Nº 09
Iguazú Falls
Argentina & Brazil 25.69° S · 54.44° W
Around 275 waterfalls spread across nearly 3 km of subtropical rainforest on the border of Argentina and Brazil, crowned by the Devil's Throat.
“Reaching the end of the walkway at the Devil's Throat, the ground trembling, spray rising over your head and water falling on three sides at once.”
There are waterfalls, and then there’s a whole horizon of them. At Iguazú, the river spreads across a wide, forested plateau and falls off its edge in around 275 separate cascades, spread along nearly three kilometres on the border between Argentina and Brazil. Wherever you stand, there’s more water than you can take in.
It belongs on the list because it surrounds you. On the Argentine side, walkways run right over the top of the falls and deep into their spray. At the Devil’s Throat, the biggest drop, the river disappears into a thundering U-shaped chasm so misty you can’t see the bottom. On the Brazilian side, the view opens up into one immense, roaring panorama.
And it all happens inside a living rainforest: toucans in the trees, clouds of butterflies on the paths, rainbows appearing in the spray every sunny morning. It’s loud, wet, overwhelming and completely joyful — the kind of place where even the most seasoned traveller ends up laughing out loud.
From someday to a real plan
- Days needed
- 2–3 days
- Best months
- Mar – May · Sep – Oct
- Budget
- US$100–250 per person per day
- Getting there
- Straightforward
- Crowds
- Busy
One full day on the Argentine side, half a day on the Brazilian side. A third day adds a boat trip, the bird park or simply a second look.
Pleasant temperatures with strong water flow. Summer is hot and humid; flow varies with rainfall in any season.
Hotels in Puerto Iguazú and Foz do Iguaçu cover every range. Park entry is separate on each side: 60,000 Argentine pesos for foreign visitors on the Argentine side from June 2026 (the second consecutive day half price), and roughly R$130–150 on the Brazilian side. Exchange rates move fast. Orientation ranges — verify before booking.
Fly into Puerto Iguazú (IGR) from Buenos Aires or Foz do Iguaçu (IGU) from Brazilian cities. The two towns are about 30–45 minutes apart by road, including the border crossing.
Walkways get crowded in holidays and at midday, especially at the Devil's Throat. Enter at opening time and do the far trails first.
The year at a glance
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
The falls are worth visiting year-round. Dec–Feb is hot, humid and often very high-flow; July brings winter-holiday crowds. After exceptional floods, some walkways (including the Devil's Throat) can temporarily close — and after droughts, flow can be much lower.
What you'll remember
- 01
The Devil's Throat
On the Argentine side, a small train and long walkway lead over the river to the edge of the biggest, U-shaped plunge.
- 02
The Brazilian panorama
Brazil's side faces the falls, so its trail and viewing platform show the full width of the cascades in one sweep.
- 03
A boat into the spray
Speedboat trips on both sides run up to the base of the falls. You will be soaked.
- 04
The Upper and Lower Circuits
Argentine trails run above and below dozens of individual waterfalls, with rainbows on sunny mornings.
- 05
Coatis, toucans and butterflies
The rainforest is full of wildlife. Coatis are bold around food — don't feed them; they bite.
- 06
Parque das Aves
A bird park next to the Brazilian entrance, focused on rescued and endangered birds of the Atlantic Forest.
How the trip fits together
- 1–2 days
Puerto Iguazú, Argentina
Base for the Argentine park: Devil's Throat, Upper and Lower Circuits.
- 1 day
Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil
The panoramic trail, Parque das Aves and an optional boat trip.
- Evening
Triple Frontier viewpoint
Where the Iguazú and Paraná rivers meet and Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay face each other.
Put it on your list if…
- You want to feel the power of water close up, not just admire it from far away.
- You'd enjoy combining two countries in one short trip.
- Rainforest walks and wildlife add to the appeal for you.
Maybe skip it if…
- Getting wet, heat and humidity would ruin the experience.
- You dislike busy walkways and can only visit in holiday periods.
- You'd only have a few hours between flights — it deserves at least one full day.
- The two parks have separate tickets and rules. Check current prices and payment methods on the official Argentine and Brazilian park websites.
- Crossing between Argentina and Brazil means passing immigration each time. Check entry and visa rules for both countries for your passport.
- Walkway closures can happen after heavy rain — follow the parks' official updates.
- Protect phones and cameras from spray, especially near the Devil's Throat and on boat trips.
