ABOUT THIS ADVENTURE
Located along the Iguazu River on the border between Argentina and Brazil is one of the most breathtaking collections of waterfalls in the entire world. Spanning 2.7 kilometers in length, Iguazu Falls is comprised of up to 300 waterfalls reaching heights as tall as 82 meters. One look at these falls and it’s obvious why travelers from all over the world make getting to Iguazu Falls a priority to soak up this natural wonder.
TRAVELLING THERE
There are two Iguazu Falls national parks – one in Argentina and one in Brazil. You can access both from either Argentina or Brazil, but you need to make sure you have the correct documentation to get into each country. Below is how I accessed both sides from Argentina.
The fastest way of getting to Iguazu Falls while traveling in Argentina is by air. Depending on where you’re coming from, book a flight to Iguazu (IGR) connecting through Buenos Aires (AEP). I flew Aerolineas Argentinas which offers daily flights from Buenos Aires to Iguazu. From the airport I hopped in a shared van to a town called Puerto Iguazu, the most popular homebase in Argentina for getting to Iguazu Falls. (The most popular place to stay in Brazil is a town called Foz do Iguacu.)
If you don’t want to fly (or are looking to save some money), buses are the next best option. Just be aware that taking a bus comes with a trade-off: you’ll save money, but end up sacrificing a lot of time.
Getting to Iguazu Falls on the Argentine Side: From Puerto Iguazu it is really easy to take a bus (AR$40 one-way) or hire a taxi (AR$100 one-way) to the entrance of Iguazu National Park (Parque Nacional Iguazu).
Getting to Iguazu Falls on the Brazilian Side: From Puerto Iguazu there are various buses that go from the town’s bus station to the entrance of Iguazu National Park (Cataratas do Iguacu). A popular option is the Rio Uruguay round-trip bus ticket to “Cataratas Brasil.” On the way in, the bus stops at Argentine immigration first, followed by Brazilian immigration. On the way out, it makes those stops in reverse. Many nationalities (U.S., Australia and Canada to name a few) require visas to enter Brazil so make sure you check to see if you need one!
WHAT I DID
I spent two full days each exploring both the Brazilian and Argentine side of Iguazu Falls.
The Brazilian Side
The Brazilian side is known for its panoramic views of Iguazu Falls. At a distance, it’s easy to get lost in the breathtaking views. Seeing waterfall after waterfall is completely awe-inspiring; it’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen before.
After getting to Iguazu Falls, entering the park costs adults R$52,30 (check for updates) and the park is easy to navigate. I took a double-decker bus to the main path along the edge of the falls. For 1.5km I casually walked along the path taking in the gorgeous views.
At the end of the observation trail is Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo) where nearly half of the Iguazu River flows into a deep gorge. Here you can actually walk over the river and basically into the base of the falls. You can also take an elevator up to a viewing area that overlooks the waterfalls.
The Argentine Side
The Argentine side is known for its up close and personal views of Iguazu Falls — this is the adventurous side! Whereas the Brazilian side is more like a beautiful viewing exhibit, the Argentine is hands-on and interactive. There are two main pathways to explore the waterfalls there – a high one and low one – and both offer breathtaking experiences.
The cost to enter for adults is AR$260 (check for updates) and this has a much bigger feel than the Brazilian side — it’s almost like nature’s version of Walt Disney World. The good news is all you really need is the park map given away at the entrance to easily explore the grounds.
I was really happy I went to the Brazilian side first and started with the bigger perspective. Walking around the Argentine side made me feel like I was an explorer navigating the jungle, discovering stunning waterfalls (and rainbows) with every turn.
Hands down my favorite moment was my speedboating into the waterfalls with Aventura Nautica (cost AR$270). Having the chance to get on the water, to go directly into the waterfalls and to feel the water pummeling down on me was out of this world! I laughed, I screamed and I loved going into the falls multiple times! Here’s a little taste of this adventure:
WHERE I STAYED
I stayed at Hostel Inn Iguazu and was happy with it overall. The grounds itself physically had more of a hotel layout – large pool, restaurant, cafeteria-like seating area, bar, recreation area – but the buildings (and clientele) definitely had a hostel feel and were a little rundown. I stayed in a 4-person dorm room with air-conditioning and easily was able to make friends with other travelers staying here. The location is also an easy bus ride to the center of town and there’s even a convenient bus stop right in front of the hostel for getting to Iguazu Falls on the Argentine side.
Right next door is the Ice Bar Iguazu which was fun to check out, but definitely not uniquely Argentine (a.k.a. a tourist trap) and not worth the “all you can drink” deal as the shots were disgusting.
JUSTIN’S TAKEAWAYS
After spending two days soaking up the waterfalls, I walked away from Iguazu Falls with a greater appreciation of nature. What I loved most was the contrast of viewing it on both sides. At a distance the falls were serene and majestic. Up close they were commanding and forceful. My time here challenges me to experience nature from different lenses to deepen my connection to its many beautiful sides.
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