What to see and what to do in Iguazu
The most complete guide to attractions, tours, activities and experiences in the Iguazu area.
🏆 The 10 must-see experiences in Iguazu
Iguazu Falls - Argentinean Side
The complete tour through the lower and upper circuits and the footbridge to the Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat) is the ultimate experience. There are 275 waterfalls, 2.7 km wide and up to 82 m high. You get wet, you get impressed and you don't want to leave. The complete circuit takes between 4 and 6 hours.
Iguassu Falls - Brazilian side
The panoramic view from Brazil is radically different from Argentina: instead of being between the falls, you see them all facing each other on a single 1.2 km walkway. The photo everyone knows of the falls is taken from Brazil. It is a complementary experience, not a substitute.
Great Adventure - Boat under the waterfalls
A boat takes you directly under the falls. You get wet from head to toe - there's no way to avoid it. The experience lasts about 12 minutes in the water and is the most adrenaline-pumping activity in the entire Park. You have to book well in advance in high season.
Helicopter over the Falls
Ten minutes flying over the falls from the Brazilian side. The aerial perspective is absolutely unique and allows you to understand the real magnitude of the falls system. It is the most expensive activity in the area but for many travelers it is the experience of a lifetime. It operates from Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil).
Ecological Safari in 4×4 - Missionary Jungle
4×4 truck ride through the jungle of the National Park before sunrise. The objective is to observe wildlife: tapirs, capybaras, toucans, coatis and if you are lucky, jaguars or pumas. The guide knows the night trails and the probability of sightings is high.
Three Borders Landmark
The geographical point where Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay meet. From the Argentine side you can see the obelisks of the three countries. It is one of the few places in the world where you can stand in one country and clearly see two others. There are viewpoints on all three sides, each with its own perspective.
Parque das Aves (Brazil)
A few meters from the Brazilian waterfalls, this bird park is home to more than 1,400 specimens of 150 species. The highlights are the tunnels where you walk among giant butterflies and the enclosures where birds fly freely around you. Ideal for children and adults alike.
Kayaking and rafting in the Iguazu River
The Iguazu River above the falls has sections with rapids suitable for kayaking and rafting. It is a completely different way of interacting with the river. Some excursions combine kayaking with hiking in the jungle and visiting smaller falls. Basic fitness is required and no previous experience is necessary.
Night hiking under the full moon
Only on full moon nights, the National Park opens for a night tour to the Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat). The experience of seeing the falls at night with the full moon over the water is one of the most exciting the Park has to offer. Dates are limited - advance reservations are required.
Guaraní village and cultural tourism
The Guaraní communities of the region offer cultural visits where you can learn about their cosmovision, handicrafts, natural medicine and gastronomy. It is a responsible tourism experience that perfectly complements the visit to the falls with the human history of the missionary jungle.
🇦🇷 Cataratas - Argentine Side in detail
Iguazu National Park on the Argentine side literally puts you inside the falls. The circuits are designed so that you can walk between the falls, cross footbridges over the water and reach the very edge of the Devil's Throat.
Lower Circuit
The most popular and spectacular. You go down to the river level and walk among the falls. You get wet. The biggest ones like Salto Bossetti and Salto Dos Hermanas are in this circuit.
1.7 km1-2 hoursEasy
💧 Wear waterproof or spare clothing.
Superior Circuit
View from above the falls. Drier than the lower one. Allows you to see the falls in perspective and understand the full extent of the system. Good panoramic views for photos.
650 m45 minEasy
📸 The best pictures of the Argentine side
Devil's Throat
The most impressive jump in the system. A 1 km walkway takes you to the very edge of the waterfall. The noise, spray and power of the water are overwhelming. It is the number one attraction.
2 km round trip1.5 hours
⚠️ It may be closed in times of extreme flooding.
Ecological Train
A train with open carriages runs through the Park connecting the three stations: Central, Cataratas and Garganta del Diablo. It is free with the entrance to the Park and goes through the jungle.
FreeIncluded in the entrance fee
🌿 Departs every 15-20 minutes in high season
Great Adventure
The Park's adrenaline excursion. A 4×4 truck takes you through the jungle to the pier and a speedboat goes under the falls. The experience lasts 12 minutes in the water.
Additional costAdvance booking
💦 Mandatory spare clothing.
Full Moon
One night a month the park opens after sunset to see the Devil's Throat under the full moon. The spectacle of the moon reflected in the water and the mist of the falls is unrepeatable.
Once a monthLimited dates
📅 Dates published on the Park's site
💡 How to make the most of the Argentinean side
Arrive at 8:00 when it opens. The lower circuit with less people is a completely different experience. In high season, there are already lines at 10 o'clock.
