Tuve la suerte de visitar las Cataratas del Iguazú tres veces por el momento. La primera vez cuando era niño junto con mi familia en los años 90, luego en el 2012 acompañado de mi primo, y por ultimo en el 2020 para recibir el año nuevo junto a mi ex pareja.
Si bien este articulo fue escrito hace unos años ya, y algunos precios que se ven aquí están desactualizados, el resto de la información que describe como visitar las Cataratas de Iguazú sigue vigente.
Tanto Las Cataratas del Iguazú, como el Glaciar Perito Moreno, son destinos que dan ganas de visitar varias veces e ir acompañados de personas que nunca fueron. Es como redescubrir nuevamente el lugar desde los ojos de aquella persona que nunca lo vio.
So I thought it best to write an article about how to visit the Falls, with useful information to know one of the so-called “seven natural wonders of the world”.
Si querés saber mas sobre otra de las maravillas naturales que tiene Argentina, podes leer el post que escribí sobre el Glaciar Perito Moreno
Table of Contents
A little history
The indigenous peoples of this region, the mbya–Guarani, they called this place as “Yguazú”, which in Guarani means “y = water” and “guazu = big”, that is to say “Big Water”“.
Then in 1524, with the arrival of the Europeans, it would be known as “Saltos de Santa María”, although years later it would luckily return to its original name.
With the arrival of colonizers, this area, along with its communities, underwent a process of evangelization led by the Jesuits, who developed a system of reductions in this region of Latin America that eventually included 30 towns distributed across the provinces now known as Misiones, Corrientes, and parts of Paraguay and Brazil.
After certain ups and downs on the part of the "owners" of these lands, in 1934 the Argentine Government finally declared it Iguazú National Park.
How to get from Puerto Iguazú Airport to downtown
One of the most frequently asked questions before traveling is how do we get from the airport to downtown Puerto Iguazú?
Well, considering the city is approximately 25 km from the airport, we have a fairly accessible option to get there.
Get from Puerto Iguazú Airport to the city center in shared traffic
As soon as we leave the baggage claim area, we'll find ourselves in the airport's departure and arrival lounge, where we'll see several stands with taxi, remise, and traffic agencies.
If there are 2 people or maybe 3 as well, this option becomes the most economical.
The company in charge of this transport is called Four Tourist, and they have a traffic that can take about 15 passengers to the door of their respective hotels (ask beforehand if it goes to yours).
Here's the WhatsApp number if you want to contact them before you arrive. +549 (3757) 301-031
If there are 4 or more people, it may be better to hire private transportation for everyone; it will be a matter of doing the math.
Si quieren contratar un traslado privado, pueden realizarlo desde este enlace.
How to visit Iguazu Falls
The Iguazu Falls are tremendous. They consist of 275 falls in total, with 801st and 30th on the Argentine side and the rest on the Brazilian side.
If you want to see them in their entirety, we recommend visiting the falls from both the Argentine and Brazilian sides, as the views from one side complement the other. From Brazil, you have stunning panoramic views of most of the falls, which can be explored from the Argentine side.
On the Argentine side, visitors mostly walk between the falls, not only on the upper and lower walkways, but also on the boat rides, which allow them to get very close to some of the falls, even to the Devil's Throat (not too close, as it would be dangerous). This is if the tour is taken from the Argentine side.
How much do tickets cost to enter Iguazú National Park (Argentine side)?
The price of tickets for the Argentine side in it 2025 are the following:
| Rate (in Argentine pesos) | |
| General rate | $ 45.000 |
| National residents | $ 15.000 |
You can check the latest information on the official website of National Parks of Argentina, and for a few months now, they can also buy tickets online from this link.
How much do tickets cost to enter Iguazu National Park (Brazilian side)?
He price of tickets to Iguazú Park on the Brazilian side, in 2025, are the following:
| Rate (in reais) | |
| Brazilian adults | $ 105 |
| Mercosur adults | $ 105 |
| Rest of countries | $ 117 |
To see the latest prices you can enter the official website of the Brazilian Park from here.
How to get to Iguazu Falls on the Argentine side
To get to Iguazu Falls on the Argentine side, the most common way is to leave from the city Puerto Iguazú.
This city is completely dedicated to tourism in the Falls. There are travel agencies on every corner in the city center. It's not big; it's just a few blocks where all the action is concentrated. Bars, restaurants, travel agencies, souvenir shops, the bus terminal—everything is located in this area.
So how can we get to the Falls?
Let's look at the following media:
Note: All prices listed below are from 2020.
Going to the Falls by public transport
The most economical option to get to Iguazu Falls is to take the public bus that runs from the 3 border crossing point, then stops at the bus terminal and then takes Route 12 to the park.
The ticket price is $ 180 Argentine pesos per person, and it typically takes between 40 minutes and an hour to arrive (information as of January 2020). The first service departs at 6:00 a.m. and the last one ends at 8:00 p.m.
