Iguazu Falls in Argentina 🇦🇷 & Brazil 🇧🇷 – All You Want to Know
“My poor Niagara …”
That is what Eleonor Roosevelt said when she saw Iguazu Falls.
Welcome to Iguazu Falls! One of the most important destinations in Argentina, Brazil and South America!
Every year, millions of people come to visit this beautiful natural attraction that Argentina and Brazil have to offer. During 2019, the park received 1,640,000 visitors, both local and foreign.
And everyone is amazed with this destination!
The Iguazu Falls consists of two national parks, one in Foz de Iguazu (Brazil) and the other one in Puerto Iguazu (Argentina). The curious thing is that although one only sees the falls as the main attraction, the park has a size of 252,982 hectares (67,720 on the Argentine side and 185,262 on the Brazilian side).
These falls in Argentina and Brazil managed to attract so much attention that almost at the same time they were declared National Parks (1934 in Argentina and 1939 in Brazil). And after some years and millions of visitors fascinated by the landscape and the sound of this natural attraction, UNESCO declared them as World Heritage Site in 1984, and reaffirmed as Exceptional Universal Value (their cultural and nature it’s so important that it’s conservation should be of worldwide interest) in 2013.
Why are they so famous? It is enough to just see photos and videos to be amazed by its beauty. But it is not only about tourism: the Iguazu National Park is home to many species of animals and flora that create an important natural ecosystem connected to all Latin America.
Each visitor who comes to the Iguazu Falls collaborates to continue the conservation work for the area.
And obviously, Iguazu Falls have allowed the development of local economies, making the city of Puerto Iguazu and Foz de Iguazu grow and improve the quality of life of its inhabitants.
🥊 The round begins! Iguazu Falls vs
The immensity of the Iguazu falls makes one consider how it is compared with other famous waterfalls such as those of Niagara or Victoria.
Niagara Falls vs Iguazu Falls
Niagara Falls is shared by the United States and Canada are an important attraction in both countries, with more than 12 million visitors per year.
But how Niagara Falls compares with Iguazu Falls?
Iguazu Falls | Niagara Falls | |
Total Height (Size) | 82 meters | 54 meters |
Total Width (Size) | 2700 meters | 945 meters |
Number of Drops | 275 | 4 |
Longest Drop | 80 meters (Devil’s Throat) | 62 meters |
Average Flow Rate | Between 1500 to 1750 m2/s. | 2800 m2/s |
Yearly Visitors | 1.640.000 (2019) | 12.000.000 |
UNESCO World Heritage Site | Yes (1984) | No |
Victoria Falls vs Iguazu Falls
These beautiful waterfalls located in Africa and shared by Zambia and Zimbabwe, are other attraction that are frequently compared to Iguazu Falls.
Let’s see how Niagara Falls compares with Iguazu Falls:
Iguazu Falls | Victoria Falls | |
Total Height (Size) | 82 meters | 108 meters |
Total Width (Size) | 2700 meters | 1700 meters |
Number of Drops | 275 | 5 (4 in Zimbabue y 1 in Zambia) |
Longest Drop | 80 meters (Devil’s Throat) | 108 meters (Rainbow Falls) |
Average Flow Rate | Between 1500 to 1750 m2/s. | 1088 m2/s |
Yearly Visitors | 1.640.000 (2019) | 1.000.000 |
UNESCO | Yes (1984) | Yes (1989) |
In this case, we can see that Victoria Falls has a higher height than Iguazu Falls, and for that reason also a greater fall. But Iguazu still continues to maintain a greater width.
📜 History of Iguazu Falls
The Iguazu National Park, shared between Brazil and Argentina, is one of the main attraction, not only touristically, but also ecological and natural. Millions of people enjoy this impressive natural wonder, supported by UNESCO.
But before this place was what we know nowadays, it had a curious story.
The origin of the name Iguazu comes from the Mbyá-Guaraní indigenous people, who in the translation into our Spanish, would remain as “Agua Grande” (big water). The reason for the name is self-explanatory.
