Iguazu Falls Trip | Everything You Need to Know

If you’re planning an Iguazú Falls trip (Argentina side), this guide will provide you with everything you need to know from getting there, getting around, what to see, where to stay, and where to eat.

This is your ultimate guide for everything you must know on your Iguazu Falls trip (Argentina side). You may see several names listed for this particular place (Iguassu Falls, Foz de Iguaçu, Cataratas de Iguazú), but I can assure you they are all the same place. I hope you will one day be able to visit this natural wonder in South America.

I first visited the falls of Iguazú in 2005, on the Brazilian side. Then I was fortunate enough to visit the Iguazu Falls Argentina in November 2024. It was really cool to be able to compare the experience and landscapes on both sides of the Iguazu waterfalls, several years apart.

You can use this as an ultimate guide to Iguazú Falls on the Argentina side. I’ll provide information about how to reach Puerto Iguazú, how to get to the Argentina Iguazú Falls National Park, and what to do in each place.

Short on time? Quick facts

Entrance Cost: 45,000 pesos ($45) (buy them here)
Park Hours: 8:00 am – 6 pm (last entrance to park at 4 pm)
Transportation to Iguazú Falls Park: Rio Uruguay bus (5,500 pesos each way, $5.50)
Want to go 2 days? Get your ticket stamped upon exit to get a 50% discount the next day

My Iguazu Falls Experience

I am lucky enough to have been to the Iguassu Falls two times. The first time I went was in July 2005 (winter). The second time I went was in November 2024 (spring). These two experiences allowed me to see the Iguazú waterfalls in opposing seasons and from opposing sides of the Iguazú River.

The Brazil side of the falls gives you a wide panoramic view, whereas the Argentina side allows you to get a little closer from up above. The La Garganta del Diablo trail in the Argentina Iguazu Falls allows you to walk right over the top of the water.

When I Visited Iguazú Falls

In July, the weather wasn’t exactly cold (about 24C/78F), but it did feel chilly because of the water and the humidity. I wasn’t overly enthusiastic about getting wet. I wore jeans, sneakers, a rain jacket, and a scarf.

Comparing that to my Iguazú Falls trip in November 2024, the weather was much hotter (30C/90F) and I welcomed the natural sprays getting me wet. I wore shorts, a tank top, and a cap. Iguazu also felt extra hot since I flew there directly after spending a few days in Mar del Plata, where it was pretty chilly.

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Where is Iguazú Falls located?

The Iguazú Falls are at the intersection of three South American countries: Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina. These are the names of the cities in each country where you can potentially base yourself during your trip (depending on your visa situation):

• Ciudad del Este, Paraguay
• Puerto Iguazu, Argentina
• Foz de Iguaçu, Brazil

In this blog post, I’ll focus more on Puerto Iguazú on the Argentina side of the Iguazú National Park. Puerto Iguazú is in the Misiones Province of Argentina, which looks like a little finger poking Brazil.

Map of area

The map on the left shows where Iguaçu Falls is within South America, and the map on the right shows a closer view. The Falls are at the intersection of all three countries.

Iguazú Falls Trip

If you’re planning to visit the Argentina Falls of Iguazú, the main city you need to reach is Puerto Iguazú. It’s a good place to base yourself to reach the falls on the Argentina side.

How to Get to Puerto Iguazú from the Airport

There are a few ways to reach Puerto Iguazú, but the most popular way is to fly into the Cataratas of Iguazu International Airport. I flew here from Buenos Aires and it was a quick and easy trip. To reach the town of Puerto Iguazú from the airport, you have a few options: taxi, bus, private driver, or rent a car.

❌ Didi and Uber do not work in Puerto Iguazú ❌

Taxi

You can take a city taxi from the airport to the city center. They were charging 18,000 pesos ($18) for one stop in the center, or 27,000 pesos ($27) for two stops. My friend and I shared a taxi with a European couple we met and chose one point in the center of town to get dropped off at.

Taxi prices from the airport to:

• Hotel Gran Meliá: 20,000 pesos ($20)
• Cataratas/Iguazú Falls: 18,000 pesos ($18)
• Puerto Iguazú town center: 18,000 pesos ($18)
• Foz de Iguaçu town center (Brazil side): 50,000 pesos ($50)

Bus

You can take the Rio Uruguay bus between the airport and the Puerto Iguazú town center for 5,500 pesos ($5). It will drop you off at the Terminal de Omnibus. The bus runs once per hour. You can find the bus parked directly in front of the airport. You cannot use the SUBE card here like you can on public transportation in Buenos Aires.