Hire private transportation to the Falls
Esta lleno de Agencias de Taxis y Remises que pueden contratar para que los lleve y los pase a buscar.
We asked several agencies for quotes, and we noticed that they all make up the numbers on the spot, taking into account the number of people and their backgrounds.
Compare several options before hiring one.
Book a tour to the Falls
También pueden contratar excursiones que los pasan a buscar por su hotel, los llevan, traen y cuentan con la información de un guía. Duran todo el día.
You can book a guided tour of the Falls from this link.
What can you do at Iguazu Falls on the Argentine side?
Iguazú National Park is very large and exploring it can take us all day.
I recommend starting early to make the most of it and avoid rushing. If you plan to visit in two days, the park offers the option to purchase a ticket for the following day with a discount of 50% off (as long as it's consecutive).
As soon as we entered, we felt the humid, jungle-like atmosphere surrounding us. It reminded me a bit of the movie Jurassic Park, due to the architecture of the entrance booths and the surrounding jungle.
Hablando de Jurasik Park, si te gustan los paisajes naturales donde se han encontrado fósiles prehistóricos, no dejes de leer los artículos que escribí sobre como visitar El Valle de la Luna en San Juan and the Parque Nacional Sierra de las Quijadas en San Luís.
At the entrance, there are maps, museums, souvenir shops, and food if you want to buy (although I warn you that prices are very expensive here, it's best to bring food with you).
If we look at the map at the entrance and at various points within the Park, we will notice how extensive it is and what trails we can take.
Green Path
It's a short trail, about 600 meters long, that connects the beginning of the park with the Cataratas station of the ecological train. It's the heart of the park, from which the various trails we can explore depart.
If you want to avoid this trail, you can take the same eco-friendly train that departs from the central station, stops at the Cataratas station, and then continues to the Devil's Throat station.
Si te apasiona el senderismo como a mí, te puede interesar leer sobre que hacer en El Chalten, la capital del trekking de Argentina.
Macuco Trail
It's a 3.5-kilometer trail that runs deep into the park's jungle. It's not difficult at all, except for the heat we can experience while walking through the wooded path.
Along the way, we may be lucky enough to come across some of the area's typical animals, such as monkeys, coatis, toucans, and a wide variety of insects.
At the end of the trail, we will come to a small waterfall where we can bathe if it is open (sometimes they close it as a precaution).
Upper Circuit
One of the most popular circuits in the park. It's 1,700 meters long, and offers a wide range of waterfalls from the upper walkways that overlook the water before falling.
We'll start with side views of some of the most important falls, such as the Dos Hermanas, Bossetti, and Chico falls, and then finish right above the San Martín falls.
Lower Circuit
Another great circuit to explore in the Park. If you do the entire trail, it's the most challenging, measuring 2,500 meters in length and featuring ups and downs. However, if you're tired or too hot, you can avoid the long walk and do half the circuit, about 1,400 meters, without missing the best views of the waterfalls.
To take this short cut, instead of entering the circuit through the formal entrance, where there's a large sign indicating the distance to 2,500 meters, you'll need to start at what would be the end of the circuit, just behind the map in the common area. This way, you'll be able to explore the part of the circuit with views of Salto San Martín, the island of the same name, and a series of other truly beautiful panoramic views without having to take the less scenic section.
The views along the walkway forced me to stop frequently to take more and more photos of the beautiful landscape. There are so many viewpoints along this route that it's an invitation to stop and admire the natural beauty.
The most impressive, in my opinion, is the one right in front of San Martín Falls. From there, we can see the water falling almost on top of us.
Saint Martin Island
A couple of years ago, a path branched off from this circuit that led down to the river, allowing you to take the boats that cruise the waters right in front of some of the waterfalls. It also included a stop on the island opposite, either for a swim or a short hike of about 700 meters to reach a beautiful viewpoint overlooking Salto San Martín.
Today, access to the island is closed because a landslide a few years ago forced authorities to suspend the route. The same thing happened with boat trips, which still depart, but from a different side. This change made it mandatory to book the entire Grand Adventure excursion to take that same trip.
The enormous Devil's Throat
We're looking at the longest waterfall in the world. By far the best part of Iguazú Park.
The Devil's Throat It is a set of 80-meter-high waterfalls that cascade down into a narrow gorge, which concentrates the largest flow of the falls, being, in turn, the largest in the world.
To get there, take the eco-friendly train that departs from the park entrance or from the Cataratas station. The service is included in the admission price, and you only need to purchase a ticket when it's crowded.
They can walk the route if they want, but it is long and there is not much interest in the journey.
Once at the Devil's Throat station, you have to walk along the walkways for about 1,100 meters until you finally reach the star of the park, the great and spectacular waterfall called...THE DEVIL'S THROAT.
