Where is Iguazu Falls on a map?

the amazing Devil´s Throat

Iguazu Falls is located on the Iguazu River, directly on the international border between Argentina and Brazil. The waterfalls lie within Iguazú National Park in Misiones Province, Argentina, and Iguaçu National Park in Paraná State, Brazil.

The two main gateway cities are Puerto Iguazú in Argentina and Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil. Paraguay is part of the nearby Triple Frontier region, but the waterfalls are not located in Paraguay and cannot be seen from Paraguayan territory.

The approximate coordinates of Iguazu Falls are 25.6953° S, 54.4367° W.

Which Airport Should You Use for Iguazu Falls?

There are two main airports serving the destination, one on each side of the border.

Cataratas del Iguazu International Airport (IGR)

The Cataratas del Iguazu International Airport, also known as IGR, is located on the Argentine side. It is situated outside the center of Puerto Iguazu, near the protected area and the access route to the Argentine national park.

This airport is generally the most convenient option for travelers arriving from Buenos Aires or other Argentine cities and planning to begin their visit on the Argentine side.

Foz do Iguaçu International Airport (IGU)

The Foz do Iguaçu International Airport, or IGU, is located on the Brazilian side, between the city of Foz do Iguaçu and the entrance to Iguaçu National Park.

It is generally the most convenient option for travelers arriving from Brazilian cities or planning to stay in Foz do Iguaçu.

Both airports can be used to visit the Argentine and Brazilian sides. However, traveling from one country to the other requires an international border crossing, so visitors should consider immigration procedures and transfer times when planning their itinerary.

Iguazu Falls Location at a Glance

Location fact Details
Countries Argentina and Brazil
River Iguazu River
Argentine region Misiones Province
Brazilian region Paraná State
Argentine gateway Puerto Iguazú
Brazilian gateway Foz do Iguaçu
Argentine airport IGR — Cataratas del Iguazú International Airport
Brazilian airport IGU — Foz do Iguaçu International Airport
Coordinates 25.6953° S, 54.4367° W
Is Iguazu Falls in Paraguay? No. Paraguay is nearby, but no part of the waterfalls is located there.

 

What Is the Difference Between IGR and IGU?

IGR and IGU are two different airports located in two different countries.

  • IGR is the airport on the Argentine side. It is generally the most convenient choice for travelers arriving from Buenos Aires or staying in Puerto Iguazú.
  • IGU is the airport on the Brazilian side. It is generally the most convenient choice for travelers arriving from São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro or other Brazilian cities, or staying in Foz do Iguaçu.

Both airports provide access to Iguazu Falls. However, travelers who land in one country and stay or visit the park in the other must cross an international border and complete the corresponding immigration formalities.

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What Is the Triple Frontier?

The Triple Frontier is the region where Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay meet near the confluence of the Iguazu and Paraná rivers.

The three nearby cities are:

  • Puerto Iguazu, Argentina
  • Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil
  • Ciudad del Este, Paraguay

The Triple Frontier and Iguazu Falls are two different locations. The trinational meeting point is close to the urban areas, while the waterfalls are located farther east on the Iguazu River, between Argentina and Brazil.

The region offers several attractions in addition to the national parks, including the Three Borders Landmarks, Itaipu Dam, Ciudad del Este, and cultural and historical sites in the surrounding area.

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How Far Is Iguazu Falls From the Closest Cities?

The distance depends on which national park and entrance you plan to visit.

Puerto Iguazu is approximately 18 kilometers from the entrance to Iguazú National Park on the Argentine side. No international border crossing is required for this journey.

On the Brazilian side, the visitor center of Iguaçu National Park is located on BR-469, at kilometer 18, outside central Foz do Iguaçu.

Traveling from Puerto Iguazu to the Brazilian park, or from Foz do Iguaçu to the Argentine park, requires crossing the international border. The total travel time may vary depending on traffic and immigration procedures.

Visitors staying in Ciudad del Este must cross into either Brazil or Argentina before visiting the waterfalls.

Can You See Iguazu Falls From Paraguay?

No. Iguazu Falls cannot be seen from Paraguay.

The waterfalls are located between Argentina and Brazil, several kilometers from the Triple Frontier. Viewpoints in Paraguay offer views of the Paraná River, the surrounding cities, and the trinational region, but not the waterfalls themselves.

Travelers staying in Paraguay must cross into Brazil or Argentina to enter one of the national parks and visit Iguazu Falls.

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How Far Is Iguazu Falls From Puerto Iguazú, Foz do Iguaçu and Major Cities?

The distances below are approximate and may vary depending on the starting point, park entrance and selected road. Local distances are measured from the city center to the corresponding national park visitor area, while long-distance routes are measured to the main gateway city.

Starting point Destination Approximate distance by road Most convenient access
Puerto Iguazú Argentine park entrance 18 km / 11 miles Direct access without crossing a border
Foz do Iguaçu Brazilian park entrance 18 km / 11 miles Direct access without crossing a border
Buenos Aires Puerto Iguazú 1,250 km / 775 miles Fly to IGR or travel overland
Rio de Janeiro Foz do Iguaçu About 1,500 km / 930 miles Fly to IGU or travel overland
São Paulo Foz do Iguaçu 1,030–1,055 km / 640–655 miles Fly to IGU or travel overland

For detailed transportation options, see our guides about traveling from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls and getting from São Paulo to Iguazu Falls.

Is Iguazu Falls Located in Paraguay?

No. Although Paraguay is very close to Iguazu Falls, the waterfalls are located exclusively between Argentina and Brazil.

Ciudad del Este, Paraguay, forms part of the Triple Frontier together with Puerto Iguazú and Foz do Iguaçu. However, the Triple Frontier landmark is approximately 20 kilometers west of the waterfalls. Visitors staying in Paraguay must cross an international border into Brazil or Argentina to enter either national park.

The falls cannot be seen from Ciudad del Este or from the Paraguayan viewpoints overlooking the Paraná River. Those viewpoints show the trinational urban area and the river confluence—not Iguazu Falls.

Maps of Iguazu Falls: Argentine and Brazilian Sides

If you are planning a trip to Iguazu Falls, having a map of each national park can help you identify the main circuits, viewpoints, transportation areas, visitor services, and park entrances.

The Argentine and Brazilian sides offer different experiences and have separate visitor infrastructures. For this reason, it is useful to review both maps before organizing your visit.

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Ramiro Rodriguez

25 years working in the travel industry, as Sales & Marketing Manager at RipioTurismo. Marketing Manager at Nuevas Ideas Travel Consulting Group. Writer and travel lover.

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