Guide to Visiting Iguazu Falls in Argentina

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Iguazu Falls is a Natural Wonder of the World and the two National Parks which the falls are home to are UNESCO World Heritage site. These falls, which straddle two nations is a must visit destination in South America! Located in both Argentina and Brazil, Iguazu Falls draw over a million visitors each year. This post covers all you need to know about visiting Iguazu Falls in Argentina.

Quick Facts on Iguazu Falls in Argentina

• The falls in Brazil is called Cataratas del Iguazú in Spanish, however, I will continue to call it Iguazu falls which is what most people will refer it to as
• The national park where the falls are located is called Parque Nacional Iguazú
• The town where the park is located is called Puerto Iguazu and it is located in the State of Misiones in Argentina
• Iguazu Falls in Argentina has around 80% of the waterfalls

Which Side is Better?

This is a common question that is asked. I would say they are both different in their own sense. Brazil offers a more panoramic views of the falls while you feel like you are a lot more close up to the falls in Argentina.

“Devil’s Throat” on the Argentinian side has been closed on and off the last few months. If you absolutely must pick one side, check if Devil’s Throat is closed on the Argentinian side, if it is, then go to the Brazilian side. If it’s open, go to Argentina!

Can you do Both Sides in One Day?

Yes, but a very hesitant one. You will really need to rush through and hope there are no delays at the border. Yes, you must cross a border and complete immigration to see both sides of the falls. You may also not be able to do a boat ride or some of the other additions.

How Much Time do You Need?

This depends on what you do. The first 3 things listed here are must do’s. The Macuco trail is optional.

• Upper and Lower Circuits – 2.5 hours
• Devil’s Throat – 2 hours
• Boat Ride – 2 hours
• Macuco Trail – 3 hours

If “Devil’s Throat” is closed and/or if you don’t opt for a boat ride, then you can easily see the rest in about 3 hours or less.

When to Go?

Iguazu Falls really is an all-year around location but try to avoid heavy rainy months and local holidays. Usually January brings a lot of locals due to school closures.

Tickets

You can buy tickets online or in-person at the day of the visit. I bought tickets in-person and did not have to wait too long in the line.

Opening Hours

The park is open 365 days from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Last entry however, is at 4:30 p.m.

How to Get There

The closest airport to Iguazu Falls in Argentina is called Cataratas of Iguazu International Airport (IGR) and it’s about 15 minutes from the park. There are frequent flights from Buenos Aires to Iguazu throughout the day. You can also fly in from some cities like Salta and Cordoba. Once at the airport, you will have to catch a taxi to town or the falls.

Once in town you can either catch a bus from the Puerto Iguazu bus terminal to the falls or you can take a taxi.

If you are coming from Brazil, you will have to cross the border as I mentioned above. The border crossing is straight forward but can take a long time on busy days. One way to avoid this is to hop in a taxi. There is a separate taxi line and the line is shorter.

Additional Things to Do

Boat Trip

Like the Brazilian side, the Argentinian side also offers a boat trip that takes you right down to the falls. This ride is thrilling and exciting but you will also get very wet! I didn’t do a boat ride of the Argentinian side because I did it on the Brazilian side the day before. Regardless of which side you do it, I cannot recommend this boat trip enough! You can buy tickets on site. One thing to note is that the Argentinian side is cheaper than the Brazilian side.

San-Martin Island

You can take a free ferry to San Martin Island. Access is from the Lower Circuit. However, note that it is only open if the water levels are favorable.

Macuco Trail

This 7.5 km out and back trail takes you on a nature walk into the jungle. You will find the Arrechea waterfall, a small waterfall 20 meters high at the end of the trail. The trail takes about 3 hours to complete.

Full Moon Walk

During the days before, during, and after the full moon, you have the opportunity to visit the falls at night! I wish I could have done this! To see the falls in the light of the full moon, would have been an amazing sight!

A Typical Visit

Entrance

Buy your ticket and walk in through the turnstiles. One thing to note is that I had no wait whatsoever on the Argentinian side, unlike the Brazilian side the previous day. The Brazilian side is a lot smaller so it makes sense that it feels more crowded.

There are 3 main sections you can visit (4 if you opt for the boat trip).

Upper Circuit

The Upper Circuit lets you walk almost on top of the waterfalls. There are catwalks or walkways that let you view the waterfalls from top.  To get to the upper circuit, either take the train or the “Sendero Verde” path from a little past the main entrance.

Lower Circuit

The Lower Circuit was probably my favorite out of the two circuits. You see panoramic views of the falls as well as get closer to some of the stand-alone falls. There are some stairs in this circuit but nothing too crazy.

Devil’s Throat

The Devil’s Throat is arguably the most exciting part of Iguazu Falls in Argentina. To get to Devil’s Throat, make your way back to the jungle train station from the circuits. Hop on the train and make your way to the Devil’s Throat train station. From here, you will have to walk about 1.1 kilometers to the platform. At the platform, you will be able to stand on top of the most powerful part of Iguazu falls and stare deep into the massive body of water free falling in front of you. The site is mesmerizing and draws you in.

Note About Devil’s Throat – Devil’s Throat is currently closed for repairs with no date of completion.

Boat Ride

If you opt for the boat ride on the Argentinian side, you will be given a time slot. You will be transported in a bus down to the river. You will walk to the boat and then comes the exciting part. The boat ride itself is very similar to the Brazilian side. See below for a detailed description!

How to Visit Iguazu Falls in Brazil

Tips

• Get to the park early. Especially if you are buying ticket in-person
• You can take the train from a little after the entrance to the circuits or you can take the “Sendero Verde” path. This path cuts through the jungle and helps you save time by not having to wait for the train. It also helps to beat the crowds. It is on your right hand side when walking from the entrance
• Keep an eye out for all sorts of cute jungle animals around you, especially coatis and monkeys. Do not pet them or feed them though! Some of them bite!

What to Pack

• Water and snacks – You can also purchase food at the falls
• Sunscreen
• A cap or hat
• A raincoat – If you don’t want to get wet. You could wear a poncho like this one, but people were getting wet even with these
• Waterproof sandals – I recommend a brand like Teva, where it’s study enough to walk but also water proof and has a great grip
• A waterproof/dry bag – Even if you ignore all my tips, this is one that I cannot recommend enough.
• A phone case (if your phone is not waterproof)
• A go-pro – If you want to record some amazing action shots on the boat
• A quick dry towel
• Bug and mosquito repellant
• A change of clothes if you want to, but it’s so hot that you will dry fast regardless of what you wear

Where to Stay

I really loved my accommodation spot in Puerto Iguazu. It was quiet but not far from everything! This small bed and breakfast had a boutique hotel feel to it! Pablo, the owner was really friendly and accommodating! The room was very comfortable and spacious and I really enjoyed the made to order breakfast. See HERE for more.

If you have the budget, check out this hotel that is right inside the park on the Argentinian side! You have direct access to the park and the falls and can beat the crowds or go in and out all day.

Tours

Would love for someone else to arrange everything for you? Check out these tours below!

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