friendly hostel in Puerto Iguazu if you're staying in Argentina. There are various hostels in downtown Puerto Iguazu and along Route 12, offering easy access to the falls and a relaxed atmosphere. If you're visiting during high season, consider reserving a spot through an online booking service.
- If you're not on a tight budget, the Melia Iguazu inside the park on the Argentinian side offers stunning panoramic views of the falls, with rooms starting at around $250 USD per night.
- Puerto Iguazu itself offers little in terms of nightlife, with most visitors simply passing through to see the falls. There are dining options, but you’ll likely spend more time at your hostel or hotel than exploring the town.
Find accommodations in downtown Foz do Iguacu if you're staying in Brazil. Use online booking platforms to find the perfect hotel that fits your preferences and budget. Foz do Iguacu is a sizable town with numerous lodging options, ranging from affordable hostels to luxurious 5-star hotels.
- Hotel das Cataratas is a premium hotel located within the Iguazu Falls park on the Brazilian side. Prices start at about $300 USD per night.
Embark on a boat tour on the Argentinian side for an up-close experience of the falls. Make a reservation for a boat tour a day ahead, especially during peak season. Be prepared to get drenched and use the waterproof bag provided to keep your belongings safe.
- The Nautical Adventure boat tour with Iguazu Jungle costs around $23 USD and brings you as close as possible to the falls.
Explore the Devil's Throat from either side of the park. The Devil's Throat is a deep, narrow gorge where roughly half of the river's water pours through. On the Argentinian side, you can take the free train to the Devil's Throat station, or walk over the gorge on the Brazilian side. The best views are typically in the afternoon.
- Protect your valuables by placing them in a plastic bag to avoid them getting soaked from the mist. Consider wearing a plastic poncho or waterproof jacket to stay dry.
Opt for a helicopter ride from the Brazilian side if your budget allows. Book a helicopter ride through a tour agency that provides round-trip transportation from your hotel in Foz do Iguacu. The rides last 10-15 minutes, offering breathtaking aerial views of the falls.
- The helicopter tour costs around $240 USD, which includes round-trip transport and the helicopter ride itself.
