Eleanor Roosevelt’s awe-struck “Poor Niagara” comment encapsulates the grandeur of the Iguazu Falls, a natural wonder nestled at the heart of a historic division of land following a war between Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay.
Today, these magnificent falls are split between two national parks located on either side of the Iguazu River, with Argentina boasting about 80% of the cascades. While debates often arise over which side presents the best view, there’s no denying the unique and immersive experience the Argentine side offers.
This guide dives into how you can explore the stunning vistas and thunderous falls of Argentina’s Iguazu without stretching your budget. From the best times to visit to cost-effective transportation and tips for an unforgettable experience, get ready to embark on a journey to one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders. Here is our complete guide to visiting Iguazu Falls in Argentina.
What you need to know First
Park Hours and Entry
Iguazú National Park on the Argentinian side welcomes visitors every day, starting from 8 am. To make the most of your day, plan to arrive early. Keep in mind, entry into the park ceases at 4:30 pm, and all visitors must exit by 6 pm.
Admission Fees and Discounts
For international visitors, the entry fee is set at 20,000 Argentine pesos. If you validate your ticket upon exiting (get a stamp from the ticket office) on your first day, you’re eligible for a 50% discount on a consecutive second day’s visit. This offer is a great way to extend your exploration without doubling the cost.
You can pay the entrance fee either in cash, using Argentine pesos, or via credit card. You can also buy tickets online on the official website but you will be give an specific entry time.
Once in the park, the entry ticket grants access to all the trails in the park, including the upper and lower circuits as well as the shuttle train to the iconic Devil’s Throat and the ferry boat to San Martin Island.
💰 Note: The entry cost may fluctuate due to inflation. The official website doesn’t display ticket prices (you need to register with your email address to see the current price & buy tickets online – which you don’t have to). As of January 2024, the entry cost was ARS$20,000 – about USD $25 / €22)
Dining and Amenities
Within the park, you’ll find various restaurants and facilities, although they can be quite expensive for those travelling on a budget. You are allowed to bring your own food within the park. Just be careful with Coatis who hang out near the restaurants. They will try to steel your food. While these wild animal may look cute, they can bite, so ensure to not get too close or leave food unattended.
Tips for Visitors
- Start Early: To avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures, it’s advisable to start your visit early in the day.
- Stay Hydrated: The humid climate calls for carrying water to stay hydrated during your exploration.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing: Comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes are recommended.
How to visit the park
Upper Circuit
The Upper Circuit is a series of walkways approximately 1,750 meters long. It’s an accessible path that meanders through the lush subtropical forest, leading you to the top of several major waterfalls. As you walk, you’re greeted by the thunderous sound of water plunging into the depths below. The mist from the falls creates a microclimate, often resulting in rainbows that add to the visual spectacle.
One of the most striking features of the Upper Circuit is the opportunity to see the falls from above. You’ll find viewing platforms strategically placed for optimal viewing experiences. These platforms allow you to stand right over the falls’ precipice, where you can feel the spray of water and hear the roar of the cascades.
The dense rainforest around the falls is home to a variety of birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. It’s not uncommon to spot toucans or colorful parrots flying overhead.
- Duration: Allocate at least 1 to 2 hours to fully enjoy the circuit.
- Difficulty: Easy, with flat walkways suitable for most visitors.
Lower Circuit
The Lower Circuit at Iguazu Falls is a trail that offers an up-close and immersive experience of the falls. Unlike the Upper Circuit, which provides panoramic views from above, the Lower Circuit allows visitors to feel the power and majesty of the falls from a closer vantage point. This part of the park feels more adventurous.
As the Lower Circuit descends into the heart of the jungle, it offers close-up views of several waterfalls. It also connects to a dock from where you can take a free boat ride to San Marino Island or jump on a paid excursion to the bottom of the falls.
Before walking the Lower Circuit, remember it’s a more physically demanding route than the Upper Circuit. The trail includes a series of steps and uneven paths, so wearing comfortable, sturdy footwear is a must. Also, be prepared to get wet due to the mist and spray from the falls, so waterproof gear or a change of clothes is advisable.
- Duration: Around 1.5-2 hours.
