Everything you need to know before visiting one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World
The Iguazu Falls are the largest waterfall system on the planet. With 275 waterfalls stretching for almost 3 kilometers and a maximum height of 82 meters at the Devil's Throat, they surpass Niagara Falls and Victoria Falls in scale. In 1984 they were declared UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site and in 2011 chosen as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
They are located in the extreme northeast of Argentina, in the province of Misiones, on the border with Brazil. The base city is Puerto Iguazú, 18 km from the National Park. On the Brazilian side is Foz do Iguaçu, and a few kilometers away is Ciudad del Este in Paraguay.
Visiting them is not only to see water falling. It is to be in the middle of the most biodiverse subtropical rainforest in Argentina, to hear the roar of the Devil's Throat from a trembling footbridge and to understand why the most repeated expression among travelers when they see them for the first time is simply: “I have no words”.
Key information to plan your visit
Puerto Iguazú, province of Misiones, Argentina. Northeast of the country, in the triple border with Brazil (Foz do Iguaçu) and Paraguay (Ciudad del Este). 1,300 km from Buenos Aires.
The National Park is 18 km from the center of Puerto Iguazú. The airport is 20 km from the center and 11 km from the Park.
Humid subtropical. Rainfall is frequent throughout the year, especially between October and March.
Summer (Dec-Feb): 30-38°C with very high humidity.
Autumn (Mar-May): 20-28°C, ideal.
Winter (Jun-Aug): 12-22°C, dry and pleasant.
Spring (Sep-Nov): 20-30°C, green vegetation.
The currency is the Argentine Peso (ARS). In the tourist area, dollars and reais are accepted in most stores, hotels and restaurants.
The entrance fee to the National Park is paid in pesos. Organized tours are generally priced in dollars. International cards accepted in hotels and restaurants of medium and high level.
The Iguazú Falls International Airport (IGR) receives direct flights from Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Rosario and other Argentine cities.
Aerolineas Argentinas operates the most frequencies. LATAM and Flybondi have economic options in advance. The flight from Buenos Aires takes 1h 50min.
Iguazu National Park has 67,620 hectares protected subtropical rainforest. UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984.
Schedule: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily.
Devil's Throat: may have special schedules in times of flood.
Entrance: is purchased online in advance.
The official language is Spanish (rioplatense variety). In the tourist area, English and Portuguese are widely understood in hotels, tour operators and restaurants.
Mobile data coverage is good in Puerto Iguazú and at the accesses to the Park. In the interior of the Park it can be irregular. Wifi available in most hotels.
The falls are impressive all year round - but each season has its differences.
There is no single right answer. It depends on what you are looking for: the maximum water flow, fewer tourists, the best walking weather or the lowest prices.
Transportation options from Buenos Aires and the rest of the country
The most comfortable and fastest way to get there. Direct flights from Aeroparque (AEP) and Ezeiza (EZE) to Iguazu Falls Airport (IGR). Multiple daily frequencies with Aerolineas Argentinas. LATAM and Flybondi offer cheaper options in advance.
From Retiro Terminal in Buenos Aires. Crucero del Norte, Flecha Bus and Río Uruguay operate the route. Sleeper and semi-bed buses are comfortable for overnight trips. Some include dinner, breakfast and entertainment.
Along National Route 14, which borders the Uruguay River. A long but picturesque trip that can be divided into two days with a stop in Concordia or Corrientes. Having a car in Iguazú gives total freedom for transfers and excursions.
See complete guide: How to get to Iguazu → How to get to Iguazu → How to get to Iguazu.
Local transportation, park access and border crossings
It goes from downtown Puerto Iguazu to the gate of the National Park. It leaves every 30-40 minutes, the trip takes about 30 minutes. The most economical option. Payment in cash in pesos. First service around 7:00.
The most comfortable option for punctual transfers. There are stops downtown and at the airport. The trip to the Park costs between $4.000 and $8.000 ARS depending on the starting point. For groups of 3-4 people it is convenient in front of the bus.