Private Driver

Many people organize in advance to have a driver pick them up from the airport. Hotels often offer this service when you book. If you choose to stay in an Airbnb, you can ask your host if they have the contact info for a private driver. Sometimes Airbnb hosts will arrange this for you. The price is generally the same as the city taxis (18,000 pesos).

Drive

Some people choose to rent a car when they arrive to Puerto Iguazu. I suggest booking in advance through sites such as rentalcars.com or discovercars.com.

Renting a car gives you the freedom to drive around the area and see more than you would normally be able to. However, renting a car is not totally necessary if you just plan to visit the Cataratas (waterfalls) because transportation to get there is quite easy. You also need to pay to park at the falls.

Puerto Iguazú

Puerto Iguazú is not a big city. It’s a funky border town that feels nothing like the rest of Argentina. There are tons of Brazilians around and the whole place feels a bit gimmicky. Restaurants are overpriced and mediocre at best. Service is terrible and the food is bland and basic. They are not trying to get repeat customers and it shows.

Money in Puerto Iguazú

Dealing with money in Argentina can be a very complicated task. For being one of the most touristed places in the country, the lack of basic infrastructure is shocking. There are two Western Union locations but they don’t always follow the posted timetables.

Do not expect to take any money out of ATMs around town because they are all empty. We went to several banks and tried several ATMs with no luck. We talked with others who had the same problem. The ATMs that seemed to have money only allowed a maximum of 30,000 pesos ($30) withdrawal with a 12,000 fee ($12).

Most restaurants accept credit cards but you cannot add tips with a credit card. You must pay the tip with cash. The Rio Uruguay bus company only accepts cash. You should come to Puerto Iguazú prepared with all of the cash you’ll need while there.

Things to do in Puerto Iguazú

There really isn’t much to do within the town of Puerto Iguazú. All the exciting things are out in nature. But if you have some time in town, this is what I suggest:

Hito Tres Fronteras

The Hito Tres Fronteras is located at the point where all three countries meet, divided by the Paraná River. On the Argentina side, you can find a large park with a souvenir market, a large plaza with statues, the IGUAZÚ sign, and several restaurants with good views. It took 30 minutes to walk here from the center of town.

We went for a cocktail at Punto Ar and watched as the ferry boats crossed the river down below. It had a great environment and was a nice place to relax on a hot day. It is located directly next to the park at the Hito 3 Fronteras.

Go out at night

In the center of town, where 7 streets meet, is where the nightlife of Puerto Iguazú begins. All along Avenida San Martin, you’ll find thousands of people with drinks in their hands cruising up and down the road. Each side of the road is lined with restaurants and bars. Patagonia Brewing has a kiosk selling take-away beers.

There is also a market here catered mainly to Brazilians. Everyone is speaking in Portuguese and most of the signs are written in Portuguese. It is quite the party around here, especially on weekend nights. Expect to find live music.

Iguazú Falls National Park

Iguazú Falls is one of the most beautiful national parks in Argentina. It is a dense lush forest with greenery everywhere you look. It is with good reason that the Cataratas de Iguazú is considered to be one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

How to Get to Iguazú Falls from Puerto Iguazú

It is very easy to reach the Falls of Iguazú Argentina from Puerto Iguazú. So if you’re wondering how to travel to Iguazu Falls, read on!

Rent a Car

If you rent a car, you can simply follow Google Maps directions to lead you to the front entrance. You will have to pay for parking if you drive your own vehicle. It takes 20-30 minutes to drive to Iguazu Falls from Puerto Iguazu.

Bus

The easiest and best way to get to Iguazu Falls from Puerto Iguazu is via the Rio Uruguay bus, which runs every 15 minutes all day while the falls are open, beginning at 7:30 in the morning (the falls open at 8). The bus leaves from platform 10.

You can purchase your ticket directly at the Rio Uruguay counter at the bus terminal. It costs 5,500 pesos ($5.5) each way per person. You must pay in cash only.

The station is located in the center of town.

To return to Puerto Iguazú at the end of the day, you can find the bus stop located in front of the entrance. There will most likely be people lining up when you exit the park. When you exit, look to the right and you’ll see the stop.

Taxi

There are taxis all around town and they’ll charge you the same thing: 40,000 pesos roundtrip ($40). You can plan a pick-up time for them at the end of the day to return and bring you back to town. This is a good option if you have a group of 4 people. If you’re fewer than 4, the bus is cheaper, and just as efficient.