- Difficulty: Moderate, with some stairs and uneven terrain.
Visiting the San Martin Island
Our personal favourite part of the park was San Martin Island, a frequently overlooked area of the Iguazu Falls, yet it offers some of the most spectacular views.
Accessing the island is a bit of an insider secret. Here’s how to get there:
- Trail to the Dock: As you explore the Lower cirtcuit, you’ll come across a spot where the trail divides. One path leads down to a dock area where a signs indicate that a ferry ticket is required for entry. However, what’s not mentioned, is that two types of boats operate from this dock!
- Ferry vs. Free Boat: Aside from the paid ferry that brings visitor very close to the bottom of the falls, there is also small boat linking San Martin Island at no cost.
- On the island: follow the trails around the island that will take you to beautiful view points. We got a sense that we were entering Jurassic Park. A short hike up will bring you to what we believe is the most impressive view in the park of the Iguazu falls. A wide opening with dozens of falls only 10s off meters in front.
Devil’s Throat
A very close second favorite in our eyes, “the devil’s throat” or ‘Garganta del Diablo’ in Spanish, stands as the crown jewel of Iguazu Falls. This is one of those once in a lifetime experiences.
The reason for visiting Devil’s Throat is simple – it’s the most dramatic and awe-inspiring part of Iguazu Falls. The walkway leading up to it allows you to stand right at the edge, where you can witness an endless flow of water plunging into a misty abyss. The sound is deafening, the sight is breathtaking, and the feeling of the mist on your face is exhilarating. This is where the grandeur of Iguazu Falls is felt most intensely.
Accessed via a small train ride and a walk along a long footbridge, this is the main attraction. Standing at the Devil’s Throat, one can truly feel the power of the Iguazu Falls as water plunges from a height of 82 meters.
- Duration: About 1-1.5 hours.
- Difficulty: Easy and flat.
The journey to the Devil’s Throat begins with a scenic train ride, offered free of charge. This ride transports visitors through the lush surroundings, providing a serene start to the adventure. After disembarking, the path continues along a series of boardwalks that meander over the vast rivers below. It’s a journey where the natural habitat thrives, giving visitors a chance to observe wildlife such as catfish and alligators basking in their natural environment.
As you progress along the boardwalks, the distant rumble of the falls grows increasingly louder, resembling the sound of thunder. This auditory crescendo builds the anticipation, leading up to the moment of arrival at the main viewing platform.
Note: it can happen that due to heavy rain, the Garganta del Diablo might be closed to the public. As of January 2024, due to recent river flooding, the Devil’s Throat circuit is CLOSED. You can check the latest news on the official website.
Other Trails
If you have more time, you can also walk the Macuco Trail, a 30-minutes walk connecting the visitor center to the Iguazu river. This lesser-known path takes you through the dense rainforest, where you can spot a variety of flora and fauna. The trail ends at the Arrechea waterfall, a serene spot perfect for those seeking tranquility away from the main falls.
The Green Trail is a short and easy walk, that you will take from the Visitor Center to the Upper, Lower Circuits and the train station. This trail goes through a dense tropical forest, offering a first glimpse to the park’s natural beauty.
Tours and activities in Iguazu Falls
Walks in the Full Moon
Visiting Iguazu Falls during a full moon is a distinctive experience that the national park offers to visitors only a few times a month around the full moon. These exclusive excursions follow the Devil’s Throat Circuit and allows visitors to appreciate the falls in a quieter, more intimate setting, away from the usual daytime crowds.
If you are interested in these tours, check out the official website to book your tour. They depart the Visitor center at 7:45pm, 8:50pm & 9:15pm and are led by professional guides in both Spanish and English. The full moon walks usually last 2.5h and cost about USD $130 per adult.
Note that you won’t get the 50% Discount benefit for 2nd day with this ticket and there a few terms & conditions to read prior to booking.
Guided tour
In my opinion, you do not need a guided tour to visit Iguazu Falls in Argentina. The park is open to all visitors and easy to discover on your own.
However, if you are looking for a convenient way to see the falls with all included, you can check out this day tour from Puerto Iguazu which includes the park entry and hotel pick up.