Don't let the name scare you off; it's just that, a name. Honestly, just seeing it will leave you speechless.
It's simply breathtaking to see so much water constantly falling, every second, every hour, every day of the year. It's something that never ends; it's endless.
The water falls so much that it's impossible to see anything directly below the falls (perhaps that's why they call it Devil's Throat). I'm curious to see what it would look like if someone jumped into the void inside the falls, although I doubt anyone would live to see it :D.
Enjoy this moment, wait for the people crowded at the edges to move so you can see them in peace.
I doubt we'll ever see another waterfall of this magnitude anywhere else in the world.
Excursions inside Iguazú Park
There is only one company inside the Park, Iguazu Jungle, which allows you to take 2 types of excursions inside the Park.
Great Adventure Excursion
This is the most comprehensive, longest, and most expensive tour of Iguazú. I didn't have the opportunity to do it this year because when we tried to book a ticket for the same day, there was no more space.
It begins with a jungle tour in open-top trucks. This 5-km vehicle tour culminates at the Puerto Macuco jungle base.
Then, descend 100 meters to the dock where you can board the boats that will take you 6 km up the lower Iguazú River canyon, heading to the waterfall area, enjoying the mighty rapids.
The ride takes you to the base of Tres Mosqueteros Falls, overlooking the Brazilian and Argentine waterfalls, with Devil's Throat crowning the canyon. Afterward, you'll reach the peak of excitement as the boat lands just below San Martín Falls.
After visiting these waterfalls, you'll cruise downriver for 6 km, including 2 km of rapids, to dock at the Puerto Macuco pier. From there, you'll climb more than 150 meters of steep stairs to the Macuco landing stage. You'll return by land vehicle along the Yacaratiá trail to the offices near the Viejo Cataratas Hotel, where the excursion will conclude.
Advice: try to buy in advance, maybe a day before or online from the company's official website.
Duration: 2.15 hours
Ecological Walk Excursion
This excursion is much simpler than the previous one. It starts from the Garganta del Diablo station and takes place on a rowboat.
Along 2.5 km, you'll be able to connect with the rich flora and fauna that characterizes this riverside environment. You'll be accompanied by a guide who will be at your service to discover the secrets of the jungle beyond the walkways.
This leisurely walk ends at the Tres Marías port. From there, you can walk back to Cataratas Station, the starting point for traditional tours, or back to Central Station.
You can also buy the ticket online from the official company website.
Duration: 1 hour approx.
How to get to Iguazu Falls on the Brazilian side
The Falls on the Brazilian side are located 28 km from the city of Foz do IguaçuFrom this city you can access the Park with your own transportation, private excursions or by public bus, which has several frequencies every hour.
From PIguazu Falls You can consider the same options we have to visit the waterfalls on the Argentine side.
You can get there by public transportation, which departs from the city's bus terminal. There are travel agencies and taxis that can take you there, and some group tours offer guided tours.
You can book a guided tour of the Brazilian side of the falls from this link.
What can you do at Iguazu Falls on the Brazilian side?
Unlike the Argentine side, this park is much smaller to explore.
If you do not want to walk the entire route, inside the Park there are transportation for visitors It is carried out in 8 modern, double-deck panoramic buses with capacity for 72 seated passengers. The upper part is completely open to allow greater interaction between the visitor and the environment and a broader view of the fauna and flora during the journey to the Waterfalls.
Trail of the Falls
The access trails to the Falls begin at the viewpoint opposite the Hotel of the Falls and extend for 1,200 meters on the right bank of the Iguazú River.
Along the way, you can see different angles and panoramic views of the waterfalls on the Argentine side, until you reach the walkways that take tourists as close as possible to the Devil's Throat on this side.
Unlike the Argentine side, where we are right on the Devil's Throat, on this side we will have in front of us one of the largest drops after the Throat.
From here we will best hear the sound of the waterfalls and be soaked by the waters falling in front of us.
It's especially impressive the jump that we can see from the side as if it were a curtain of water falling non-stop.
Black Pit Trail
A 9-km trail, on foot or by bike, accompanied by bilingual guides while you appreciate the flora and fauna of Iguazú National Park. It lasts half a day, with departures every hour.
Banana Trail
A 2-km trail accompanied by bilingual guides passes lagoons where aquatic birds can be seen. The trail lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes, with departures every 30 minutes.
Tips and what to bring to Iguazú National Park
- It is recommended to bring sunscreen, a hat, mosquito repellent, light clothing, water (there are some free drinking water taps inside the park that have a sign that says drinking water, and the truth is that nothing happened to us after we drank it), and a camera (obviously :D).
- While there are plenty of dining options within the park, everything is very expensive. If you can bring some groceries with you, your wallet will thank you.