What to do Inside the Iguazú Falls National Park (Argentina side)

There are four main trails inside the Iguazú Falls National Park: Sendero Macuco, Circuito Superior, Circuito Inferior, and La Garganta del Diablo.

1. Sendero Macuco

The Sendero Macuco is marked in red on the above map. You can find the entrance to this trail next to the Estación Central train station (go to the right). The trail is 7000 meters total (there and back) and should take about 2.5-3 hours to complete. It ends at a small waterfall called Salto Arrechea.

This is the only trail I didn’t do because it was the lowest on my priority list. By the time we were ready to hike it, it had just closed.

Trail closing time: 3pm

2. Circuito Superior

The Circuito Superior (Upper trail) is marked in blue on the above map. It is a big loop that is 1550 meters long. It took us one hour to walk the entire circuit. Make sure to follow the arrows because there is only one allowable direction.

This upper trail takes you along metal bridges that go over the top of several of the waterfalls. Multiple lookout points stem off the main trail and are great spots for taking photos with good views. You may need to wait in short lines to take those money shots.

When you complete the upper trail, complete the loop, and then head back towards the start of the trail. There you’ll find a circle plaza that is like the main meeting point. You’ll see arrows from there pointing you in the direction of the lower trail and to a few restaurants.

Trail closing time: 4:45 pm

3. Circuito Inferior

The Circuito Inferior (Lower Trail) is marked in yellow on the above map. It is a big loop that is 1400 meters long. It took us just under one hour to walk the entire circuit.

This trail will take you down deeper, closer to the base of the river. You’ll have great views of the falls stretching out in front of you. From here you can also see the boats entering the area and zooming right under the falling water. You can also see the Isla San Martin in the center and Brazil just on the other side of the river.

I personally liked this trail more than the Circuito Superior because there were better views and I felt closer to the water.

Trail closing time: 4:45 pm

4. La Garganta del Diablo

La Garganta del Diablo is the star of the show here. There are lots of places in Argentina with the same name, like the red rock formation in Cafayate and the waterfall in Tilcara, but this is the most famous and impressive of all of them. This is where you’ll find the most people all concentrated in one place.

This is one of the absolute best things to do in Iguazu Falls.

This trail takes you along metal bridges while crossing over several small islands until you reach the climax- the mouth of the river. The water falling over the edge here is strong and powerful. There is mist everywhere and you’re guaranteed to get wet. Birds fly around and rainbows are reflected wherever you look. It’s truly beautiful.

To reach La Garganta del Diablo, you have two options: Walk or take the (free) train. You have the option to take the train both ways (we did!), walk both ways, or do a combination of both.

Trail closing time: 3:30 pm

Walking to La Garganta del Diablo

The walking trail to La Garganta del Diablo is marked in orange on the above map. It is a total of 2200 meters (there and back) and takes about one hour to complete.

The majority of the walk is not that impressive as it just goes along a dirt path next to the train tracks. Once you reach the Estación Garganta train station, the trail goes out over the water.

Take the Tren de la Selva to La Garganta del Diablo

The train is free to take both ways and is included in the price of your entrance ticket. There are three train stations. One at the entrance of the park (Estación Central), one near the end of the Circuito Superior (Estación Cataratas), and one at the start of the trail over the water to La Garganta del Diablo (Estación Garganta).

The train is free but you need to book your ticket time. You can get tickets at either the Estación Central when you first enter or the Estación Cataratas (middle station).

We entered the park at 9:30 am and the first available train time we were able to get was 10:30 am. So we decided to walk the Upper and Lower trails first and get afternoon tickets to La Garganta del Diablo at 2:40 pm. We finished those trails faster than expected and were able to change our ticket times at the Estación Cataratas.

We took the 12:25 train from Estación Cataratas and arrived at Estación Garganta 20 minutes later. Then we walked the trail out over the water, saw the highlight, returned to the train station, and were able to get on the first train heading back to the Estación Cataratas.

Note that the return trail only goes to the Estación Cataratas, and not all the way back to the Estación Central. The last train to the Garganta del Diablo leaves at 3:30 pm.

5. Take a Boat Ride

If you want to get a little bit wetter, you can take a speed boat ride into the falls from down below. The cost is 75,000 pesos ($75) for two hours. We did not do this trip because it felt a bit too expensive, but I have only heard positive reviews on it. If you want to splurge for this adventure, you won’t regret it.

