Straddling the borders of Brazil and Argentina is one of the world’s most spectacular set of waterfalls: Iguazu Falls. Its name derives from the indigenous words for ‘big water’. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of South America‘s natural seven wonders of the world. Here’s the best Iguazu Falls itinerary for 2 days, including all the information you need. Find out the best time to visit Iguazu Falls, the Brazil vs the Argentina side and where to stay on each side of the border.
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Quick overview of the best Iguazu Falls itinerary for 2 days
- Day 1: Explore the Brazil side for panoramic views and Devil’s Throat walkway
- Day 2: Experience the Argentina side for up-close views and a boat adventure
- Best time to visit: April-May or September-October for fewer crowds and comfortable weather
- Don’t forget your passport for border crossings between Brazil and Argentina
What month is best for Iguazu Falls?
The Iguazu Falls are situated in the tropical rainforest of Iguazu National Park. This means the climate here is hot and humid, with an abundance of rain, depending on what time of year you go. There are two factors to consider when deciding on the best month to visit Iguazu Falls. One is the weather. The other is the number of tourists likely to be visiting at the same time as you.
The rainy summer season is from October to March, with temperatures reaching a sticky 33°C. During these months, the level of the waterfalls is at its highest, so it attracts more local tourists. The drier and cooler winter season (10°C to 25°C on average) is from May to September.
The best time to visit Iguazu Falls is in the shoulder months between these seasons. So, from April to May or between September and October. It’s not as hot during these months and less rainy, so it’s more comfortable weather to visit. There will also be fewer tourists at this time.
The best time to visit Iguazu Falls
If you’re wondering which day to visit Iguazu Falls, Monday to Friday is best. This way, you’ll avoid the majority of tourists who visit at the weekend. Early morning is ideal to avoid crowds and heat. The parks open around 9am and arriving early ensures better photo opportunities and shorter queues for popular attractions like the boat rides.
Read on for my full guide to visiting the incredible Iguazu Falls from both sides. Discover the best places to stay to make the most of your visit.
Is it better to stay in Argentina or Brazil side of Iguazu Falls?
Choosing between staying on the Brazil or Argentina side is an important decision when planning your Iguazu Falls itinerary.
Staying on the Brazil side in Foz do Iguaçu has several advantages. The city has better infrastructure with more hotel options across all budget ranges, from backpacker hostels to luxury resorts. From here you have easy access to the airport, as well as plenty of restaurants and nightlife. Personally, I started on the Brazil side as I flew in from Rio de Janeiro.
Meanwhile, Puerto Iguazú on the Argentina side is a much smaller city with charming local restaurants and a laid-back vibe. Your accommodation here can be right within the national park boundaries. If you’re continuing your journey to Buenos Aires by bus, like I was, this side makes more sense.
On my two day Iguazu Falls itinerary, I combined both. On the first night, I stayed on the Brazilian side, then I crossed the border to Argentina for day 2. Doing it this way means you arrive at the airport, settle into your accommodation and start with the panoramic Brazilian experience, before exploring the more adventurous Argentina side the next day.
Getting to Iguazu Falls
Iguazu Falls is accessible from both Brazil and Argentina, and it also borders Paraguay. Both Brazil and Argentina have nearby airports and gateway cities to this natural wonder. Most international travellers fly into either Brazil’s Foz do Iguaçu Airport (IGU) which is 30 minutes’ drive from the city of Foz do Iguaçu, or Cataratas del Iguazú International Airport (IGR) in Argentina, which a similar distance from Puerto Iguazú. The most convenient route for many visitors is flying from major South American cities like Rio de Janeiro or Buenos Aires. You can also travel there by long distance bus from major cities like Buenos Aires.
Travelling to Iguazu Falls from Rio de Janeiro
The best way to get to Iguazu Falls from is to get a cheap flight from Rio de Janeiro, which takes 2 hours and 20 minutes.
My first sight of the Parque Nacional do Iguaçu was from the aeroplane. Just before arriving at the tiny Foz do Iguaçu airport, my flight from Rio de Janeiro circled the falls. This meant we could get a good look.