- You've probably come face to face with these seemingly friendly coatis more than once. They may seem that way, but the truth is, they're not. They're so used to humans that if you're careless, they're capable of snatching food from your hands or backpack. When my cousin was eating a sandwich, one came out of nowhere and injured his hand in its greedy attempt to get the food out. We had to find a doctor just in case they had to give him the rabies vaccine.
What other things can be visited from Puerto Iguazú?
From Puerto Iguazú you can take other excursions if you decide to stay longer.
Milestone of the 3 borders
A very easy one to visit, on foot if you wish, is to reach what they call the 3 Borders Landmark.
It is the point from which you can see the coasts of the three neighboring countries, Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, separated by the Iguazu and Paraná rivers.
To get there, you can walk along the quiet waterfront that borders the Iguazú River or take one of the buses that leave from the terminal. It's only a few blocks from the city center, so I recommend walking. There, in addition to views of Brazil and Paraguay, there are also stalls selling local handicrafts if you want to buy.
It is a very simple walk that can be completed in a couple of hours (at most).
Visit to Ciudad del Este in Paraguay
If you're looking for some cheap shopping, then you can't miss Ciudad del Este.
The city's fame is due to the vast variety of items (of dubious quality and origin) that are too cheap to pass up.
It is an open-air shopping center with all kinds of items such as clothing, electronics, toys, and other items, offered in stores facing the street.
It is located right in front of Foz do Iguaçu, so to get there from Argentina, you have to cross both borders.
There are buses departing from the Puerto Iguazú terminal to Ciudad del Este. They take approximately one hour and cost (as of January 2020) $ 200 Argentine pesos each way.
Mocona Falls
300 km from Puerto Iguazú lies the Moconá Provincial Park with its beautiful waterfalls that run parallel to the Uruguay River.
Access to the park depends on the height of Yabotí Stream; if the level is high, the park is closed until the altitude decreases.
I've never been, but there are excursions that leave from Puerto Iguazú that usually take 4 hours to go and another 4 hours to return.
San Ignacio Ruins and Wanda Mines
There are excursions that can take you to the Jesuit Ruins of San Ignacio and the Wanda Mines.
Located 240 km from Puerto Iguazú, you can visit these ruins, which were built in the 17th century, during the Jesuit missionaries' stay in this region.
Along the way, excursions often stop in the town of Wanda to visit the Mines. These are dark caverns where you can explore, wearing safety hats and using flashlights, discovering amethyst, quartz, and other gems in the walls.
From this link you can book an excursion to the Ruins of Ignacio
What is the best time to go to Iguazu Falls?
Temperatures are very hot during the summer months. Between December and February, average highs are around 33°C.
In the winter months, between June and August, average maximum temperatures vary between 23°C and 25°C.
Rain falls throughout the year, but the months between October and March are the wettest, while those between May and August have the least precipitation.
March, April, and May are considered the best times to visit Iguazu Falls, as the rains decrease and temperatures are more pleasant and moderate. However, the falls' water level is at its highest during the months of December and January.
Where to Stay in Puerto Iguazú
The city is small and most of the hotel offerings are concentrated around the city center.
However, if you want to avoid the city, there are some accommodations located along Route 12 (on the way to the falls) or in more rugged surroundings.
This year we stayed 2 km from the center, in some cabins on the slope of the Paraná River right next to the Hotel Guamini MissionThis area is very quiet and has beautiful views of the river, but it's also remote and requires you to take taxis or walk a few blocks to get downtown.
In previous years I stayed at the Marcopolo Suites Iguazú It's located on Route 12. It's large, has an incredible pool, and offers an attractive price-performance ratio. The downside is that it's in the middle of the highway, so if we want to get to the city or other destinations, we'll need buses or taxis.
I also stayed at the TangoInn Downtown Iguazu, located very close to the center. It's cheaper and has a great location, but the pool is too small for all the guests.
Final sensations
I consider that the motto of being one of the “7 natural wonders of the world”.
I doubt there's any other place on the planet with as many waterfalls as those concentrated here. Thanks to the work of the National Park, it's very easy to explore the different sections of this beauty without missing a single detail. It's also perfectly accessible for children, the elderly, and people with disabilities to enjoy this marvel in all its splendor.
The Devil's Throat It's the climax of the park. I recommend leaving it for last, because once you see it, the rest of the jumps will seem insignificant compared to this monster.
If you're short on time or money and have to choose a side to visit, I recommend visiting the park on the Argentine side. You can explore much further, get closer to the waterfalls, and have a stunning view right over the gorge. On the other hand, the Brazilian side takes a couple of hours to explore, and you'll only see a beautiful panoramic view and one of the waterfalls near the gorge (this part is truly beautiful).
This is where we've come to an end with this article. If you'd like to see more photos of Argentina From the Image Gallery section, I have a selection of photos of the country. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.
Greetings and see you next time!