For those looking for a more adventurous trip to the Iguazu falls, don’t miss this Iguazu falls trip with Jeep tour & Boat Ride. The tour offers pick up and drop-off from your accommodation in Puerto Iguazu, the transfer to the falls, time to walk the 3 main circuits, a 4X4 ride in the Jungle (to look for wildlife) and a boat ride to the bottom of the waterfall! (make sure to get a change of clothes, you will for sure get soaked on that boat ride! but it is a lot of fun). Note the entry fee is not included.
Of course, if you want to visit both side of the falls without the pain to organize it all yourself, this 2-day tours is what you need! Make sure to read what’s included and what’s not to avoid surprises though.
Tours on site
If you haven’t booked any boat tour or jeep ride ahead, you can buy these excursions once inside the park. The boat ride to the bottom of the fall, leaves from the same dock as the ferry to San Marino. However, you will need to buy your ticket ahead at the visitor center or one of the booth.
The Jeep tours can also be purchased from the visitor center. They are marketized as the Jungle Jeep Adventure and wildlife tours (with chances to see monkeys and even jaguars… although the probability for the later are very slim).
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. Visiting outside of these peak times can mean a more tranquil experience.
how much time Do you need?
Can you visit Iguazu Falls Argentina in one day?
Yes, it’s entirely possible to visit Iguazu Falls on the Argentine side in just one day. While a longer stay allows for a more relaxed exploration, a well-planned day trip can cover many of the park’s highlights. I visited the Argentinian side in one day and though that was enough, but if you need more time or are undecided, just make sure to get your ticket stamped as you leave the park on day one. In case you want to head back the next day, you will get 50% off.
Should you also visit Brazil side?
If you have time, the answer is 100% yes. I loved that side of the park and would recommend doing the Brazilian Iguazu falls. I have a full article on how to visit it (coming soon). Although, I don’t think you can do it in one day. It would be way too busy to really appreciate the national park. But in the end, that’s up to you. It is feasible if well organized and not done with public transport.
You can read our own experience at the end of the article on taking public buses to cross from Brazil into Argentina… so if you want to visit both sides of Iguazu falls in a day, take a private driver!
How to get to Iguazu falls Argentina
Puerto Iguazu is the main town near the Iguazu falls in Argentina, and reaching the park is straightforward. Buses regularly depart from the bus station (terminal central), providing an easy and affordable way to get to the park. Taxis are also available but are a lot more expensive. In our opinion you don’t need to rent a car either, buses are frequent and efficient.
Bus Transportation
Buses to Iguazú National Park run frequently from the central bus station in Puerto Iguazú (every 20 to 30 minutes). The journey takes approximately 40 minutes. It is the most popular and budget-friendly option.
You can buy your ticket directly at the station prior to jumping on the bus. No reservation will be needed. Cost should be less than US $10 but with Argentine Pesos inflation and current exchange fluctuation, providing a specific ARS would more than likely be incorrect. Prices on the bus company website are also not displayed (ie. Rio Uruguay).
Taxi Services
For a more direct and private mode of transport, taxis are readily available in Puerto Iguazú. Although more expensive than the bus, a taxi offers the convenience of door-to-door service and can be a good option if you’re traveling in a group.
Guided tours
You can book a day tour like this one, which is more a transport service to and from the park with hotel pick up than a full day tours. However, there is guide who will speak about the park and the falls during the transfer. Although you will be on your own to walk around the park (and entry cost or boat tour aren’t included). It is a good option if you don’t want the hassle of going to the main station and take the public bus.
Car Rentals
While not necessary, renting a car from Puerto Iguazu is an option for those who prefer having their own vehicle. Roads to the park are well-signed and easy to navigate.
Getting to Iguazu from Buenos Aires
By Air
The most efficient way to travel from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls is by flying. The flight from Buenos Aires to Cataratas del Iguazú International Airport (IGR), near Puerto Iguazú, takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. There are regular flights operated by various airlines, including Aerolineas Argentinas and LATAM, from both Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) and Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires.
Once you arrive at IGR, the falls are just a short drive away. You can take a taxi, rent a car, or use a shuttle service to reach your hotel or the national park directly.
