Planning a visit to the majestic Iguazu Falls can be as daunting as it is exciting. With its vast expanse and numerous attractions, where do you start, especially on the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls?
This natural wonder, spanning the border of Brazil and Argentina, offers an array of breathtaking sights and experiences. However, navigating through the plethora of options and ensuring you don’t miss the highlights can be a challenge.
This is where our guide steps in. From uncovering the best times to visit to exploring the must-see trails and activities, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to discover how you can make the most of your trip to the Iguazu falls Brazil side, turning a potentially overwhelming experience into an unforgettable adventure.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FIRST
Park Hours and Admission fees
The park opens at 8 AM and the last entry is at 4 PM. The first bus to the main viewpoint leaves the Visitor Center at 8am and the last one leaves the Porto Canoas Restaurant at 5:30pm.
Foreigners’ entry is 100 Brazilian Reals, which is about €18 or USD$20 as of January 2024. Mercosur and Brazilian residents’ entry fee is R$91, and children below 6 years old (foreigner or not) enter for free.
Keep an eye on the park’s official website for occasional promotions and combo tickets. You can also buy your ticket directly at the entrance of the park if you want more flexibility on the day and time.
The entry includes the internal transport to/from the falls (more about his below).
Dining and Amenities
You’ll find cafes near the entrance and a restaurant (Porto Canoas) overlooking the falls. It is a nice spot to refuel and soak in the beauty but it obviously comes with a price. So if you are on a budget, you can bring your own snack. Besides food, the park is well-equipped with amenities like restrooms, souvenir shops, elevator to the main viewpoint and a visitor center.
Tips for Visitors
Here’s a nugget of advice – wear comfortable shoes and waterproof clothes. If you can bring some change of clothes, do so.
For the photographers, make sure to cover your camera/DSLR with a waterproof cover and bring microfiber cleaner cloth to remove the droplets from your lenses.
HOW TO VISIT THE BRAZILIAN Side
While the Park in Brazil is 3 times bigger than the Argentinian side, the access to the falls isn’t as extended. There is only one circuit on the Brazilian side of the Iguazu falls, but it will bring you to one of the most incredible viewpoint!
The bus ride
First, you will need to hop on a 15/20-min bus ride. There are a few stops on the way. The first one is to the dock where you can take a boat tour (more on this in the activity section), the second stops will drop you off at the start of a walking trail while the 3rd and last stop is at the Porto Canoas area.
Cataratas Trail
If you can take the walk the “Waterfall Trail” (Trilha das Cataratas), do not miss out. It’s an approximately 1.2-kilometer (0.75 miles) walk follow the Iguazu River and offer spectacular views of the falls. The trail is relatively easy and flat, making it accessible for most visitors. Count about 30-45 min to truly embrace the views and take photos.
This walk is designed to give you an unobstructed panoramic view of the Iguazu falls. In fact, instead of walking within the falls like in Argentina, you will witness no less than 200 waterfalls crashing down into the gorge below.
Although, it is a popular attraction, so the viewpoint platforms can get very busy. If you can, head to the park early in the morning to beat the heat and the crowd.
Towards the end, the walk leads to a boardwalk that extends out to a closer view of the Devil’s Throat, where you can feel the spray of the falls. This is the most powerful section of the falls. Don’t rush through; take your time to experience this natural wonder from every angle.
Devil’s Throat Up Close
While part of the Waterfall Trail, the Devil’s Throat Walk deserves its own mention. This boardwalk takes you to the base of the park’s most powerful and majestic waterfall, the Devil’s Throat. The walkway extends over the river, offering a stunning panoramic view.
Here, the thunderous sound of water and the mist rising around you create an unforgettable experience. It’s nature’s raw power on full display, and you’re right at the heart of it.
The final platform
That final platform brings you up close to the falls and offer a real nice perspective. It is accessible from the bus stop #3. There is even an elevator for a better accessibility.
Other Trails and activities
The Poço Preto Trail
The Poço Preto Trail offers a multifaceted tour experience. To start you will follow a nine-kilometer trail either on foot, by bike, or with an electric vehicle. The trail itself is an immersive experience in the dense rainforest, allowing you to closely observe and appreciate the rich biodiversity of the area.
At the end of the Poço Preto Trail you will find a 10-meter high observatory, ideally placed to spot wildlife.
The adventure continues with a boat trip on the calm waters of the Iguassu River, and finishes with some kayaking! This segment takes place on the upper part of the Iguassu River, where the waters are calm and there are no waterfalls or extreme rapids. It’s a safe and enjoyable way to experience the river, suitable for all ages and skill levels.
The Bananeiras Trail
This is a relatively easy 2.5 km (one way) trail. The Bananeiras Trail goes through the park’s wetlands and is an excellent spot Capuchin Monkeys and Capybaras.
At the end of the trail, you will find a beautiful place with a deck overlooking the Iguassu River. From the Deck, you can either take a Jeep back to the start (or walk back) or jump on a boat ride upstream to then kayak back downstream the Iguassu River.
It is best to reserve ahead and our recommendation would be to do this activity in the morning when the animals are more active.
The Macuco Safari
The Macuco Safari is an essential part of the Iguazu experience. It involves a jungle truck ride through the rainforest and a boat trip that takes you up close to the base of the waterfalls. This is an exhilarating way to see the falls and the surrounding nature.
You can book this popular and highly-rated tour which includes the transport from/to your accommodation in Foz do Iguazu, the entry of the park and the Macuco boat trip to the bottom of the falls. This is the ideal package for the best experience without the hassle!