The first person who found Iguazu Falls was a Spanish explorer named Alvar Nuñez Cabeza de Vaca, who during a journey from what we now know as Asunción (Paraguay) would encounter the falls, which he would call “Saltos del Santa Mary”.
Later, the first Jesuit missions arrived (today its ruins are an interesting tourist attraction), which made up more than 30 towns distributed in southern Paraguay, Brazil, and the entire province of Misiones. After this, by 1768, the Jesuits would be expelled by the Crown of Spain, and the place would be forgotten.
Some time later, Gregorio Lezama, an Argentine businessman and politician, would sell the land because he considered it of low value. In the auction it appeared as “a block of jungle that borders several waterfalls”.
These lands would be acquired by Domingo Ayarragaray in 1907, who would discover the tourist potential of the place, setting up the first hotel and setting up some roads for people to get to know the falls.
It is interesting to mention that, in 1901, the first tourist excursion to the area arrived, but without positive results since it was difficult to cross the place. One of the participants in this group was Victoria Aguirre, who thanks to their donation together with Gibaja and Nuñez, allowed them to build the first highway from Puerto Iguazu (Misiones, Argentina) to Iguazu Falls.
Today, Victoria Aguirre has her name on the main avenue of Puerto Iguazu.
Years later, Puerto Iguazu would grow thanks to tourism and wood resources in the area. And in 1934, Law 12,103 would allow the creation of the “Iguazu National Park”. Giving entity -especially legal- to this natural spectacle.
In 1984, UNESCO declared the Iguazu National Park as “World Heritage”. In 2011, the New Seven Wonders Foundation declared it “New Wonder of the World”. And finally, in 2013, UNESCO again declared the Iguazu National Park as “Exceptional Universal Value”, due to the cultural and natural importance of this area.
🗺️ Location of Iguazu Falls
Iguazu Falls are in the continent of South America, and as we mentioned, it is shared by two countries: Argentina and Brazil. Although Paraguay is nearby, it only shares the river that Iguazu Falls feeds, but it is quite far from the falls and cannot even be seen from there.
The city in Argentina where the Iguazu Falls are located is called Puerto Iguazu, and in Brazil it is called Foz de Iguazu. Both cities are very close to each other: only 16km from center to center.
Iguazu Falls on the Argentine side are located 18km from Puerto Iguazu and 29km from the center of Foz de Iguazu.
Iguazu Falls on the Brazilian side are 27km from Puerto Iguazu, and 29km from downtown Foz de Iguazu
Both cities are very close to each national park, that is why all the excursions that we offer on both sides of the falls can pick up from any hotel in both destinations (except in hotels far from the center such as Recanto Cataratas).
The destination is close to several major cities with direct flights. For example, going to Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires only needs to take a plane to get there in about 2 hours. From Rio de Janeiro you can also get to Iguazu in two hours.
The Iguazu Falls on the Argentine side is at latitude -25.68352837588661 and longitude -54.4547103472097.
The Iguazu Falls on the Brazilian side is at latitude -25.61524025766296 and longitude -54.479225906855845.
Airports Near Iguazu Falls
As the Iguazu Falls are shared by Argentina and Brazil, you have two airports to choose from where to get there: Puerto Iguazu (airport code IGR) and Foz de Iguazu (airport code IGU).
Getting to one or the other airport depends on where you come from to visit the destination.
If you want to visit Iguazu from destinations in Argentina such as Buenos Aires, Cordoba, Salta or other, you should look for flights arriving in Puerto Iguazu (airport code IGR).
Now if you come from Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, or even some international destination like Lima (Peru), then look for flights that arrive at Foz de Iguazu (airport code IGU).
Both airports are fairly close to Iguazu Falls, in fact it is quite normal to offer one-day tours that visit the park on flights that arrive and depart the same day – although it may seem rushed, it is an excellent option for passengers who come from cruise ships or who have very little time.
Iguazu Falls on the Argentine side are 9km (15-20 minutes by car). And the falls on the Brazilian side are 4 kilometers away (less than 10 minutes by car).
