Iguazu Falls in Argentina πŸ‡¦πŸ‡· & Brazil πŸ‡§πŸ‡· – 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,Β 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.

Half Day Tour to Iguazu Falls - Brazilian Side
End of the Circuit in Iguazu Falls (Brazil Side)
Full Day Tour to Iguazu Falls - Argentina Side
Lower Circuit in Iguzu Falls (Argentina Side)

πŸ₯Š 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?

Β 

Iguazu Falls πŸ‡¦πŸ‡· πŸ‡§πŸ‡·

Niagara Falls πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦

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:

Β 

Iguazu Falls πŸ‡¦πŸ‡· πŸ‡§πŸ‡·

Victoria Falls πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡² πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡Ό

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.

πŸ“œ 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 MbyΓ‘-GuaranΓ­ 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 NuΓ±ez Cabeza de Vaca, who during a journey from what we now know as AsunciΓ³n (Paraguay) would encounter the falls, which he would call β€œSaltos 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 NuΓ±ez, allowed them to build the first highway from Puerto Iguazu (Misiones, Argentina) to Iguazu Falls.

Iguazu Falls (1910)
Photo of Iguazu Falls (1910) - General Archive of the Nation (Argentina)

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.

πŸ—ΊοΈ 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 toΒ offer one-day tours that visit the park on flights that arrive and depart the same dayΒ – 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 πŸ‡¦πŸ‡·

Full Day Tour to Iguazu Falls - Argentina Side
Devil's Throat in Iguazu Falls (Argentina Side)

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

The Iguazu National Park on the Argentine side has 6 different circuits to do.

Entry Fee

The entrance fees for Iguazu National Park (Argentina side) in 2023 are as follows:

Ticket TypeIguazu Falls – Argentina Side πŸ‡¦πŸ‡·
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

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

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.

Map of Iguazu Falls's National Park (Argentina)
Map of Iguazu Falls's National Park (Argentina)
Green Trail in Iguazu Falls
Photo of the Green Trail in Iguazu Falls (Argentina Side)
Rainforest Train
Rainforest Train in Iguazu Falls (Argentina Side)
Macuco Trail
Macuco Train in Iguazu Falls (Argentina Side)
Lower Circuit in Iguazu Falls (Argentina)
Lower Circuit in Iguazu Falls (Argentina)
Upper Circuit in Iguazu Falls
Upper Circuit in Iguazu Falls (Argentina Side)

Iguazu Falls in Brazil πŸ‡§πŸ‡·

Half Day Tour to Iguazu Falls - Brazilian Side
End of the Circuit in Iguazu Falls (Brazil Side)

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

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

The entrance fees for Iguazu National Park (Brazil side) in 2023 are as follows:

Ticket TypeIguazu Falls – Brazil Side πŸ‡§πŸ‡·
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

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

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 - Brazilian Side Map
Iguazu Falls - Brazilian Side Map
Half Day Tour to Iguazu Falls - Brazilian Side
End of the Circuit in Iguazu Falls (Brazil Side)
Half Day Tour to Iguazu Falls - Brazilian Side
Bird in Parque Das Aves (close to the brazilian park)
Half Day Tour to Iguazu Falls - Brazilian Side
Iguazu Falls from the Helicopter Ride tour
Half Day Tour to Iguazu Falls - Brazilian Side
Iguazu Falls in Brazil
Half Day Tour to Iguazu Falls - Brazilian Side
Argentinean falls from the Brazilian side

❓ 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.Β 

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.

πŸ† Wildlife in Iguazu Falls

Full Day Tour to Iguazu Falls - Argentina Side
Full Day Tour to Iguazu Falls - Argentina Side

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 ourΒ Birdwatching tour in Iguazu.

Although a little more difficult, another animal that can be seen is the monkey caΓ­, 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 yaguaretΓ©, 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 toΒ 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.

Tapir and Yacutinga Watching Tour
Yacutinga in Urugua-i Provincial Park (Source: La Lorenza Iguazu)
Birdwatching in La Lorenza Iguazu
Toucans in Iguazu Area (Source: La Lorenza Iguazu)
Birdwatching in La Lorenza Iguazu
Birds in Iguazu Area (Source: La Lorenza Iguazu)
Tapir and Yacutinga Watching Tour
Tapir in Urugua-i Provincial Park (Source: La Lorenza Iguazu)

🌀️ 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.

Humidity in Iguazu Falls - Month to Month
Humidity in Iguazu Falls - Month to Month
Temperatures in Iguazu Falls - Month to Month
Temperatures in Iguazu Falls - Month to Month
Rainy Days in Iguazu Falls - Month to Month
Rainy Days in Iguazu Falls - Month to Month
Rain in mm in Iguazu Falls - Month to Month
Rain in mm in Iguazu Falls - Month to Month

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.

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