Iguazú Waterfalls
A Journey into Nature's Majesty
The Iguazú Waterfalls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, are a sight of incomparable beauty that seems to transport visitors to a magical realm. Nestled in the lush rainforest that straddles the border between Argentina and Brazil, these majestic falls have captivated explorers, adventurers, and romantics alike for centuries. Whether you're admiring the powerful cascades from the Argentine side or exploring the surrounding wildlife, Iguazú is a place that touches both the heart and the soul.
This guide will help you experience the falls in all their glory, while also soaking in the beauty and history of the region. Here’s a itinerary for a memorable visit to Iguazú, with practical tips on how to navigate this extraordinary landscape.
Day 1: The Argentine Side - Awe and Wonder
Tentative Agenda
9:00 – 11:00: Entrance to Iguazú National Park and Ecological Train
11:00 – 13:00: Upper Circuit
13:00 – 14:00: Lunch at La Selva Restaurant
14:00 – 16:00: Lower Circuit
16:30 – 18:00: Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo)
19:00 onwards: Dinner at La Rueda
Morning: Immersing in Nature’s Grandeur
Begin your adventure early at the Iguazú National Park entrance. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protecting not only the falls but also a vast array of wildlife. As you enter, you’ll be greeted by the dense, vibrant rainforest where butterflies, toucans, and howler monkeys are commonly spotted. A romantic, slow ride on the ecological train is the perfect way to begin your journey through the park. This train takes you to various points of interest within the park, providing beautiful views of the surrounding nature.
Opening hours: Daily, 8:00 to 18:00
Cost: 2,500 ARS (7 euros)
Website: www.iguazuargentina.com
Mid-Morning: Exploring the Upper Circuit
Your first stop should be the Upper Circuit, which offers panoramic views of the waterfalls from above. Here, you'll find trails and viewpoints that allow you to admire the impressive array of cascades that tumble over the cliffs. The wide pathways are easy to walk, and the mist from the falls creates a refreshing atmosphere. The most striking feature here is the constant sound of rushing water that echoes through the jungle.
Recommended time: 2 hours
Cost: Included in the entrance fee to the park
Lunch: For a relaxed and local experience, stop at La Selva Restaurant, located within the park. This rustic eatery serves traditional Argentine dishes like grilled meats, empanadas, and milanesa. Enjoy your meal while taking in the surrounding forest.
Address: Iguazú National Park
Opening hours: Daily, 10:00 to 16:00
Cost: 2,500 ARS per person (7 euros)
Afternoon: Delving into the Lower Circuit
After lunch, head to the Lower Circuit, a network of wooden walkways that brings you closer to the base of the falls. This route offers breathtaking views of the lower cascades, including the famous "San Martín" falls. The lower path allows you to get close enough to feel the water’s refreshing mist on your skin, making it a truly immersive experience.
Recommended time: 2 hours
Cost: Included in the entrance fee to the park
Late Afternoon: Devil’s Throat - The Heart of the Falls
Finish your day with a visit to Garganta del Diablo, or Devil’s Throat. This awe-inspiring site is the largest and most powerful of the falls. The viewpoint here is reached by a series of metal walkways that extend over the river, leading you to a dramatic view of the water crashing into the gorge below. The roar of the falls is deafening, and the sight is nothing short of otherworldly, especially as the sun begins to set.
Recommended time: 1.5 hours
Cost: Included in the entrance fee to the park
Transport: The park is well connected by buses and the ecological train. The ecological train is included with your park entrance, and a single ride costs 500 ARS (1.40 euros).
Dinner: For a cozy dinner after a long day of exploration, head to La Rueda, a local restaurant known for its grilled meats and traditional Argentine cuisine. Try the famous asado (Argentine barbecue) with a glass of Malbec.
Address: Av. Misiones 283, Puerto Iguazú
Opening hours: Daily, 12:00 to 23:00
Cost: 3,500 ARS per person (10 euros)
Day 2: Exploring the Brazilian Side and Other Local Attractions
Tentative Agenda
9:00 – 11:00: Crossing to the Brazilian Side
11:30 – 13:00: Iguazú Falls from the Brazilian Side
13:00 – 14:30: Lunch at Porto Canoas
15:00 – 17:00: Parque das Aves (Bird Park)
17:30 – 19:00: Visit the Itaipu Dam
19:30 onwards: Dinner at Restaurante El Jardin de los Chamanes
Morning: A Different Perspective of the Falls
Start your day early to head to the Brazilian side of the falls. The Brazilian National Park offers stunning panoramic views of the falls and a completely different perspective. From here, you can admire the full semicircular layout of the Iguazú Falls. The walkways extend along the cliffside, giving you the chance to see the water plummeting into the gorge from multiple angles.
Recommended time: 1.5 hours
Cost: 100 BRL (18 euros)
Website: www.parquesnaturais.pr.gov.br
Lunch: For a scenic lunch, enjoy a meal at Porto Canoas, which is located within the Brazilian park. It offers a range of Brazilian specialties, such as feijoada (black bean stew) and grilled fish.
Address: Parque Nacional do Iguaçu
Opening hours: Daily, 10:00 to 15:00
Cost: 3,000 ARS per person (8.50 euros)
Afternoon: Parque das Aves and Itaipu Dam
After lunch, visit Parque das Aves, a sanctuary that showcases Brazil’s diverse bird species, including toucans, parrots, and the endangered harpy eagle. The park allows you to walk among the birds, providing an immersive experience.
Opening hours: Daily, 8:30 to 17:30
Recommended time: 1.5 hours
Cost: 60 BRL (10.50 euros)
Website: www.parquedasaves.com.br
Next, head to the Itaipu Dam, one of the largest hydroelectric plants in the world. A visit to the dam offers a glimpse into both its engineering marvel and its environmental impact.
Recommended time: 1.5 hours
Cost: 50 BRL (9 euros)
Website: www.itaipu.gov.br
Dinner: Finish the day at Restaurante El Jardin de los Chamanes, a cozy eatery known for its fusion of Argentine and indigenous cuisine, nestled in the heart of Puerto Iguazú.
Address: Av. Victoria Aguirre 112, Puerto Iguazú
Opening hours: Daily, 19:00 to 23:00
Cost: 4,500 ARS per person (13 euros)
Additional Tips for Your Visit
Combined Pass: For visiting both sides of the falls, the "Iguazú Falls Pass" provides discounted access to multiple attractions in the area, including the Argentine and Brazilian parks. Prices for the pass vary, but it typically ranges from 8,000 ARS (22 euros) for a single entry to the Argentine side to a combined ticket costing around 1,000 BRL (180 euros) for both sides and additional attractions. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of the parks or online in advance.
Transport: To travel between the Argentine and Brazilian sides, you’ll need to cross the border. Many shuttle services and taxis offer rides, with costs around 1,500 ARS (4.30 euros) for a round trip.
Weather: Be prepared for humid conditions and sudden rain showers in the rainforest. Bring lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and waterproof gear.
Conclusion: Nature, History, and Romance Await
The Iguazú Falls are more than just a destination—they are an experience, one that engages all your senses with their raw beauty and power. From romantic walks along the misty trails to exploring the surrounding jungle, your visit to Iguazú will surely leave you with memories to cherish forever. Whether you take in the falls from the Argentine or Brazilian side, each moment will be a reminder of nature's grandeur and the timeless allure of this corner of Argentina.