I read many guides about Iguazu Falls beforehand, but after actually visiting, I found that many were incomplete or even inaccurate. A lot of them were copy-pasted, which can easily lead to mistakes and negatively affect your trip if you’re not careful. Which side to choose Iguazu Falls is the widest waterfall system in the world, divided into the Argentina side and the Brazil side: * The Argentina side gets you closer to the falls, is better for hiking, and offers a more thrilling boat experience. * The Brazil side provides panoramic views of Iguazu, feels more open, and offers helicopter rides for aerial views. We ultimately chose the Argentina side. Getting there (external transport)** You can do a day trip or stay overnight. We flew from Buenos Aires to Iguazu (IGR) from 6:35–8:00 AM, and returned the same day from 20:15–22:15. Local transport** From Iguazu Airport to the park entrance Parque Nacional Iguazú: * Bus: 8,000 pesos per person * Taxi: fixed price 32,000 pesos (15-minute ride) * Uber: about half the price of a taxi, but very hard to get Tickets Argentina side ticket: 45,000 pesos It’s recommended to buy in advance on the official website iguazuargentina, as lines on-site are very long. Since the website kept showing errors, we had to queue for nearly 40 minutes to buy tickets. Boat ride under the falls** A must-do experience! Book in advance on iguazujungle if possible. If not, head early in the morning toward Central Station to the Jungle ticket office—tickets are usually sold out by the afternoon. * Duration: 2h15min (including transfer to the boat dock) * Price: 90,000 pesos Suggested route** If your boat ride is in the afternoon: * First, take the small train to **Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat)** * Walk about 15 minutes to reach the iconic viewpoint Garganta del Diablo The train has 3 stops: * Central Station (starting point) * Estación Cataratas (middle stop) * Estación Garganta (final stop – Devil’s Throat) After visiting, return the same way and take the train back to Estación Cataratas to explore the trails: * **Upper Trail (Superior)**: 1.7 km * **Lower Trail (Inferior)**: 2.5 km The Upper Trail is less scenic than the Lower Trail, but after 2 PM, it’s easier to see rainbows there.
Iguazu Falls
Waterfall height
Plan your visit to Iguazu Falls
Please verify on the official website before you go
Why is Iguazu Falls famous?
Iguazu Falls is one of the world's largest waterfall systems, a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising 275 individual cascades stretching nearly 3 kilometers. The falls famously inspired Eleanor Roosevelt to exclaim 'Poor Niagara!' upon seeing them, and have appeared in films including 'The Mission' and Marvel's 'Black Panther.'
Can you swim at Iguazu Falls?
No — swimming is not permitted at Iguazu Falls due to dangerous currents and regulations. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Are dogs allowed at Iguazu Falls?
Pets are not allowed within Iguazu National Park. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is Iguazu Falls free? Do you need a permit?
Park entry fee applies (rates vary for Argentine residents vs. foreign visitors and frequently change). Please check the official website. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Is there parking at Iguazu Falls?
Parking is available at the Iguazu National Park Visitor Center; the fee is included in park admission. From the parking area, visitors take a small train or walk to the various trail circuits. Please verify on the official website before you go.
How long is the hike to Iguazu Falls?
No single hike — the park has multiple walkway circuits (Upper Circuit ~1.8 km, Lower Circuit ~1.4 km, Devil's Throat ~2.2 km round trip from train station) accessed via ecological train. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Iguazu Falls hike difficulty
Easy — paved and metal walkways with some stairs, accessible via ecological train from visitor center. Minimal elevation gain but involves walking in humid conditions. Please verify on the official website before you go.
When is the best time to visit Iguazu Falls?
April to June (autumn) and August to October (spring) offer moderate temperatures and good water flow without extreme summer heat or crowds. Please verify on the official website before you go.
Route and trail notes for Iguazu Falls
From the Visitor Center, take the ecological train to the Central Station for the Upper and Lower Circuits, or continue to Garganta del Diablo Station for Devil's Throat. The Upper Circuit offers top-of-falls views via elevated walkways, while the Lower Circuit descends to the base with closer waterfall access. All circuits are well-marked with directional signage and connect via maintained walkways and staircases.
Iguazu Falls official website
Attractions near Iguazu Falls
- •Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat) — the most spectacular section of Iguazu Falls
- •Three Borders Landmark — viewpoint where Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay meet
- •Iguaçu National Park (Brazil side) — panoramic views of the falls from Brazilian territory
- •Macuco Trail — rainforest hiking trail with wildlife viewing opportunities
- •Gran Aventura boat ride — thrilling boat tour approaching the base of the falls
Safety information
Waterfalls can be unforgiving. Read these before you go — and please, use your judgement on the day.
Full safety guide →Questions & answers
No questions yet — be the first to ask.