🏞️ National Parks in Iguazu Falls
As we already mentioned, Iguazu Falls are divided between two countries: Argentina and Brazil.
Both parks offer a different experience and have different characteristics and attractions, which is why it is always recommended to visit both sides.
Iguazu Falls in Argentina 🇦🇷
Iguazu Falls on the Argentine side has the largest tourist portion of the national park, as it offers several trails and roads to get to know the place. However, in size it is still much smaller than the Brazilian side, since there are 67,720 hectares here (while in Brazil there are 185,262 hectares).
The national park is 18 kilometers from Puerto Iguazu. In that city is the great part of the hotels offer of the region, and you must go through there to cross to Foz de Iguazu and visit the Brazilian side.
Puerto Iguazu is located at approximately 1:50 hours by plane from Buenos Aires. There is also a bus offer, although it usually takes approximately 20 hours to arrive.
Circuits in the Argentina Side
The Iguazu National Park on the Argentine side has 6 different circuits to do.
This circuit allows you to have a panoramic view of Iguazu Falls from the upper walkways (does not include the Devil’s Throat). From here you can also see a bit of the lower circuit.
Through approximately 1.75 kilometers, you will have a view from above of the Dos Hermanas, Chico, Ramirez, Bosetti, Adan and Eva, Mendez, and finally Mbiguá waterfalls.
Arriving at the end, you will have an impressive panoramic view of both the Argentine and Brazilian national park, being able to see, for example, the Meliá Iguazu Hotel or the Hotel Belmond Das Cataratas, San Martin Island, the lower circuit and more.
At the end of the road, you will return to the Cataratas train station, which allows you to go to the devil’s throat or the visitor center.
Distance: 1750 meters.
Difficulty: None, without stairs.
Estimated time: 2 hours approximately.
This circuit allows you to enter the jungle through various stairs and walkways, where you will see flora and fauna characteristic of the area. As you move forward you will see a beautiful panoramic view of the falls.
At the same time as you visit this place, in the distance you will be able to see little by little the Devil’s Throat, along with San Martin Island and Bossetti Falls.
If you follow the path, you will find some stairs that will take you to the Dos Hermanas waterfall, where there is a small place with seats to rest. If you follow the path, you will come out at the entry point, just keep in mind that the turn is a steep path and can be quite tiring for some people.
Distance: 1700 meters.
Difficulty: Medium-High, especially on some stairs and the steep path around the corner.
Estimated time: 2 hours approximately.
The Devil’s Throat is one of the main attractions of Iguazu Falls. If you saw photos of the destination, surely many of the shots will have been of this attraction.
The Devil’s Throat allows you to be meters away from the most impressive fall and see it from above. Below you will have all the mist generated by this and the sound that catch your attention during the circuit as you get here. It is undoubtedly the highlight of this park. A unique and unrepeatable experience.
To get to the devil’s throat, it is necessary to take the Ecological Train of the Jungle, which takes all its visitors through the park. It is available all day and has a frequency of approximately 1 every 15 minutes. If you want, you can also walk near the road to the Garganta Station, but keep in mind that it is a long route (approximately 2000 meters).
At the Garganta Station you can take the path that takes you directly to the Devil’s Throat. From here you can take the “Ecological Ride” tour if you want.
This path is approximately 2,200 meters and has several stops with seats in the middle to rest (even in some trees you can see native birds such as toucans).
Towards the end, there is the platform where you can see where the devil’s throat itself, with a strong current of water that sends a large flow of water that then turns into mist. The best time to take photos!
Keep in mind that there are usually quite a few people in this place, so have some patience. If you have the possibility of being at the Melia Iguazu, we recommend you take the first train that leaves there to be the first and see how to enjoy this attraction with a lot less of visitors around.
In this circuit the full moon walk is also taken, which occurs only during some days of each month. If you can, we recommend you come on this date!
Distance: 2200 meters.
Difficulty: Low, the distance is a bit large but the path is flat and has several seats to rest.
Estimated time: 2 hours approximately.