From high up you can see the heavily cascading water. It’s like you can almost hear it. White mist emanates from the green forests, like a steaming hole in the earth.
Travelling to Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires
From Buenos Aires you can book a cheap flight to the Iguazu Falls which takes just under two hours. You can also catch non-stop bus from Buenos Aires which takes around 15 hours. I splashed out on a luxury seat and it was very comfortable.
For the ultimate convenience, book a full-day tour including flights from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls.
Day 1 of your Iguazu Falls itinerary: Brazil side
The first day of your 2 day Iguazu Falls itinerary focuses on the Brazil side. After arriving by plane, you’ll check into your accommodation and head out to enjoy truly incredible panoramic views of the falls. Trust me, you’ll take a lot of photos! From here, you can appreciate the scale and majesty of the falls. You’ll walk along trails with wonderful local wildlife and glimpse the awe-inspiring Devil’s Throat.
Where to stay in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil
The best hostel in Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil is the Concept Design Hostel & Suites. This popular place is clean, modern and cool, with a swimming pool and a tasty breakfast. It has even been voted the best hostel in Brazil.
For a special stay, one of the best hotels in Foz do Iguaçu is the exceptional Belmond Hotel das Cataratas. Located right in front of the falls, it has exquisitely furnished rooms. Staff here can organise a tour of the falls outside of normal visitor hours.
If you are looking for a hotel closer to the airport, try the superb Complexo Eco Cataratas Resort. For Foz do Iguaçu city centre, the fabulous Bogari Hotel has an excellent on-site restaurant.
Check out the best hotels for Iguazu Falls from Brazil side here or explore the map below:
How to get to Iguazu Falls from Brazil side (Foz do Iguaçu)
The easiest way to reach the Iguazu Falls from Foz do Iguaçu is to organise a transfer from your hotel.
If you are on a budget, you can reach the falls by local transport. Take the bus number 120 for Parque Nacional/Aeroporto. This bus departs from Terminal Transporte Urbano (TTU) in Foz do Iguacu city centre. The bus goes to the entrance of Iguazú National Park on the Iguazu Falls Brazil side, via the airport.
For the most convenient way to get to falls, book a transfer from your hotel, including your entrance ticket.
Visiting the falls from the Brazil side
From the Iguazú National Park entrance on the Brazil side of the falls, follow pretty trails along the forest wall. From here, you can view the scale and panorama of these impressive waterfalls, as well as the local wildlife.
At the end you come to what’s known as Devil’s Throat. This is a U-shaped chasm where you can truly appreciate the sheer power and volume of this natural wonder. The falls cascade over cliff, bouncing off the shiny rocks and thrusting into the water below. It generates a gauze of cool white mist that seems to cover everything.
There is a walkway, where you can venture out and get a good view of Devil’s Throat head on. Needless to say, you get wet, but on a humid day, it is refreshing.
Day 2 of your Iguazu Falls itinerary: Argentina Side
The second day of this Iguazu Falls itinerary takes you to the Argentina side for a completely different but equally thrilling experience. On day 2, you’ll cross the border and check into your accommodation before getting up close and personal with the falls themselves. This side has extensive trail systems, intimate viewpoints and an unforgettable boat adventure. Prepare to get thoroughly soaked in the most exhilarating way possible.
How to get from the Brazil side to the Argentina side of Iguazu Falls
Go to the Terminal Transporte Urbano (TTU) in Foz do Iguacu. From here, you can catch a bus that will take you to the border with Argentina (don’t forget your passport!). On the other side, it connects with another bus that will take you to Puerto Iguazú.
Where to stay in Puerto Iguazú, Argentina
The best hostel in Puerto Iguazú is the superb Hospedaje Jose Gorgues. Here, the hosts go above and beyond to make sure you enjoy your stay. For a brilliant budget hotel, head to the Posada del Jacarandá, which has a great outdoor pool.