Dedicate a whole day to it. To do the three circuits calmly plus the Great Adventure you will need the whole day. If you arrive late, prioritize the Garganta del Diablo.
Observe the fauna. Coatis, kingfishers, caimans and toucans are part of the tour. Bring binoculars if you are a bird lover.
Tickets can be purchased online. In high season the entrance ticket is sold out. Buy it on the official website of the National Park in advance.
🇧🇷 Waterfalls - Brazilian Side in detail
The Parque Nacional do Iguaçu on the Brazilian side offers a completely different perspective: instead of being among the falls, you can see them from in front of you on a 1.2 km panoramic walkway that ends in a floating viewpoint.
Panoramic Walkway
The only main attraction on the Brazilian side but it is impressive. A walkway in front of all the falls, including the Devil's Throat as seen from the outside. The final viewpoint is meters away from the waterfall.
1.2 km1.5-2 hoursVery easy
Parque das Aves
A few meters from the access to the falls. More than 1,400 birds of 150 species in giant enclosures where you can walk among them. The giant butterflies and toucans are the most photographed.
Separate entry2-3 hours
Helicopter
Operates exclusively from the Brazilian side. 10 minutes flying over the entire waterfall system. The aerial view allows you to understand the real scale of the phenomenon. Departs from Foz do Iguaçu airport.
From USD 183Premium
Macuco Safari Boat
Similar to the Great Adventure on the Argentine side. Boat that goes under the falls from the Brazilian side. The perspective and the falls visited are different, it is a complementary experience.
Additional costAdvance booking
🇧🇷 Is it convenient to visit both sides?
Yes, absolutely. The Argentine side takes you inside the falls, the Brazilian side shows them from the outside. They are two completely different and complementary experiences. If you have time, visit both sides on separate days so as not to get saturated.
For the crossing to Brazil you need a valid passport. There are organized tours that take care of all the border formalities.
🏄 Adventure activities
Kayaking in the Iguazu River
Kayak tour on the Upper Iguazu River with class II and III rapids. Combined with a visit to smaller falls and hiking in the jungle. No previous experience is required.
3-4 hoursModerate adventure
📅 Best in dry season (May-September).
Jungle trekking
Guided hikes on trails inside the park away from the tourist circuits. Access to primary forest areas where wildlife is more abundant. Duration varies according to the chosen route.
2-6 hoursSeveral difficulties
🦁 High probability of wildlife sighting.
Night safari in 4×4
Pre-dawn 4×4 truck ride through the jungle. Nocturnal and dawn animals are more active. Tapirs, corzuelas, yaguaretés, ocelots and a great variety of birds.
Departure 6:00 AM2-3 hours
🐾 Guides specialized in native fauna.
Rappel and zip line
Some operators offer rappelling activities in canyons in the jungle and zip lines over the forest canopy. They combine adrenaline with unique views of the jungle from above.
Half dayHigh adventure
⛑️ Certified equipment and guides
Cycling in the jungle
Bicycle tours through trails in the Park and around Puerto Iguazú. There are routes for all levels. Some operators combine cycling with kayaking or visits to waterfalls inside the park.
2-5 hoursVarious levels
Swimming in natural pools
Within the park boundaries there are jungle pools and streams where you can swim in crystal clear fresh water surrounded by vegetation. Some tours combine the visit to the pools with hiking and wildlife observation.
Warm seasonRelaxing
🌍 Culture, nature and rural tourism
Guaraní Village
Visit to Guaraní communities where you can learn about their architecture, handicrafts, natural medicine and cosmovision. Some tours include traditional food tasting and Guarani percussion classes.
CulturalResponsible tourism
Macuco Trail
The longest nature trail in the Argentine Park. 7 km round trip through primary rainforest to Salto Arrechea, a 25 m waterfall in a completely different environment from the main falls.
7 km round trip3-4 hours
🦜 Ideal for bird watching
Puerto Iguazú city
Downtown Puerto Iguazú has Guaraní handicrafts, markets, restaurants with missionary cuisine (mbeyú, chipa, locro, Paraná fish) and nightlife. It is worth an afternoon of exploration.
CityGastronomy
Güirá Oga - Animal Center
Rehabilitation center for wild animals injured or rescued from illegal trafficking. It offers guided tours where you can observe toucans, parrots, caí monkeys and even yaguaretés in the process of recovery.
Educational2 hours
2 km from the entrance of the National Park
Jesuit Ruins of San Ignacio
60 km from Puerto Iguazú, the ruins of the Jesuit mission of San Ignacio Miní are a World Heritage Site. The state of conservation is exceptional and the colonial-Guarani architecture is unique in the world.
