Iguazu Falls, ARGENTINA + BRAZIL – named one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Iguazu Falls is located on the borders of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. They say “Argentina has the show, but Brazil has the views” so we spent one day touring each side. This pit stop quickly became the highlight of our trip!
Our stay: 2 days / 1 night
STAY
Mercure Iguazu Hotel – relax in the heart of the jungle! We especially liked sleeping with the balcony door open to hear all the nighttime noises outside. There is a mosquito screen door so you don’t have to worry about bugs getting inside the room.
GETTING THERE FROM B.A. – Suggested Itinerary
Depart AEP at 9:05 am – Aerolinas Argentinas
Arrive IGR (Argentina side) at 10:55 am
Pro Tip: It is much cheaper to fly domestically in South America than internationally (you’ll save $150-$200 per ticket by doing it this way). Because we were in B.A., we chose to see the Argentina side of Iguazu Falls first, then drive over the Brazilian border with our guide. If you are coming from Brazil, fly domestically to Foz do Iguaçu (Brazilian side).
DEPARTING FROM FOZ DO IGUACU (BRA)
Depart IGU at 6:40 pm – GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentes (expect >$100 for airfare)
Arrive GIG at 8:50 pm
Remember: U.S. Citizens must have a visa to enter Brazil. If you live in a major city, you can apply in person. Airline and hotel reservations are required upon submission, so you need to have the trip somewhat planned before you can apply. In Houston, it only took 30 minutes to walk out with visas in our passports (plus I applied for Dmitriy on his behalf, pretty efficient!)
ENTERING IGUAZU NATIONAL PARK
ARGENTINA
We hired a local guide from Toursbylocals.com where they allowed us to customize our visit to Iguazu Falls. Our guide, Marcelo, picked us up from the airport and we headed straight to Argentina side, just 10 minutes away. Come dressed in quick dry clothes as you will not stop at the hotel first. Sunscreen, rain jacket, mosquito spray, and plenty water is a must! Camelbaks are highly recommended!
Professional Tour Guide Contact Info:
Marcelo da Rocha – iguazufallstourguide@gmail.com (he is local to Foz do Iguaçu). Highly recommend. Great knowledge of the falls, animals, nature, and added bonus – photographer!
Offers: Iguazu Falls, Birdwatching, Photography, Natural History, & more!
Languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian (basically my idol)
Fun Fact: Iguazu Falls can fill two Olympic sided swimming pools per second!
Sites: The Devil’s Throat (accessible by train), Upper Circuit, Lower Circuit, and Two Brothers Waterfalls (Dos Hermanos).
Duration: ~4 hours
Cost: 500 ARG or $25 USD for US Residents. Reserve 30 ARG per person to pay the fee upon leaving the park.
BRAZIL
Day 2: We drove 5 minutes to the Brazilian border where we quickly passed immigration and headed to Foz do Iguacu. And don’t forget your rain coat, you’ll definitely need it!
Sites: Brazilian Circuit & The Elevator (Prepare to get wet!)
Duration: ~2 hours
Cost: R$ 63 or $24 USD for U.S. Residents.
Pro Tip: March, parts of April, August and September are the best times to visit. We avoided the crowds and went the week after Easter (end of high season). April through June represents the dry season, meaning water levels are lowers, and makes for less majestic waterfalls.
Iguazu Falls was the highlight of our trip to South America. If you are traveling through Argentina or Brazil, it is worth making the extra stop to check out these impressive waterfalls.
Next stop, Rio de Janeiro!
Tarmacs And Tequila 