Inside the National Park there is a train with open carriages that connects Central Station, Cataratas and Garganta del Diablo. Free with the entrance fee. It leaves every 15-20 minutes in high season. The trip through the interior of the jungle is worth it.
Cross the Tancredo Neves International Bridge (2.5 km from downtown). There are international buses from the terminal. Valid passport is required. The tours organized from Argentina include the migratory procedure. The trip to the Brazilian Park takes about 30 minutes.
Several companies at the airport and downtown offer car rentals. It gives total freedom of schedules and is convenient for families or groups. From $25,000 ARS per day with basic insurance.
The most practical option: most of the tours include a round trip transfer from the hotel. No need to worry about schedules or cabs. Highly recommended for the Brazilian side and the Three Borders Landmark.
What do you need to enter the Park and to cross borders?
To visit the Iguazú National Park on the Argentine side, all you need is Valid Argentine DNI or identity card of the country of origin for foreigners. No additional visa is required for visitors from most countries.
Valid passport required for all travelers, including Argentines. The DNI is not accepted in Brazil for formal entry. European Union citizens do not need a visa. The immigration process at the bridge is fast in low season.
Valid passport is required for Argentines. The crossing is made from Brazil through the Friendship Bridge. It is visited mainly for duty free shopping. The tour organized from Iguazú includes the migratory procedure of both borders.
For Argentines traveling with minors without both parents, the following is required notarial authorization. If the minor needs to cross international borders, the document must be apostilled.
The Misiones rainforest is one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in South America.
The Iguazú National Park protects more than 400 species of birds, There are 80 mammals, 70 reptiles and thousands of insects and plants. The biological richness of this jungle is comparable to the Amazon in terms of species density.
The most visible to the visitor are the coatis -friendly but cunning relatives of the raccoon- that appear in the circuits without any fear of tourists. The toucans toco are impossible to miss: they fly through the trees with that giant orange beak. The blue morpho butterflies, The iridescent wings, with their iridescent wings, appear on the wet trails throughout the year.
| Animal | Where to see it | Best schedule | Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coati | Tourist circuits - approaching on their own | All day | Very high |
| Toucan toco | Forest canopy, flights between trees | Morning and afternoon | Very high |
| Blue morpho butterfly | Wet trails, lower circuit | Tomorrow | Very high |
| Yacaré | Mbiguá stream, river banks | Early morning | High |
| Monkey fell | Forest canopy, lower circuit | Tomorrow | High |
| Capybara | Wetlands and streams | Sunrise and sunset | Media |
| Brown Stout | Internal trails, safari | Sunrise | Media |
| Tapir | Specialized 4×4 safari | Before sunrise | Low-medium |
| Yaguareté | Remote areas with specialized guides | Night | Very low |
What we learn after thousands of visits to the Park
The lower circuit with less than 50 people is a completely different experience than the same tour with 500 tourists. In high season, by 10:00 there are already lines at the train entrance.
The spray from the falls gets you wet from far away. In the lower circuit and in the Garganta del Diablo you are guaranteed to get wet. Bring spare clothes in your backpack or a waterproof bag.
In high season (July and January) tickets to the Park are sold out days in advance. The National Park's online system allows you to buy in advance and avoid surprises.
Spray-wet walkways and trails can be slippery. Sneakers with good soles or light trekking shoes are ideal. The complete tour involves walking between 8 and 12 km.
The best photos are taken on the lower circuit and on the Devil's Throat walkway, which are exactly the wettest areas. A waterproof case can save your cell phone.
To see the entire Argentine side and the Brazilian side, the minimum recommended is 2 nights. With 3 nights you can do the full moon night, the sunrise safari and the adventure excursions without rushing.
The sun in Misiones is very intense. Cloudy days do not protect - UV radiation still burns. Factor 50+ recommended especially in summer. Cap and sunglasses for the hours of greatest exposure.
Coatis may bite if they feel threatened or see food. There are signs throughout the park prohibiting feeding. Feeding alters their natural behavior and makes them aggressive.
Tours with guide, transfers included and entrance to the Park. Book in advance and secure your place.
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