The Macuco trail is a path of approximately 7.7 kilometers (round trip) that allows you to get to know a place with no human intervention. The trail has no construction or anything similar, just a clear path for visitors to walk on.
Thanks to this, you can see a variety of fauna and flora that you will not see anywhere else in the national park. And with a bit of luck, in the trees, there will be groups of monkeys caí around the area. It is recommended, for safety reasons, not to try to approach or feed them.
Along the way, you can also find some signposts that will give some interesting information about the place, which complement the path taken.
At the end of the trail, you will find the Arrechea waterfall, a small waterfall 20 meters high that completes the visit.
Note the restrooms are only available at the beginning of the trail. So, remember to use them before entering because after more than 3 hours there will be nothing similar.
Distance: 3600 meters approximately.
Difficulty: Medium, the first 3 kilometers is quiet and effortless, but the remaining distance is a little more difficult to do.
Estimated time: 3 hours approximately.
The trail is only open from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.
This train was designed to transport people throughout the park and, at the same time, maintain the integrity of the jungle and not damage it on the road.
This train uses a special fuel that does not emit smoke or solid waste, being very friendly to the environment. Not does it generate noise that could affect the animals of the place.
The train has a capacity for 250 people, and since it is not closed you can enjoy the surrounding air and vegetation.
This train has three stations: one is in the visitor center, the other is in the middle of the park, near the lighthouse, and finally the last station is approximately 2000 meters from the devil’s throat.
The train has a frequency of approximately 15 to 20 minutes depending on the flow of people in the place.
This trail is a small 600-meter flat, stairless path that connects the visitor center to the Cataratas train station.
It is a pleasant path, where you can appreciate the nature of the place and even some animals such as birds or coatis.
In addition, this path also connects with the lower or upper circuit.
Distance: 655 meters.
Difficulty: None, it is a short path without stairs.
Estimated time: approximately 30 minutes.
Entry Fee for Iguazu National Park (Argentina)
The entrance fees for Iguazu National Park (Argentina side) in 2023 are as follows:
| Ticket Type | Iguazu Falls – Argentina Side  |
|---|---|
| Adults | $39 USD approx |
| Children (6 to 16) | $19 USD approx |
| Toddlers (Below 6) | Free |
The entrance to the Argentine park includes access to the park and visit of all the circuits and the use of the Ecological Train of the Forest at no extra cost.
Opening Hours of Iguazu National Park
Iguazu National Park on the Argentine side opens from 8:00 a.m. at 18:00 hs (6:00 p.m.). But you can only enter the park until 4:30 p.m.
During Christmas (December 24-25) and New Years (December 31-January 1), the Argentine park has the same hours as always – there is no change.
Map of Iguazu National Park (Argentina Side)
This is the map of the Argentine park. Do not hesitate to consult the hotel for a printed map, they usually have it in the lobby.
You can also print the below image if you want – just click in the image to open the high-res photo.
Iguazu Falls in Brazil 🇧🇷
Iguazu Falls on the Brazilian side, as a national park, was created in 1939, and unlike on the Argentine side, this national park has approximately 180,000 hectares (three times more than the Argentine one).
Combined with the Argentine side, the Parque Nacional do Iguazu completes the visit with a beautiful panoramic view of the Iguazu Falls.
Circuits in the Brazil Side
The Parque Nacional do Iguazu has the peculiarity that it only has one circuit, of approximately 1500 meters. But this section can take approximately 2 hours to complete, since during the journey you will be constantly seeing the falls, so you will surely make several stops to take photos and look at the place.
At the end of the tour, you will find the best part of this national park, as you can be just over 100 meters from an imposing 200-meter jump that will get wet (along the way you can buy pilots to avoid getting clothes or electronic devices like camera photography and phones, get wet).
To get to the beginning of the circuit, you must take the bus that is always at the park entrance. After buying the ticket, you should go to the right where you will see a delimited path to take the bus. There is usually a bus every 20-30 minutes.
