How to Visit Iguazu Falls in Brazil

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Iguazu falls is so big it straddles two countries! These falls are considered the largest waterfall system in the world. In addition to being a UNESCO World Heritage site, they are also one of the Natural Wonders of the World. It is hard to put into words both the beauty and might of these falls. Imagine not 1 or 2 but 275 walls of water, thundering and plummeting into the river below. It truly is a sight to behold! You can and should visit Iguazu falls from both countries. This post covers everything you need to know about visiting Iguazu Falls in Brazil!

Quick Facts on Iguazu Falls in Brazil

• The falls in Brazil is called Cataratas do Iguaçu, 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 Iguaçu
• The town where the park is located is called Foz do Iguaçu and it is located in the State of Paraná in Brazil
• More than 95% of the Iguazu River basin is on the Brazilian but Brazil has just over 20% of the falls
• The Brazil side of Iguazu falls has 1 circuit which is 1.5 kilometers long (more below)

Which Side is Better?

BOTH! Probably not the answer you were looking for if you are only looking to go to one side but the experience is very different on each side. In Argentina, you feel like you are on the falls while in Brazil, the view is more panoramic.

“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 not, go to Argentina.

Can you do Both Sides in One Day?

Can you? Technically, Yes! You will have to rush it but I don’t think you should do it! In doing both sides in one day, you are leaving a lot for chance. Meaning, you will have to hope the crowds are not crazy, border crossing is smooth etc.

Which leads me too….

How Much Time

You need at least 1 day for each side. How many hours you need in each park really depends on what you are going to do at the park. For Iguazu Falls in Brazil, you need about 2-3 hours if you are only going to see the falls. If you do any add-on activities (see below), then you will need more time.

When to Go?

Iguazu really is a year round destination. That being said, try to avoid rainy season if possible for your best chance of a smooth visit as some times the park can close if there is very heavy rain.

Tickets

You can buy tickets in-person or online. Unlike some places where you need to buy tickets in advance or they run out, will not happen here. They ask you for a time of entry when you buy the ticket online. If you know this, then you can easily buy the ticket online. If not, simply wait until you get there.

HERE is the link to buy tickets online. It costs about $20 USD and there is no price difference between online and in-person.

Managing Crowds

The Brazilian side is smaller (from a visit stand point) and therefore feels crowded. Get to the falls early.

Opening Hours

The park is open 365 days of the year. They open at  9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., but last entry is at 4:30 p.m.

Park Facilities

The park has lots of shops where you can buy food and drinks. It also has souvenir shops and places to buy things you may need for your visit like phone covers.

Money Matters

If you are only in Brazil for the day, then you do not need to covert currency. Credit cards are accepted throughout the entire park even for the smallest purchase.

How to Get There

From Brazil

You can get to Iguazu Falls in Brazil by flying from Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo in Brazil. The Airport you would arrive at is called Foz de Iguazu (airport code IGU)

From Argentina

There are regular flights from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazu (airport code IGR). You may also find flights from other destinations in Argentina like Cordoba and Salta.

If you arrive from the Argentinian side, you will have to cross the border. I cover this in the next section. You can get across the border in a few ways.

• Public bus
• Taxi
• Tour (covered more below)

Bus

There is a public bus that will take you from the Puerto Iguazu bus station in Argentina to Iguazu Falls in Brazil. You can buy tickets at the terminal.

Taxi

There are enough taxi services that will take you from Argentina to Brazil and then bring you back. You can either arrange this via your accommodation when you get there or pre-arrange it prior to arrival. I decided to pre-arrange (for peace of mind) and was recommended Guillermo, and I in turn cannot recommend him enough! You can WhatsApp him on +5493757673892. He is communicative, very reliable and speaks great English! He will tell you exactly how to tour each side so that you do not waste any time.

Border Crossing

This section is if you are coming to Iguazu Falls in Brazil from the Argentinian side. I had a very smooth border crossing as I was able to use the “taxi” line. However, the lines were extremely long for those in private cars. I have crossed land borders both in North America and Europe and honestly had not seen lines that long. The delay is mostly on the Argentinian side. On the Argentinian side, you drive up to the passport control booth. On the Brazilian side, you park the vehicle and have to go inside. Surprisingly there were no lines inside at all! It was a very smooth process!

I have heard that in order to avoid waiting in line, some people take a taxi to the border, cross it on foot and then take a taxi on to the other side.

My advice would be to go with an authorized taxi, the prices are affordable and the border crossing will be quick.

If you take a public bus, you will have to get off at both the Argentinian side and Brazilian side for immigration.

Add-Ons

Boat Tour

It doesn’t matter if you pick this activity on the Brazilian side of the Argentinian side, but a boat tour of the falls is an absolute must-do, in my opinion. This boat tour takes you right under the falls! Prepare to be absolutely drenched from head to toe! It is so thrilling and one of the best things I have done to date!

