By Marina Veccia
Welcome to Iguazu Falls, one of the most fascinating places on Earth! This amazing natural spectacle is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. These Argentina Iguazu falls are located on the border of Brazil and Argentina, within two national parks: Iguazú National Park (in Puerto Iguazú, Argentina) and Iguaçu National Park (in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil). However, 80% of the Iguazu falls can be seen from Argentina, where you can witness 275 vertical drops of water.
Iguazu means “big water” in the Guarani language, and that couldn’t be more accurate. Iguazu Falls is the most extensive system of waterfalls in the world, extending for three kilometers along the border of two countries. To enjoy them, we should visit Iguazú National Park, one of the most visited parks in Argentina and one of the first to be created back in 1934. To get here, you can take a flight from Buenos Aires, which lasts approximately two hours.
Both Iguazu Falls national parks are located in a very humid region with diverse biodiversity. For example, in Argentina, half of the orchid species can be found in this area. Among the animals that can be seen in the parks are monkeys, which are mainly active in the morning and at night, as well as the coati, a species similar to a raccoon. Be cautious because they may appear friendly but will steal your food if you don’t pay attention! The rainforest is also home to the jaguar (yaguareté), which is an endangered species. Along the walkways, you will also see plenty of butterflies and birds, such as toucans.
Visiting Iguazú is possible any time of the year. However, the least crowded months are from March to June during the autumn. The weather is not as hot during this period, so you can enjoy the walks more. In January and February, in the summer, temperatures can get very high, exceeding 32°C, and this is usually the busiest occasion to visit. Even so, if you don’t mind the heat, it’s an excellent time to travel and embrace the chance to get drenched during the walks and the thrilling boat tour if you decide to take it.
Keep in mind that this is a rainy place, so expect a lot of showers between September and February. Remember that you are visiting the rainforest, so don’t forget your sunscreen and bug repellent so you can enjoy yourself without being hurt by the sun or being bitten by mosquitoes.
Let´s Explore Iguazu Falls
Let’s start with the Argentinian side of the Iguazu Falls. There are two main circuits to explore: the Upper Walk and the Lower Walk. The Upper Walk takes approximately an hour and a half to complete, while the Lower Walk takes around an hour. Be prepared to experience amazing viewpoints and expect to get wet from the water sprays!
The highlight of the park is the Devil’s Throat, one of the most breathtaking wonders in the world. You can reach this amazing view by walking about 1200 meters along the Iguazú River. To access the starting point of this balcony, you’ll need to take the Ecological Train, which travels quietly throughout the park to avoid disturbing the wildlife. The train can also take you from Central station to Cataratas station, where you can begin the Upper and Lower walks.
If you want to experience the Iguazu falls up close, we highly recommend taking the Gran Aventura tour. This boat tour includes a thirty-minute ride through the jungle to reach the stairs leading to the boat. You’ll travel six kilometers up the Iguazu River to reach the rapids and get drenched in the falls! We suggest bringing a raincoat for the tour, especially a plastic one if you prefer not to get too wet, which also can be quite handy if you visit on a rainy day. It’s also a good idea to bring a swimsuit and a change of clothes, as there are restrooms available for changing after the tour.
If you don’t enjoy adventure, a nice and quiet option to go deep into the rainforest is to take a walk through the Green Trail. It’s a short walk through the bush where you can breathe the fresh air and be amazed by nature. Another option, if you like walking, is the Macuco Trail, a flat trail that will take you three hours to complete.
It is suggested to plan for a full day to visit the Argentine side of the Iguazu falls and another full day to visit the Brazilian side. After visiting Iguazú National Park, the following day we cross the border to visit the Iguaçu National Park. The Brazilian side has fewer viewing balconies compared to the Argentine side, but it is definitely worth a visit. It has only one circuit, which takes approximately two hours to complete. During the walk, you will have the chance to take beautiful photos of the panoramic views. At the end of the trail, you will get to the best part: a 200-meter drop where you will definitely get wet.
An additional excursion we recommend in Puerto Iguazú is to visit the Three Frontiers, where you will see the three borders: Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil. All three countries share the Iguazú River. This is an excellent opportunity to take a peaceful boat tour down the river and enjoy the views. Come and take a trip to experience what it’s really like visiting Iguazu Falls in Argentina and Brazil!
Visit Argentina with us! We create taylor made travel itineraries in Argentina and Chile. We would love to help you plan your trip. Take a look to our itineraries in Iguazu Falls:
Iguazu Falls and Ibera Wetlands, Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls and Argentina Wines