The bus will make three stops, the first is the entrance to take the Macuco Safari (highly recommended!), the second is at the beginning of the main circuit entrance, and the last stop is at the end of this circuit, where you can take the elevator to the platform where you can see the best views of the falls.
The path has no difficulty, but you should know that there are several stairs that go up and down. If you want you can skip the second stop and go directly to the end, this way you will avoid the stairs. There you will find an elevator.
At the end of the circuit you will also find a shopping center where you can buy related gifts such as caps, t-shirts, backpacks and more. They accept all kinds of credit or debit cards.
Entry Fee for Iguaçu National Park (Brazil)
The entrance fees for Iguazu National Park (Brazil side) in 2024 are as follows:
| Ticket Type | Iguazu Falls – Brazil Side  |
|---|---|
| Adults | $39 USD approx |
| Children (Below 7) | Free |
The entrance to the Brazilian park includes access to the park, the use of the bus to transport itself, and access to the main circuit.
Opening Hours of Iguaçu National Park
The park opens from 9:00 a.m. at 18hs (6:00 p.m.), but you can only go to the park until 4:30 p.m.
During Christmas (December 24-25) and New Years (December 31-January 1), the Brazilian park has the same hours as always – there is no change.
Map of Iguaçu National Park (Brazil Side)
This is the map of the Brazilian side. This park is much simpler and does not even require the use of a map. Just follow the signs in the park to take the bus that will take you to the entrance of the circuit.
You can also print the below image if you want – just click in the image to open the high-res photo.
❓ Iguazu Falls FAQs
Below, we will answer some quick questions that we are always asked about Iguazu Falls.
Can I swim in the Iguazu Falls?
No, swimming in Iguazu Falls is not allowed under any circumstances. In any case you would be difficult to access the beach since it is not within easy reach.
The only way to be in the waters of the Iguazu Falls, on the Iguazu River is to take a boat ride. It can be the Macuco Safari on the Brazilian side, or Gran Aventura on the Argentine side (the nautical adventure is no longer available).
What is the Entry Fee?
In general, prices are always around 39 US dollars. All tickets can be purchased before starting your visit, and you can pay in cash (Argentine pesos or Brazilian real depending on the park) with a credit or debit card.
You do not need to buy tickets in advance, as that does not prevent you from having to make the general line to redeem your purchase.
In any case, we invite you to see the current price in the corresponding section on this page:
Can I bring a drone to Iguazu Falls?
Unfortunately, it is not allowed to bring a drone to the national park. However, we recommend that you contact the administration of both parks to see if it is possible to obtain a special permit for this.
Are Iguazu Falls safe?
In our experience as a travel agents, we never had any type of problem on the part of the passengers during their visit to the Iguazu Falls. Basic security measures such as having the camera tied or not straying too far from the main avenues is more than enough.
Regarding the animals that you will find during your visit to both national parks, they are friendly (although a little curious). But it is recommended NOT to feed them and obviously not to touch them either, since we never know how they can react to both.
Is it worth going to Iguazu Falls?
Obviously yes! They are a unique destination, and everyone is amazed at the attraction, as it allows them to be seen and experienced in many ways.
And it is an easy destination to visit. A single night is enough to visit both sides of the falls (it can even be visited in one day, taking a flight in the morning and returning at night).
Are there lockers at Iguazu Falls?
Yes! Both national parks (Argentina and Brazil) have lockers to store luggage. It is an excellent option when, for example, you come on a flight that arrives at noon and you want to go directly to the national park.
There are different dimensions, enough to store up to a standard suitcase (those that are sent by hold on the plane).
It has a small extra price, but they are very accessible.
What time are the Iguazu Falls open?
The Iguazu Falls National Park on the Argentine side opens from 8am to 18hs (6:00 p.m.).
The Iguazu Falls National Park on the Brazilian side is open from 9am to 18hs (6:00 p.m.).
Both national parks are open at Christmas and New Years. Just keep in mind that during December 24 and 25 and December 31 and January 1 there are generally no group tours to Iguazu Falls, so you must visit them on your own.
Where to go after the Iguazu Falls?
