The Iguazú waterfalls are located at the border between Argentina and Brazil, and you can visit them from both sides (there are national parks on each side).
We chose Puerto Iguazú as our starting point for both trips and booked a hotel not far from the Puerto Iguazú bus terminal.
To get from the Puerto Iguazú airport to the hotel, we took a taxi. Taxis wait at the exit from the airport, we arrived at night and there was a guy directing people towards individual drivers. The price was fair and the ride safe. Just as always, check if the car and driver have a license. Criminality in Puerto Iguazú should be low, but the Devil never sleeps…
HOW TO GET TO THE WATERFALLS?
For the Argentinian side, we took the bus from the Bus Terminal in Puerto Iguazú. The main company operating the route is Río Uruguay. The journey lasts around half an hour and costs around a dollar or two (with the current inflation in Argentina, it is difficult to state the exact current price). The buses pass every 20 minutes from early morning until evening (around 8 pm), so we just bought the ticket at the station and waited in line for the next bus to come. On the way back we took the same bus; they pass every 20 minutes from the bus stop which is directly at the entrance (exit) to the park.
To get to the Brazilian side, it is also possible to take the Río Uruguay bus from the Puerto Iguazú Bus Terminal. They are operated a bit less frequently (when we were there in spring 2023 it was every hour between 8.30 am and 2.30 pm). The journey lasts around one hour (with a little time spent at border control). The cost is 2-3 USD.
(We decided not to take the bus to Brazil but to hire a taxi because we intended to visit not only the waterfalls, but also the Itaipú dam):
For more information click here.
The tickets to the national parks on both sides can be bought directly at the entrance to the parks. The price was around 18 USD on both sides and waiting time in line for tickets almost zero.
In Argentina, after entering the park you will need to get on a little train that will take you to Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s throat) or Circuits. In Brazil you need to hop on a bus, which will drive you to the beginning of the trail in front of Hotel Iguazú. Both the train and bus are included in the park ticket price, and it is easy to spot them after entering the park. In Argentina, park employees will give you boarding passes so do not ignore people looking like hostesses approaching you. As well as handing over the boarding passes, they will explain to you how the park works and give you a document with an itinerary suggested for you – when you should visit individual circuits and when the train departures are.
HOW MUCH TIME IS NEEDED FOR THE VISIT?
For Argentina, at least one day. The park is divided into three basic parts: Garganta del Diablo, Upper Circuit and Lower Circuit. Each part takes approximately one hour (depending on how quick you are) and it would be pity to miss any of them. You can also take a cruise to approach Garganta del Diablo and Isla San Martín – it is possible to buy the ticket in the park directly.
Be aware that entering the park and embarking the train is not a quick thing so expect to lose some time there. We arrived at the bus terminal in Puerto Iguazú slightly after 9.30 am and boarded the train to Garganta del Diablo after 11.30 am. Yeah, you can feel the Latin American “no rush” culture here :). Moreover, you will be dependent on train departures (at least the one taking you from Garganta del Diablo and the one taking you to the park exit after your visit).
For Brazil, you need a half day. There is one trail of approximately one hour taking you to the bottom of Garganta del Diablo where you can enjoy breathtaking views. Directly from Garganta, there is an elevator which will take you to the parking lot from where you can get on the park bus.
In both parks, it is possible to buy a simple buffet lunch (just watch out for monkeys and birds :))
PS: It is not possible to walk from one park to the other and save your time. You need to enter them separately.
DO I NEED TO VISIT BOTH ARGENTINIAN AND BRAZILIAN SIDE?
YES! Both are beautiful.
Only 20% of the waterfalls are located in Brazil, but you will get a fascinating view to Garganta del Diablo from the bottom. It is one of the most amazing things I have ever seen.
80% is located in Argentina and you can get a look into Garganta del Diablo from the top, which is mesmerizing, and you can see the waterfalls from more angle.