You can buy tickets soon after you enter the park. There is a sign in front of the ticket counter with the posted times, and a few people standing out front to answer questions. Look for the “Paseos Náuticos Iguazu Jungle” sign on the right-hand side as soon as you enter the park.

Iguazu Itinerary

The best way to visit Iguazu Falls is with a plan. There are lots of Iguazu Falls activities like hiking, taking the train, taking the boat ride, etc. so it’s good to be prepared. Your itinerary will be affected by the number of days you choose to spend here and which activities you choose to do.

Arrive Early

If you can get up early and arrive when the park opens, I suggest doing the trails in this order:

1. Take the train to La Garganta del Diablo (arrive before it’s crowded)
2. Circuito Superior
3. Circuito Inferior
4. Sendero Macuco (or an afternoon boat ride)

Late Arrival

If you arrive a little later than planned, like we did, then I suggest this itinerary:

1. Circuito Inferior (get the full picture of the falls)
2. Circuito Superior (it ends near the Estación Cataratas)
3. Take the train to La Garganta del Diablo (save the best for last)
4. Sendero Macuco or boat ride (if you have time- trail closes at 3pm)

Two Days

If you decide to spend a second day at the falls to avoid super busy days, I suggest the following itinerary:

Day 1

1. Sendero Macuco
2. Take the train to La Garganta del Diablo

Day 2

1. Circuito Superior
2. Circuito Inferior
3. Boat ride

Tips for visiting the Iguazú Falls National Park in Argentina

Here are some Iguazu Falls travel tips to help you along your way:

• Buy your entrance tickets online before you go (buy them here) to avoid long lines.
• Bring your ID (the website says to bring it, but we never had to show it to anyone)
• Train tickets to La Garganta del Diablo are free but you need to get them from the ticket counter (last train at 3:30pm).
• There is a potable water fountain to fill up your bottle near the start of the Circuito Superior.
• You can bring your own food to eat inside the park.
• There are several restaurants and cafeterias where you can purchase food.
• Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking a lot.
• It is not allowed to use a drone in the park.
• Wear a cap in the summer, it gets very hot!
• Bring SPF.
• Get there as early as possible.
• Get your ticket stamped when you leave the park to get a 50% discount on your ticket the next day.

Travel Insurance for Traveling in Argentina

It is definitely a good idea to get travel insurance when you go to Argentina. You never know what could happen. For my physical health, I use SafetyWing.

I use SafetyWing, which is great travel medical insurance created by nomads for nomads. You can sign up for as many days as you need, and cancel whenever you want. They have particularly good prices, especially for those under 40 years old. Check them out here.

Best Time To Visit Iguazú Falls

The summer months (December – February) will be very hot and humid. I don’t recommend coming at this time unless you love oppressive humidity.

The winter months (July – August) will be much colder, and you’ll need to dress warmer. Because of the humidity in the air, you might feel even colder than it is.

The shoulder seasons are the best times to visit before it gets super hot and before it gets cold. I went in November 2024 and it was a very hot day but there was a lot of shade and water splashed that made it feel manageable.

What is the best month to visit Iguazú Falls?

If I had to choose the absolute best month, I would say October. The weather is still warm but the humidity is less intense than it is during the summer months.

What to Pack for your Iguazú Falls Trip

This will change depending on the season you choose to visit the falls, but here are some suggestions:

• Wick-away clothing or athletic clothing (you will get wet)
• A baseball cap or hat
• Good walking shoes (you’ll be walking a lot)
• A backpack to carry your things
• SPF
• Sunglasses
• Reusable water bottle (you can fill it up)
• Your phone (with your pre-ordered tickets)
• A packed lunch and snacks
• Cash (for the bus)
• Credit card (you can use this to purchase food at the cafeterias)

Organized Tours around Iguazú Falls

If you want to reduce the stress of dealing with taxis or renting cars, check out one of these organized or private tours in and around Iguazú Falls.

Iguazú Falls Trip FAQs

Here is everything you need to know about visiting the Iguazu Falls in Argentina.

How many days do you need for Iguazú Falls?

You only need one day. You may need to prioritize to fit everything in, but doing it in one day is entirely possible. We arrived at 9:30 in the morning and left at 3:30 in the afternoon. In those 6 hours, we did the Circuito Superior, Circuito Inferior, and La Garganta del Diablo, and had a beer break at the cafeteria.

Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to walk the Sendero Macuco, but we would have if we arrived at 8 am when the park opened. Even without doing that last trail, we still felt extremely satisfied with what we did see and felt no need to return the next day.

If you want to do all 4 trails and the boat ride, or if you have kids and need to go much slower, then you may need 2 days. Also, if you want to go to the Brazil Iguazu Falls side, then you should consider an entire day for that. I don’t suggest trying to see both Argentine and Brazilian sides on the same day.

Can you eat inside the Iguazú Falls National Park?

Yes! You can bring in your own food or you can purchase food and drinks from one of the many cafeteria and restaurant options inside the park. There are several resting spots with picnic tables. Some are even inside cages to protect you and your lunch from the coatis (wild animals).

You can find the food areas near the start of the Circuito Inferior and the front entrance at the start of the park.

Where do tourists stay near Iguazú Falls?

If you want to have a fancy experience, you can stay inside the Hotel Gran Meliá, which is the only hotel located inside the park. Otherwise, the majority of tourists stay in the center of Puerto Iguazu, or in one of the jungle hotels just outside of town.

Is Puerto Iguazú walkable?

Yes! Puerto Iguazú is not a big city. You can easily walk around everywhere you need to. It takes just 30 minutes to walk to Hito 3 Fronteras from the center of town. You cannot walk from Puerto Iguazú to Iguazú Falls though. You need to take a taxi or a bus.

Is Iguazú Falls worth the trip?

Yes! Iguazú Falls is so beautiful and it will take your breath away. It is a must-do activity while you’re in Argentina. The town of Puerto Iguazu is a little strange, so you don’t need to spend much time there. Just go for the falls and get out.

What is Iguazú Falls famous for?

The Iguaçu Falls Brazil and Iguazú Falls Argentina are famous for their enormity. They are one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World. The Falls are also famous because they are located at the intersection of 3 countries.

Can you visit the waterfalls of Iguazu on a day trip from Buenos Aires?

If you don’t have a lot of time, it is possible to do a day trip from Buenos Aires. However, a lot of things need to align in order to allow this to happen. You need a flight in that arrives early in the morning and a flight out that leaves in the evening. This is not something I would count on because Argentine airlines are notoriously unreliable.

Assuming your flights arrive without issue, you can take a taxi directly from the airport to the falls and vice versa. I would give yourself a minimum of 5-6 hours to be inside the park.

Argentina is an unpredictable place so I would not bank on this plan. I think it is better to plan to spend at least one full day in Puerto Iguazu (2 nights) in order to maximize your time at the park.

Where to Stay in Iguazú Falls

There are 3 main options for where to stay in or near Iguazú Falls: Inside the park, in the center of town, or in the jungle outside of town. Each has its own pros and cons. If you stay in the town center you can easily walk around. If you stay in the jungle you’re more secluded, and you will need to use taxis often or rent a car.

Gran Meliá Iguazú

This is the only hotel in Iguazu Park. It is incredibly beautiful. There is an infinity pool with a view of the falls in the distance. There is also a rooftop terrace that opens at 4 pm. If you want to experience true luxury, this is your place.

BOOK NOW to stay in this luxurious hotel with a view of the falls

Hotel Saint George

This is a gorgeous hotel near the town center with a massive swimming pool for those hot days. Rooms are clean. There is a spa, gym, and breakfast included.

Reserve your room NOW and stay in downtown Puerto Iguazu

Loi Suites Iguazu Hotel

This is a 5-star hotel in the heart of the jungle. You can see Brazil across the river from your swimming pool. Breakfast is included. There is a restaurant in the hotel.

BOOK NOW to stay in this 5-star jungle hotel

Hostel Peter Pan

For the budget-minded traveler, this is a great hostel right downtown. There is an outdoor swimming pool for those hot days. Breakfast is included.

Stay at this downtown Puerto Iguazu hostel, BOOK NOW

Final Thoughts on Iguazu Falls Trip

I was really happy to have been able to take this Iguazu Falls trip with my friend and have the opportunity to see the falls in a different way. Our main objective was to see Iguazu Falls, even though there are other activities around the area. We spent two full days in Puerto Iguazu. If we were to do it again, we would have spent only one full day.

Because there isn’t much to see in the town of Puerto Iguazu, we could have easily fit everything into one day. The other thing I would have changed was our accommodation. We stayed in a very basic Airbnb.

The nature here is so beautiful that I think it would have been worth it to splurge on a nicer place and spend a whole day by the pool enjoying the jungle and nature.

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