Bucket list destination:
Iguazu Falls, Brazil
Nearly 3km wide and 80m high, and with enough water to fill 36 Olympic swimming pools every minute, the Iguazu Falls on the border of Brazil and Argentina, are one of the world’s great natural wonders.
As are their rainforest surroundings – protected by two national parks covering over 2,200 sq km of sub-tropical Atlantic coastal rainforest and with some of the highest biodiversity on Earth.
Alongside the main attraction, there’s plenty to do and see – from rainforest hikes to white-water rafting, and a string of gorgeous falls-side hotels and true rainforest retreats.
The Falls span the border of Argentina and Brazil, with each country getting its own national park and resort town.
The city of Foz do Iguacu in Brazil is substantially bigger than Puerto Iguazu in Argentina (roughly 260,000 inhabitants, as opposed to 85,000) and has much better facilities and a wider choice of places to stay.
Both have a fairly nondescript provincial feel, but are conveniently situated around 20 minutes from the Falls.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this destination, plus helpful tickets and transfers
Foz do Iguacu
Price $105
Min age 0
Rating 4.72 / 5 [325 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Puerto Iguazu
Price $159
Min age 13
Rating 4.67 / 5 [266 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Puerto Iguazu
Price $49
Min age 0
Rating 4.43 / 5 [206 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Foz do Iguacu
Price $52
Min age 0
Rating 4.09 / 5 [162 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Puerto Iguazu
Price $86
Min age 0
Rating 4.06 / 5 [148 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
This is a sub-tropical region but climate varies so pack accordingly. Temperatures peak in the low 30s Celsius in summer (November-March) but June-August nighttime temperatures drop to 10°C.
The Falls are great all year round but are at their fullest January to March, though the weather can be uncomfortably hot. The best time to come is March or April when the falls are still full but the weather is cooler or October to December when rains begin and the falls fill again. The park is very crowded over Christmas and New Year and around carnival (the week around Shrove Tuesday).
In Argentina shuttle buses (30 minutes) and cabs (25 minutes) leave from the Argentinian airport to Puerto Iguazu town. In Brazil bus 220 (0.60, 20 minutes) and cabs (15 minutes) link with downtown Foz do Iguacu town
The falls sit in two national parks which are closed to visitors before sunset. It is possible to stay within the national park on the Brazilian side and have the falls to yourself when the park closes.
Shuttle buses run to the falls from both sides (linking with a tourist train in Argentina). Taxis take around 30 minutes from central Puerto Iguazu and 15 minutes from central Foz do Iguacu.
Travelling between the two, Brazil and Argentina, involves going through passport control. A UK passport allows travellers to transit without a visa; other nationalities should check ahead. The Brazilian side requires a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.
You can walk around both towns, though Puerto Iguazu is poorly lit at night, with few facilities.
There are three cities close to the falls – tiny Puerto Iguazu in Argentina, huge, scruffy Ciudad del Este in Paraguay and Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil, which has the best facilities, restaurants and greatest choice of hotels; unlike Puerto Iguazu, streets in Foz are well-lit at light.
It’s worth splashing out to stay at the Belmond – the only hotel right next to the falls and within the national park. There is a selection of jungle lodge boutiques in the forest along the Iriapu jungle road in Argentina. None have waterfall views.
Mosquito-transmitted Dengue Fever exists in this area, so always wear strong insect repellent. Puerto Iguazu has minimal crime, so you are generally safe to walk around town, with usual, sensible precautions. Foz do Iguaçu is a city, so more care should be taken. Don’t walk around town with valuables and be sure to take taxis at night.