Day ExcursionUNESCO Heritage
Mbiguá waterfall and internal cascades
Within the park there are smaller waterfalls and cascades that very few people visit because they are far from the main circuits. Specialized tours take you to these hidden corners of the jungle.
Secret circuitSpecialized guide
🌎 The Triple Frontier
Puerto Iguazú is the only place in Argentina where three countries coexist in a few kilometers. The experience of the Triple Border goes far beyond a photo at the landmark.
Hito Tres Fronteras (Argentina)
The Argentine viewpoint has direct views of the obelisks of Brazil and Paraguay. There is a Guarani handicraft market and a fair of local products. The sunset from here is spectacular.
Free accessNot to be missed
Marco das Três Fronteiras (Brazil)
The Brazilian lookout has a recreation park and views over the Iguazu River. It can be reached by tour from Argentina or by bus from Foz do Iguaçu. There are restaurants and stores in the surroundings.
Border crossingPassport required
Ciudad del Este (Paraguay)
Known for its duty free shopping. Electronics, clothing, perfumes and imported items at much lower prices than in Argentina. It is crossed by the Friendship Bridge from Brazil. Passport required.
ShoppingPassport required
🦜 The fauna of Iguazú
The Misiones rainforest is one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in South America. The National Park protects more than 400 species of birds, 80 species of mammals and hundreds of reptiles and amphibians.
| Animal | Where to see it | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| 🦜 Tucan toco | Throughout the Park, especially at dawn | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very high |
| 🦝 Coatí | Tourist circuits - approach to visitors | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Certainty |
| 🐊 Yacaré | Mbiguá river and stream banks | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ High |
| 🦋 Blue butterflies (morpho) | Wet trails, all the Park | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Certainty |
| 🐿️ Capybara | Stream banks and wetlands | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Media. |
| 🐒 Mono caí | Forest canopy, lower circuit | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ High |
| 🦌 Brown stubble | Night / early morning safari | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Media. |
| 🐗 Tapir | 4×4 safari at dawn | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Media. |
| 🐆 Yaguareté | Specialized safari, remote areas | ⭐ Very low but possible |
| 🦅 Kingfisher | Banks of the Iguazú River and streams | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ High |
🍽️ Regional gastronomy
Puerto Iguazú has a very rich gastronomic scene that mixes traditional missionary cuisine with Brazilian and Paraguayan influences. Fish from the Paraná and Iguazú rivers are the star product.
Paraná Fish
Surubí, dorado, pacú and manguruyú are the most valued river fish. They are prepared grilled, baked or pickled. A gastronomic experience that you cannot get in Buenos Aires.
Chipa and mbeyú
The chipa is a cassava starch and cheese cookie typical of the region. The mbeyú is a fried starch tortilla. They are the traditional missionary breakfasts and snacks. They are available in local markets and bakeries.
Mate and missionary yerba mate
Misiones is the only Argentine province that produces yerba mate. The yerba plantations can be visited on rural tourism excursions a few hours from Puerto Iguazú. The fresh yerba has a completely different taste.
🧳 What to do according to your type of travel?
| Type of traveler | Recommended activities | Suggested time |
|---|---|---|
| 👨👩👧👦 Family with children | Lower circuit, Parque das Aves, Güirá Oga, Ecological Train, coaties | 2-3 days |
| 🤸 Adventurer | Gran Aventura, kayaking, 4×4 safari, Macuco trekking, rappel, rafting | 3-4 days |
| 📸 Photographer | Lower circuit at sunrise, full moon, brazilian side, wildlife safari | 3-4 days |
| 💑 Romantic couple | Full moon, helicopter, dinner overlooking the river, Guarani village | 2-3 days |
| 🌿 Ecotourist | Macuco trail, wildlife safari, Güirá Oga, Guaraní village, kayaking | 3-5 days |
| ⚡ Fast travel | Lower circuit + Devil's Throat + Brazilian side | 2 days |
💡 Final tips for your visit.
Book tours before you arrive: In high season (July, January, Easter) the Great Adventure, the helicopter and the full moon night are sold out weeks in advance.
Rain is not a problem: The falls look the same or better after the rain. The flow is greater and the rainbows more frequent. Wear a light raincoat.
Madrugá for animals: The early morning hours are the most active for wildlife. If you want to see tapirs, monkeys or birds, arrive at the Park at 8:00.
Make both sides: The Argentine side and the Brazilian side are completely different experiences. If you only have time for one, choose the Argentine side. If you can do both, all the better.
Protect your phone: The spray from the falls is constant and unavoidable. Bring a ziplock bag or waterproof case for your cell phone before entering the lower circuit and the Gorge.
Ready to book your activities?
All tours include a certified guide and transfer from your hotel. Book in advance to secure your place.
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