Iguazu Falls
The months in gold are when the weather, the crowds and the prices work out best.
Iguazu Falls is absolutely worth visiting because of the sheer volume of water you can get close to. Go during March, April, May, September, October, or November to avoid the worst of the summer heat and winter dry spells. Plan to allow two full days to see both sides of the border properly.
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Two full days, spending one day on each side of the border.
Fly into Puerto Iguazu on the Argentine side or Foz do Iguacu on the Brazilian side, then take a local bus or taxi to the park.
Buy park entry tickets online in advance to skip the main ticket window queues.
The entry fee does not include the boat ride under the falls, which costs extra and requires a separate booking.
What to expect on the trails
You will get wet. The park has a network of metal catwalks that take you directly over the rushing water, right to the edge of the drops. Spray rises constantly, so bring a waterproof jacket and protection for your phone.
Coati monkeys roam the paths looking for food. They look cute but they bite and steal bags, so keep your food sealed. The noise of the water is a constant roar that makes conversation difficult in the best viewing spots.
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Choosing your timing
The best months to visit are March, April, May, September, October, and November. During these shoulder seasons, the weather is warm but manageable, and the water levels are usually high enough to be impressive without flooding the trails.
Summer months of December through February are incredibly hot and humid, with heavy crowds of South American holidaymakers. Winter can be dry, which sometimes reduces the falls to a fraction of their usual volume.
Common mistakes visitors make
Many travelers assume one day is enough to see everything. The park is huge, and rushing through it means you will miss the quieter trails where you can spot toucans and butterflies.
Another mistake is assuming your entry ticket covers all activities. The boat ride that takes you directly under the crashing water is a separate private concession. You must book and pay for this separately inside the park.
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Managing the two sides
The falls span two countries, and the experiences are very different. The Argentine side gets you close to the water on long walking trails, while the Brazilian side offers the panoramic views.
Crossing the border requires going through customs, which can add hours to your day. Plan separate days for each side rather than trying to do both in one afternoon.
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Park entry fee does not include the boat ride under the falls.
The daily figure is an estimate and does not include flights. The exchange rate is real, and it moves once a day, not by the second.
The background
Iguazú Falls or Iguaçu Falls are waterfalls of the Iguazu River on the border of the Argentine province of Misiones and the Brazilian state of Paraná. Together, they make up the largest waterfall system in the world. The falls divide the river into the upper and lower Iguazu. The Iguazu River rises near the heart of the city of Curitiba. For most of its course, the river flows through Brazil; however, most of the falls are on the Argentine side. Below its confluence with the San Antonio River, the Iguazu River forms the border between Argentina and Brazil. The name Iguazú comes from the Guarani or Tupi words y [ɨ], meaning 'water', and ûasú [waˈsu], meaning 'big'. Legend has it that a deity planned to marry a beautiful woman named Naipí, who fled with her mortal lover Tarobá in a canoe. In a rage, the deity sliced the river, creating the waterfalls and condemning the lovers to an eternal fall. The first European to record the existence of the falls was the Spanish Conquistador Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca in 1541. It was inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2013.
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Questions people ask
How much does a day at Iguazu Falls cost?
A normal day costs about 90,000 ARS per person, including park entry, transport, and basic food. Keep in mind that popular extras like the boat ride under the falls are not included in this price.
Can I do both sides in one day?
It is possible but highly rushed and not recommended. You will spend hours dealing with border control and transport instead of enjoying the park. It is much better to allocate one full day to each country.
Do I need a visa to see both sides of the falls?
This depends on your nationality, as you will actively cross the border between Argentina and Brazil. Check the entry requirements for both countries before you arrive, as you cannot get visas at the park border crossing.
What should I wear to the park?
Wear light, fast drying clothes and comfortable walking shoes with good grip. Bring a waterproof jacket or poncho, and keep your electronics in a dry bag to protect them from the heavy mist.
Are there places to eat inside the park?
Yes, there are several fast food outlets and a couple of sit down restaurants inside the Argentine park. The prices are higher than in town, so many budget travelers prefer to pack their own lunch.
Is the boat ride under the falls worth the extra money?
Most visitors find it is worth the expense because it gets you incredibly close to the base of the falls. Just be prepared to get completely soaked, so bring a dry change of clothes.