If you want special accommodation, with views of the falls from your room, check out the gorgeous Gran Melia Iguazu. Other beautiful hotel options include the fabulous Loi Suites Iguazu Hotel, for a luxury jungle retreat.
Check out the best deals on accommodation for your dates in Puerto Iguazu via the map below:
How to get to Iguazu Falls from Argentina side (Puerto Iguazu)
The bus from Puerto Iguazú to the Cataratas Argentinas stop, for the Iguazu Falls, is operated by Rio Uruguay. It runs every 20 minutes. The journey to the falls takes 20 minutes.
From the Argentinian side, you can see the Iguazu Falls up close and personal, and even get inside them. Some of the views here are so beautiful, as the falls interweave with rocks, islands and greenery.
Book a tour of the Iguazu Falls directly from your hotel in Puerto Iguazú.
This side of the falls offers an upper and lower trail. The lower trail leads to a boat launch station. Here, you wrap your belongings carefully in a waterproof sack, don your choice of swimwear or cagoule and prepare for a watery onslaught. The boat’s driver takes you through the damp mist to the base of the powerful falls. He then travels inside them.
As the white water slaps forcefully onto your head and all over you, you feel like you can no longer make out which way is up and it’s hard to even open your eyes. The second part of the falls we venture into is even more of a shock with the sheer weight of the water on top of us. What an experience. Drenched, exhilarated and happy, we took the rest of the walking trails to dry off.
From the upper trail you see so many astounding sights of this wondrous natural spectacle, from a variety of angles. If you’re like me, you’ll take so many photos, you’ll almost run out of space on your phone or camera.
How many days do you need for Iguazu Falls?
Unless you’re on an organised tour, a minimum of two days is essential for a complete Iguazu Falls itinerary. This allows you a full day to explore each side of the falls – this is really worthwhile as they are very different experiences. The Brazil side gives you spectacular panoramic views, while the Argentina side provides close-up encounters and thrilling adventures like the boat ride under the falls.
If you have more time, consider extending your stay to 3-4 days. This allows for additional activities such as a helicopter tour over the falls, exploring the surrounding rainforest trails and visiting the bird park.
I wouldn’t recommend trying to see both sides in one day. The border crossing between Brazil and Argentina can take time, and each side deserves proper attention to appreciate its unique perspective.
Essential packing list for your Iguazu Falls itinerary
There are a few things you’ll need to pack to make the most of your Iguazu Falls itinerary.
In terms of clothes, a bathing suit is recommended for the boat trip where you go under the cascading water. Quick-dry clothing is essential as you’ll get soaked, especially on the Argentina side. I wore quick-dry hiking sandals, which were comfortable for walking along the forest trails and it didn’t matter if they got wet. A lightweight rain jacket will keep you comfortable during any sudden downpours. Overall, when deciding what to wear to Iguazu Falls, make sure it’s made of light fabric that will keep you comfortable in the humidity and dry quickly if it gets damp from the misty air.
With regards to other items to pack, a waterproof phone case is also a good idea to protect your device. Insect repellent is also crucial in this tropical environment. Don’t forget high SPF sunscreen as the tropical sun is intense, even through the forest canopy. The number one thing to take with you is your passport so you can cross the border and see the other side of these magnificent falls.
Final thoughts on the best Iguazu Falls itinerary for 2 days
Following this two day Iguazu Falls itinerary means you’ll be able to fully appreciate both the grand scale and intimate beauty of one of the world’s most magnificent natural wonders.
My first day visiting Iguazu Falls from Brazil side was incredible with all the panoramic views. Spending a second day, from the Argentina side, I was concerned I’d feel waterfalled-out. Would I be bored spending another day here? Far from it – seeing the falls up close and personal was something else.
The combination of Brazil’s panoramic viewpoints and Argentina’s immersive experiences allows you to understand why Iguazu Falls consistently ranks among the world’s most spectacular destinations.
It’s an awe-inspiring place as you appreciate the wildness and power of nature in its element. Iguazu Falls is definitely ‘big water’ at its best.
Next, check out my perfect itinerary for Buenos Aires, Argentina’s colourful capital city.
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