By Bus
For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, long-distance buses run from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazú. This journey is quite long, taking approximately 18 to 20 hours, but modern buses in Argentina are comfortable and often provide services such as reclining seats, food, and onboard entertainment.
Bus services depart from Retiro bus station in Buenos Aires. It’s advisable to book your bus tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
By Car
Renting a car and driving from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls is an option for those who prefer a road trip. The distance is about 1,300 kilometers (approximately 800 miles), and the drive can take around 14-16 hours, depending on traffic and stops along the way. This option offers flexibility and the opportunity to see more of the Argentine countryside, but it’s best suited for those who are comfortable with long-distance driving in foreign countries.
If you want to rent a car in advance, we would recommend using Discover Cars. The best part about Discover Cars is that you get full coverage for less than €7 a day! You can also compare all the companies in the market, choose the type of car you want and see all the most recent customer reviews before making a booking. On the website, you can easily narrow your search price to find the best deal within your budget.
BEST ONLINE CAR RENTAL COMPARATOR – DISCOVER CARS
When booking a rental car in Chile online, we recommend using Discover Cars because they offer Full coverage for less than €7. It is one of the best rental car comparators out there!
Getting to Iguazu Falls Argetina, from BRazil
If you are in Foz do Iguazu, Brazil and want to cross to the Argentinian side, here’s how you can make the journey.
By Car or Taxi
If you’re staying in Foz do Iguaçu, you can easily hire a taxi or rent a car to drive to the Argentine side. The journey is about 25 kilometers (about 15.5 miles) and takes roughly 30 minutes, depending on traffic and border formalities. Rental cars typically allow cross-border travel, but it’s important to inform the rental company and ensure you have the necessary documentation.
Public Transportation
There are also public buses that run from Foz do Iguaçu to Puerto Iguazú. These buses stop at the border for immigration procedures. Once you’ve completed the necessary steps, you can continue your journey to the Argentine side of the falls. The bus is a budget-friendly option and is relatively easy to navigate.
Based on my own experience though, it can take quite a while because the bus driver don’t wait for you to finish your border formalities. You may need to take several buses and wait for a while on the side of the road.
Border Formalities
When crossing the border, you’ll need to complete immigration procedures for both Brazil and Argentina. Make sure you have all necessary visas or entry/exit stamps, depending on your nationality. The process is usually quick, but it can take longer during peak tourist seasons.
Our experience
We planned ahead and got 2 internal Brazilian flights from Rio de Janeiro to Foz do Iguazu, via Curitiba. In total it took us around 5 hours. We met people in Rio who tried to do this but went to book too late and the prices were sky-high. They were forced to get a 24-hour bus for the same price as we paid for our flight…
For the 3 days that we planned on staying, we decided to base ourselves in the Argentinian town of Puerto Iguazu, mainly because it was cheaper and seemed like there were more things to do. As we had a super early flight, we landed early and headed straight to the Brazilian park from the airport and crossed the border into Argentina afterwards to avoid having to cross the border several times.
The parks have luggage storage so we were able to dump our backpacks and get onto the park bus for a short ride to the trails without having to carry everything with us.
We needed to get a bus from the falls back into town and then find the bus crossing over into Argentina. We were told that a small local bus does the job. At the bus terminal, everyone directed us outside telling us that’s where we needed to go but in these small towns there are few or no signs and it was hard to believe the international bus wasn’t at the terminal. After struggling to communicate with very nice elderly locals who helped us find the bus stop casually placed on a sidewalk, we crossed the border for only €2.
Since we were leaving Brazil, we needed to get an exit stamp and then an entry stamp entering Argentina. What we didn’t know was that the passport offices are on either side of the river and the buses drop you off but don’t wait for you. Just to cross we had to get the same bus 3 times and wait around for 2 hours in the sun with no water, no Brazilian currency and no way to get Argentinian Pesos.
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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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Very informative and excellent photos
Sigh, I have not been there. Fantastic place and Your Your fantastic photos praise its beauty. I loved the thoughts of Eleanora Roosevelt. Can You imagine that Eleanora visited Finland at the Arctic Circle where she has yet today log cabin.
Happy and safe travels.