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. This is my recommended itinerary for 2 days at the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls from the Brazil side then crossing to Argentina – and where to stay on each side of the border.
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Quick overview of the Iguazu Falls from Brazil to Argentina
- Stay in Foz do Iguaçu and see the Brazil side for panoramic views and Devil’s Throat walkway
- Stay in Puerto Iguazú on the Argentina side for close-up encounters and boat ride under the falls
- Visit from April to May or September to October for comfortable weather and fewer people
- Don’t forget your passport for border crossings and quick-dry clothing
Iguazu Falls: Brazil side vs Argentina side
Staying on the Brazil side of Iguazu Falls 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.
How to travel to Iguazu Falls from Brazil
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.
Day 1 of your Iguazu Falls itinerary from the 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.
What to wear to Iguazu Falls
There are a few things you’ll need to pack and what to wear to make the most of your trip to the amazing Iguazu Falls.
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.
The best time to visit 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. Try to avoid December to February which are the hottest summer months and coincide with local school holidays. I visited in November and the conditions were perfect – not too hot or humid and not crazy busy. 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.
If you’re wondering which day to visit Iguazu Falls, Monday to Friday is best. Early morning is ideal to avoid crowds and heat. The parks open around 9am on both sides so arrive early if you can for better photo opportunities and shorter queues for the boat rides.
Frequently asked questions about Iguazu Falls
How much time do you need at Iguazu Falls?
You need a minimum of two full days at Iguazu Falls to experience both the Brazil and Argentina sides. One day for each side allows you to explore at a relaxed pace, take the boat ride and walk all the trails. Otherwise, you’ll miss out on one side or spend more time dealing with border crossings than enjoying the falls.
Is it better to see Iguazu Falls from Brazil side or Argentina?
You need to see both sides as they each bring a different experience. The Brazil side gives you spectacular panoramic views where you can appreciate the full scale of the falls. The Argentina side takes you right up close to individual falls and even inside them on the boat ride.
How do you travel 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, you can book a full-day tour including flights from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls.
Final thoughts on the spectacular Iguazu Falls
Following this two-day itinerary for Iguazu Falls from Brazil side to Argentina means you’ll fully appreciate why Iguazu Falls is one of South America’s seven natural wonders.
My first day on the Brazil side left me speechless with those sweeping panoramic views. On day two, I was concerned I’d be waterfalled-out. Would another full day feel repetitive? Far from it. The Argentina side delivered a completely different experience – getting soaked under the falls on the boat ride was pure exhilaration.
It’s an awe-inspiring place where you can appreciate the wildness and power of nature in its element. Iguazu Falls is definitely ‘big water’ at its best.
Next up, check out my perfect itinerary for Buenos Aires, Argentina’s colourful capital.
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