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT IGUAZU FALLS?
Wet Season: October to April
If you’re after the most dramatic and powerful views of the falls, the wet season is the time to go. The increased rainfall swells the rivers, leading to a spectacular display of the falls at their fullest and most majestic. However, be prepared for heavier rain, which can occasionally lead to trail closures, and more humid conditions. This period also coincides with warmer temperatures, which can be a factor to consider if you’re not accustomed to tropical climates.
From March to April, you may get a bit less rain and better weather to visit while the falls will still be powerful. It is in our opinion the best time to visit Iguazu Falls n both Argentina & Brazil.
Dry Season: June to September
During these months, you’ll encounter less rainfall. This results in clearer skies and less mist around the falls, which enhances visibility and makes for excellent photography conditions. The water flow is lower, offering a different, less intense perspective of the falls. Additionally, the dry season usually means fewer mosquitos and more comfortable walking conditions on the trails.
Consider Crowds and Holidays
Peak tourist times, particularly around Brazilian and Argentine national holidays and the summer months in both countries (December to February), can see the park at its busiest. Easter is South America is just so busy that we wouldn’t recommend. Most shops are closed and all the locals travel around. If you can avoid this period, it is best.
Can You visit Iguazu Falls Brazil in One Day?
Yes, one day is enough to visit the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls. Even if you want to do all the activities here like the Macubo trail and the kayaking, that should be enough. As long as you are organized and have booked your activities.
This tour is the most popular amongst visitors since it includes the transport from/to your accommodation in Foz do Iguazu, the entry of the park and the Macuco boat trip to the bottom of the falls.
Can You visit Both sides in One Day?
If your plan is to visit the Brazil Iguazu falls and cross over to Argentina to visit the other part of the national park, allocate a couple of days minimum.
While the border is easy to cross it can take quite some time, depending on your mode of transport. We took the public bus and it took about 3 hours to travel from the Iguazu falls Brazil to Puerto Iguazu. We share more about this experience in this article.
For those short on time, I would recommend to start with Brazil at 8 am. Book a private transport to drive you to the Argentine side. Aim to be at the entrance of the second park by 1pm. Get your ticket stamped as you leave the Argentinian park and head back the next day if you want to (you will get a 50% off your 2nd entry).
🍀Now, for those who don’t want to organize all of this all yourself, (and I totally get why you wouldn’t haha), this 2-day tours is what you need! Make sure to read what’s included and what’s not to avoid surprises though.
Should you also visit the Argentinean side?
Absolutely! both side are worth it, but if you were to choose one, I would suggest to not miss the Argentinean side. It is a very vast park with lots of trails and incredible views of the falls. On that part, not only will you see great panoramic, you will walk within the falls.
HOW TO GET TO the brazilian side of Iguazu falls
From Foz do Iguaçu
Public transportation
Foz do Iguaçu serves as the gateway to the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls. If you’re staying in the city, buses run regularly from the city center to the park, making it an easy and affordable option. Look for the bus with the sign “Cataratas”. It should be about R$5 (€0.90 / $1 USD) and the ride is about 45 minutes.
There are a few stops within the town, but if you are unsure if the route passes nearby your accommodation (ask the staff), or hear to the main bus station. Buses departs very regularly.
Other
Taxis services offer more convenience and can take you directly to the park entrance. It usually costs about €10 if you find a driver that is willing to take you across. They often reluctant due to the time required.
While there is Uber in Brazil, drivers are not allowed to transport passengers across the border. For those who prefer driving, rental cars are widely available, providing the flexibility to explore at your own pace (but not necessary).
From Rio de Janeiro
The most efficient way is to fly from Rio to Foz do Iguaçu International Airport, with the flight taking approximately two hours. Upon landing, you can opt for a taxi or a public bus to reach the falls. Once again look for the bus with the sign “Cataratas”.
The park has luggage storage so depending on when your flight lands, you can head straight to the park from the airport. This is what I did and it was really convenient.
You can also take a bus Rio, but that’s about 24 hours trip and it is not cheaper than flying if you book your flights in advance. If you look into it last minute, bus will be more affordable for sure.
From Puerto Iguazú
Crossing over from Argentina’s Puerto Iguazú to the Brazilian side of the falls is a popular option for many visitors. You can take a public bus that crosses the border; remember to have your passport handy for the immigration checkpoint.
Although, from my experience, the bus doesn’t wait for you. So once you are done with the border formality in Argentina, you need to wait for the next bus, cross the bridge, and hop off to do the Brazilian formalities. Then take another bus to Foz do Iguazu or the falls! It is lengthy. Make sure to have water and snacks, as there is nothing on the way.
Taxis are available too, offering a direct and hassle-free way to travel between the two countries. Note that crossing the border does involve customs and immigration procedures, so allot some extra time for these formalities.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jen – Owner, writer & photographer – has lived for the past 10 years across Oceania and Ireland while also travelling long-term in Latin America, North America and Europe. She has visited more than 60 countries and set foot on every continent in the world!
>> Favourite countries: New Zealand, Bolivia, Iceland.
>> Wishlist: Svalbard, Japan, Botswana, Alaska.
>> Philosophy: “We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.
Jen is a coffee nerd, passionate about photography, wildlife and outdoor activities. Her organisation and curiosity make her a great travel companion always looking for DIY and off-the-grid adventures. For more info, check out the About page.
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