All you need to know before you visit the Iguazu Falls

Made up of 275 separate waterfalls on the Iguazu River, the UNESCO-recognized Iguazu Falls attracts tourists and visitors from every corner of the globe. It was declared one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World in 2011 and it’s not hard to see why… Every second, more than 1,700 cubic meters (over 400,000 gallons) of water cascades between Argentina and Brazil at up to 80m (262ft)! A trip to Argentina in South America would not be complete without a visit to the falls, so here are some helpful tips to planning your trip there, written in collaboration with our in-destination expert Laura.

Top things to do at Iguazu Falls

If you think that a trip to Iguazu just involves watching the thundering waterfalls, you are sorely mistaken. The falls are undoubtedly breathtaking, however you can also partake in plenty of other activities in the beautiful area surrounding the spectacle. Wander through the forest and peer through the canopy to spot spectacular birds and wildlife, hike one of the many trails, or take a boat ride out to the base of the falls to see them from a whole new angle.

If you want a unique perspective, go on a helicopter tour for a bird’s-eye view of the falls. Along with a stunning aerial view of the powerful cascades, it will give you a sense of the sheer scale of this natural wonder. While not available directly in the falls, you can also opt for a kayaking excursion in the Upper and Lower Iguazu Rivers. An ideal option for first-time paddlers, the Upper Iguazu River offers access to calmer waters and incredible rainforest views, while the Lower Iguazu River is ideal for more experienced kayakers.

Wildlife of Iguazu

The Iguazu Falls and the surrounding forest are beautiful in more ways than one. As you peer down over the awe-inspiring waterfalls, you should take care to note the diversity of the flora and fauna around you. In fact, if you are lucky, you may even get to see some of the most endangered animals in the world. Keep your eyes peeled for the dappled coats of jaguars, anteaters, harpy eagles, ocelots, and yacare caimans, to name just a few. You are also likely to see unique species of butterflies fluttering by as you wander.

Aside from its jaw-dropping waterfalls, Iguazu is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Bring your binoculars for a chance to spot some of the more elusive animals perched in the trees. In addition to large mammals, the park is teeming with diverse birdlife, from colorful toucans to social parrots and large macaws.

What to pack for your visit to Iguazu Falls

You are bound to get hungry on your adventure-filled day, particularly if you are hiking, so make sure to take plenty of food and drink with you, as prices can be steep inside the park. Packing waterproof clothes for your trip to the falls is also a must. Some people prefer to bring a bathing suit as the enormous waterfalls will drench you from top to bottom—very refreshing! Ensure your camera is waterproof. It is also highly advisable to bring along some plastic Ziplock bags to keep all your valuables safe and dry.

Sturdy shoes are highly recommended when exploring Iguazu Falls. The park’s hiking trails, while scenic, can be uneven and slippery. Bug spray is another essential item to pack. The humid rainforest is a hotspot for mosquitoes, particularly during the warmer months. Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of South America’s intense tropical sun. You’ll need plenty of sunscreen, even when you’re under the shade of jungle foliage.

Visiting the Argentina/Brazil border: what to know

The waterfalls of Iguazu are situated on the border of Argentina and Brazil, and many people wish to see the waterfalls from both countries as the sight does vary between the two. If you would like to explore the falls from both countries, you’ll need a valid visa for each of them and will have to travel to the actual border crossing to enter Brazil. Unfortunately, you cannot just cross the border from within the park—as tempting as it might seem. If this appeals to you, our local experts can organize it for you, so just let us know when you enquire.

While the Argentine side gets you up close and personal with the cascades, the postcard-worthy panoramic views in Brazil are also worth a visit. With only one trail on the Brazilian side, it’s easy to explore in one day. Points of interest you can add to your itinerary include the Itaipu Dam, which sits at the border of Brazil and Paraguay, and the Three Borders Landmark, a unique spot where the countries of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay meet.

Near the entrance to Iguazu Falls in Brazil, you’ll find Parque das Aves, a bird conservation center where you can see many of these winged creatures in person. If you want to explore further, the city of Foz do Iguaçu is known for its lively nightlife scene and churrascarias (steak restaurants).

How to plan your Iguazu Falls itinerary

Many people underestimate the time it will take to visit and truly explore the Iguazu Falls in full. In Argentina, we highly recommend dedicating one whole day of your schedule to visiting the falls. The park is huge and offers you three different locations for marveling at the cascading waters—the Upper trail, Lower trail, and the Devil’s Throat.

For a more leisurely excursion, follow the Lower Circuit. It’s a one-mile circular trail where you can gaze at the panoramic views of the horseshoe of the falls from an accessible walkway dotted with plenty of viewpoints. To see the waterfalls (and plenty of rainbow sightings) from above, the Upper Circuit is another option. Both can be done in under two hours.

However, for many travelers, the Devil’s Throat is the main attraction. Accessible for all fitness levels, this section of Iguazu has the largest curtain of water with 14 falls. Shaped like a horseshoe, it is also the park’s largest. To reach this must-see section, you can hop on the Jungle Train and then follow a 3,600ft-long footbridge leading to the falls. The best time to visit Devil’s Throat is in the afternoon when the direct sun won’t affect your view.

Best time to see the Iguazu Falls in Argentina

Two key factors will guide your decision on when to visit Iguazu Falls in Argentina: the weather and peak tourist seasons. Both can impact your experience at this natural wonder. In general, you can expect warm temperatures, high humidity, and rainfall that varies throughout the year.

However, the summer months (from October to March) bring the wet season with heavy rainfall and high temperatures. During this time, the waterfalls are at their most dramatic. But you’ll also see a peak in crowds. By contrast, the drier winter season spans from May to September and offers more moderate temperatures. While the falls may not be as full, the weather is more comfortable for hiking and exploring. For the best of both worlds, consider visiting during the shoulder months of April to May or September to October.

Make it happen

If you have been inspired to witness first-hand the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls, then don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our Argentinian travel experts can begin planning a perfect tailor-made trip just for you.