Iguazu Falls has grown enough to have a good flow of flights from all countries.
From Puerto Iguazu (IGR airport code) you can visit Buenos Aires, Salta, Santa Fe, Cordoba, and even up to Mendoza on some high season flights.
Meanwhile, Foz de Iguazu (airport code IGU) has an airport with several flights not only from Brazil (Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Porto Alegre), but some international ones like Lima, Peru.
From Iguazu, you can also visit the Ibera Wetlands in Argentina, a little-known but excellent destination for nature lovers.
Or you can visit the beautiful Perito Moreno Glacier in El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina (making a stop in Buenos Aires). If you are an adventurous traveler looking for a challenge, you will have the chance to make the famous mini trekking over the Perito Moreno glacier, or even the “Big Ice” trekking.
Which side of Iguazu Falls is better?
Both sides are excellent, and we suggest visiting both parks to get the full experience in here.
However, that does not mean that there are no differences between both sides.
The Brazilian national park is a smaller park than the Argentine side. It consists of a single circuit of approximately 1500 meters. But a fundamental difference with respect to the Argentine side is that during all that journey you will have a constant panoramic view of the Iguazu Falls, which allows you to appreciate it from many angles. This park, due to its dimensions, can be visited in approximately 4 hours (starting from your accommodation).
The Argentine park, meanwhile, is a larger park, it has three main circuits and a secondary one for those who like to trek (Macuco Trail). The three main circuits let you enjoy the Iguazu Falls in different ways. But obviously for this visit you will need more time.
The decision on which side to take from the falls depends on your available time. We always recommend seeing both sides. But if you only have time for a single park, we suggest visiting the park that is closest to your arrival airport. For example, if you arrive through Puerto Iguazu (IGR) and depart through this airport too, it is better to visit the Argentine side, since this way you save the time it takes to cross the border.
🐆 Wildlife in Iguazu Falls
Iguazu Falls is the home of a great variety of animal life that cannot be found anywhere else.
On your visit to both national parks, it is very easy to find coaties, an small four-legged and long-tailed animals that roam the area in search of food that visitors usually give them (for safety reasons, they are asked NOT to feed them ).
Another animal that you will easily see is the toucan. It is generally easier to see it in some tress on the Devil’s Throat circuit.
In addition to the toucan, there are many bird species that you can see throughout the tour. If you are interested in bird watching and want to do it during your visit, do not hesitate to see our Birdwatching tour in Iguazu.
Although a little more difficult, another animal that can be seen is the monkey caí, small animals that hang around the park in a group. In the same way, they approach tourists in the hope of obtaining a snack, but you should not give them any type of food.
Other animals present in the area, but not possible to see in the park is the yaguareté, a feline that is currently in danger of extinction. Naturally it is difficult to see it in the park since they always get away from people.
The tapir is another animal that can also be seen in this area. This animal is one of the largest mammals in Latin America, although it is quite difficult to locate it. If you are interested, there is a tour to see tapirs at night in the Uruguay-i provincial park.
If you are interested in seeing these animals and other species more closely and in detail, you can go to zoos such as the Bird Park in Foz de Iguazu, or Guira Oga in Puerto Iguazu. The mission of these two places is to recover animals injured on the routes or rescued from animal trafficking, to heal them and then reintroduce them to their habitat. The animals that can be seen in these places are those that can no longer re-enter to their habitat.
🌤️ Weather in Iguazu Falls
The climate in the Iguazu falls is typical of the jungle: humid and hot. Obviously depending on the season it can be more or less hot, but in general it is a destination to go with comfortable and light clothing.
Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent!
We invite you to see our travel guide to see what the best date is to go to Iguazu Falls.
Start planning your trip to iguazu
We have put together a travel guide that will allow you, step by step, to plan your best trip to Iguazu Falls.
See our travel guide or start planning your trip by reading the first article to learn when is the best date to go to Iguazu.
Best Time to Visit Iguazu Falls, in Argentina and Brazil
Discover when is the best time to visit Iguazu Falls.