Guide
Iguazú Falls: a guide to visiting
Trails, how much time you need, getting there from Puerto Iguazú and tips to make the most of the day.
By the editorial team of misiones.com.ar · Updated on
Quick answer
Plan a full day on the Argentine side: Upper Circuit, Lower Circuit and the Devil's Throat by train. Arrive at opening time, buy your ticket online, and bring water, sunscreen and a bag for your phone.
The trails
Iguazú National Park is explored on footbridges. The three main walks are:
- Devil's Throat: take the Rainforest Ecological Train to Garganta station, then a footbridge over the river to the viewpoint. The most spectacular.
- Upper Circuit: runs above the falls, with panoramic views. Flat and accessible.
- Lower Circuit: goes down through the forest and shows the falls from the front, such as Salto Bossetti and Salto San Martín. It has stairs.
There is also the Macuco trail, about 3 km through the forest, and boat trips that approach the falls (booked separately).
How much time you need
One full day is enough for the three trails without rushing. To add Macuco, the boat or a second look in different light, plan a second day. Many travellers also spend a day on the Brazilian side, which offers the panoramic view of the whole falls.
Getting there
The park is about 18 km from Puerto Iguazú on national route 12. Frequent buses leave from the Puerto Iguazú bus terminal, and there are taxis, private cars and tours. If you drive, there is paid parking at the entrance.
Tips
- Buy your ticket in advance on the park's official website and check opening hours: they change with the season.
- Start with the Devil's Throat first thing, before queues form for the train.
- Bring water, sunscreen, repellent, a cap and clothes that can get wet.
- Do not feed the coatis or any other animal.
- On full-moon nights there are usually night walks to the Devil's Throat (check availability).
Places in this guide
Cataratas del Iguazú
About 275 waterfalls on the Iguazú River, in the middle of the rainforest. One of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
See details →Garganta del Diablo
The most spectacular fall at Iguazú: a horseshoe-shaped drop of about 80 metres.
See details →Parque Nacional Iguazú
Created in 1934, it protects the falls and the Atlantic rainforest. A UNESCO World Heritage site.
See details →Mirador Garganta Del Diablo
The balcony at the end of the footbridge, over the Devil's Throat.
See details →Salto San Martín
The second-largest fall at Iguazú, facing San Martín Island.
See details →Salto Bossetti
One of the falls on the Lower Circuit at Iguazú.
See details →Salto Dos Hermanas
Twin falls on the Lower Circuit at Iguazú.
See details →Hito Tres Fronteras
Where the Iguazú meets the Paraná: from here you see Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay.
See details →Frequently asked questions
Which side of Iguazú Falls is better, Argentina or Brazil?
They complement each other. On the Argentine side you are among the falls and walk much more; on the Brazilian side you get the panoramic view of the whole falls in two or three hours. If you have time, do both.
When is the best time to visit Iguazú Falls?
They can be visited all year. Autumn and spring have the most pleasant temperatures; summer is very hot and humid. The water flow varies with rainfall in the Iguazú basin.
Are the falls accessible?
The Upper Circuit and the Devil's Throat footbridge are flat and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. The Lower Circuit has stairs.