Macuco Safari

This is essentially the name of the boat tour on the Brazilian side but it also includes a small jungle safari (more below)

Helicopter Ride

If you have the means, check out this helicopter ride tour of Iguazu Falls from Brazil. It is a very short ride but people who go rave about the views of the falls from up above!

A Typical Visit

It really is easy to visit Iguazu falls in Brazil. Once at the entrance, you can either purchase a ticket on arrival or show them your pre-paid ticket. They will display what time slot entry is open for on the boards. If you want to add a boat trip, you can do this at the entrance by paying the fee. It’s a little expensive (I paid $80 USD) but fully worth it!

You line up here for the bus. The line can feel long but it moves quickly. The bus makes 3 stops.

• Stop 1 – Start of the Macuco Safari
• Stop 2 – Start of the trail for the falls
• Stop 3 – End of the trail for the falls

Macuco Safari

Jungle Walk

If you opt for this, get off at the stop and show your ticket at the entrace. Here, you will be put in a safari like vehicle and taken through the jungle. At some point, you will be asked if you want to continue to the entrance of the boat tour on foot. In my honest opinion, there was nothing special about the jungle walk. If you truly love nature than maybe do it, if not stay on the vehicle, which will take you directly to the start of the boat tour.

Lockers

Once at the start of the boat tour, you can pay to put your stuff in a locker. I highly recommend this. I debated this as I had a dry bag but I was glad I put everything in the locker as the boat gets totally filled with water.

Boat

Depending on what time you go, there might be a bit of a line to get to the boat but it moves. You will be taken down to the river in a funicular. Once down, you will be asked to wear a life jacket and then you are on your way! I loved every second of this boat trip! The ride it self is thrilling as they will sway the boat in various directions. My favorite part was when we went under the falls a few times. I have never been this close to a waterfall ever (it’s nothing like Niagara and I have done the Maid on the Mist). Imagine being bathed by this unstoppable force of nature! It’s not like a shower, it’s a complete drenching! There was about 8 inches of water inside the boat on several occasions!

PRO TIP – DO NOT and I repeat DO NOT take your phone unless you are very sure it is waterproof.

The Falls

Back to the Trail

Once done with the boat trip, vehicles will be waiting at the top to take you back to the bus stop. Hop on a bus and get off at the first stop (will be the second if you don’t do the boat stop) for the start of the trail. The trail is about 1.5 hours long but prepare to stop every 2 seconds. The Brazilian side offers a Panoramic view of the falls, until you get to the very end.

End of the Walls

There is a walkway at the end of the falls where you will be directly over the waterfalls! This is the most exciting part of the falls! You get to stand next to where the multiple falls plummet down. Prepare to get wet here!

Once done, you can take an elevator back to where the bus will pick you back up to go to the entrance. If the elevator line is long, you can walk back to the bus stop too.

Visa Requirements

Brazil has decided to re-implement their visa program for certain nations that were exempt from a visa in recent times. If you are a citizen of USA, Canada or Australia, you will need a visa starting from April 10, 2025.

Check with the embassy or consulate of Brazil in your home country prior to planning a trip to Iguazu falls in Brazil.

If you are wondering if the visa requirement still makes the visit worth it, I still say yes! Especially if Devil’s Throat is closed on the Argentinian side. If this is the case, the Brazilian side is your chance at seeing Iguazu falls in all her glory, up, close and personal!

Guided Tours

Don’t want the hassle of planning the trip on your own? Check out these organized tours that will do all the planning and executing for you!

Starting from Brazil

Starting from Argentina (Includes border crossing)

What Else to Do in the Area

If you have the time, check out Parque das Aves. This is a bird’s park that is close to the park. It is a separate ticket from the falls and is highly rated.

Where I Stayed

Since I flew into Puerto Iguazu in Argentina, I stayed in Argentina. I really loved my accommodation spot. It was quiet but not far from everything! This small bed and breakfast had a boutique hotel feel to it. They had a pool and the room was super comfortable. I really enjoyed the breakfast! But the best part was the gracious host, Pablo! 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.

If you would like to stay on the Brazilian side, check out options HERE.

You also have the option of staying inside the park on the Brazilian side if you stay in this hotel!

What to Pack

You WILL get wet regardless of whether you do the boat tour or just tour the falls. You can go two routes with this. Either wear waterproof clothing OR embrace it and get wet! Don’t worry! It’s so hot that you will dry very soon!

• 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. You will need it at the end of the trail where you get to walk over the falls
• 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

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Learn more about the Argentinian side HERE or below!

Guide to Visiting Iguazu Falls in Argentina