Iguazu Falls Argentina And Iguazu Falls Brazil Which Is Better?

Why miss the chance to look at one of the planet’s most awe-inspiring sights? To prepare for your Iguazu experience, this article will give you an overview of South America’s most dramatic and majestic wonder of nature: Iguazu Falls Argentina and Iguazu Falls Brazil. 

The name “Iguazu” comes from a Guarani Indian word that means “great water,” a fitting description for this 1.6-mile-wide (2.7 kilometers) waterfall system that drops into the Iguazu River at the boundary between Brazil and Argentina. It has been distinguished as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO Heritage site.

The panoramic views from this spectacular body of water can be seen from various viewpoints, where you can see, hear, and feel the roaring power of the waterfalls. Visiting the Iguazu National Parks of either country also offers other exciting activities, such as riding a speedboat under the falls, shooting the rapids, hiking, and wildlife safari. 

So, make sure you include Iguazu Falls in your South American itinerary. This guide hopes to inspire and encourage you to go for this epic experience of a lifetime. 

All About Iguazu Falls: Argentinian vs. Brazilian Side 

With the world-famous waterfalls as its main attraction, the Iguazu National Park is divided into 2 small parks: Foz de Iguazu (Brazil) and Puerto Iguazu (Argentina). 

The 2 nations co-own the semi-circular falls, offering their visitors a unique experience. While most of the trails are found in the Argentine region, some may argue that the best views can only be experienced from the Brazilian side. 

The Iguazu Falls are formed by 275 waterfalls falling into the Iguazu River from a height of over 269 feet (82 meters). The long, narrow fissure or chasm where half the waterfalls cascade is called the Devil’s Throat (Garganta de Diablo) on the Argentinian side of the Iguazu Falls. 

Most of the river flows through the Brazilian side; however, Argentina has the most falls under its protected area. You can enter the park at either of the following entry points:

• Puerto Iguazu (Argentina)
• Foz de Iguazu (Brazil)
• Ciudad del Este (Paraguay)

Iguazu Falls Argentina – Parque Nacional Iguazu 

The best way to start your trip to Iguazu Falls in Argentina is by basing on Puerto Iguazu City. The town is only over 12 miles (20 kilometers) from the falls and has plenty of hotels and hostels. 

You can ride a bus from the Puerto Iguazu terminal to the park entrance, with a round-trip cost of around 1,059 Argentine pesos/ARS (2.19 US dollars). Another option is a private taxi, which costs 8,220 ARS ($17).

The park opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. local time. You can buy a ticket at the entrance till 4:30 p.m. A single ticket for an adult costs 20,308 ARS ($42), whereas kids from 6 to 16 years old can enter for 10,154 ARS ($21). 

How To Get Around – Iguazu Falls Argentina

The Argentine side of the falls has many walking trails. You can start by taking an ecological jungle trail to the falls station. Falls Station is where the 2 starting trails begin. You can take the train to get further into the park or start walking to reach the falls. 

Some of the most popular trails in the park include Gran Melia Upper Circuit Trail, Gran Melia Lower Circuit Trail, Devil’s Throat Trail, the Green Trail, and Macuco Trail. 

Accommodations – Iguazu Falls, Argentina

There are many good hotels in the tourist city of Puerto Iguazu near the Iguazu Falls. 

Here are the 3 best accommodation options that you can choose to stay at:

• Budget: Departamentos El Chileno 

Departamentos EL Chileno is an excellent choice for travelers with tight budgets. The hotel is only 8.8 mi (14.1 km) from the waterfalls. 

• Mid-Range: Secret Garden Iguazu

Secret Garden Iguazu is a mid-budget hotel located 8.5 mi (13.7 km) from Iguazu Falls. The hotel offers a great view of the garden and comfortable rooms with excellent service. 

• Luxury: Loi Suites Iguazu Hotel

Loi Suites is a luxury hotel in Puerto Iguazu with free parking and an outdoor swimming pool. The hotel also offers a delicious breakfast and quick room service. 

Iguazu Falls and the hotel are only 7.7 mi (12.4 km) apart.

For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.

Tour/Activities – Iguazu Falls, Argentina

Speed Boating 

The lower fall trails offer an opportunity to get on speedboats and enjoy the stunning view of the falls. Speed boating underneath thundering water is an experience of a lifetime. 

You can also ask your captain to take you near the falls to get soaked in water. 

Trekking and Ziplining at Selva Misionera Forest

In the forest of Selva Misionera, you can enjoy amazing activities such as trekking, ziplining, and even rappelling. The forest is just outside Puerto Iguazu, near Iguazu National Park. 

You can also spot over 400 different species of birds and 2,000 different kinds of plants. 

Wildlife at Guira Oga 

Plenty of wildlife is in the park, but it can be hard to spot if you’re on the Argentine side of the falls. 

To make sure you don’t miss out on this experience, head to Guira Oga, an animal refuge with tons of animals, such as anteaters, capuchin monkeys, capybaras, and much more. 

Macuco Trail 

Macuco trail is considered the toughest trail on Argentina’s side of Iguazu. The round-trip of this trail is around 4 mi (6.4 km), going through the forest and ending up at Arrechea. 

Arrechea is the only waterfall where you can swim. 

Full Moon Tour

Leaving Iguazu Falls without experiencing the full moon tour is unthinkable! The national park opens for 5 nights for people to enjoy the amazing Falls views under the moonlight. 

Crossing Iguazu: Argentina to Brazil

Crossing the Border From Argentina to Brazil: Iguazu Falls

Moving from one side of Iguazu to the other is easier than ever. The crossing point is located in Argentina in the small town of Puerto Iguazu. If traveling by road, bring all your relevant documents, such as a passport. All your documents must be processed with a stamp allowing you to enter Brazil. 

To get your documents processed, you can visit the immigration office, which is located 0.9 mi (1.5 km) from the bridge near the border crossing. Document processing is only required for people living outside Brazil or Argentina. 

Transportation Options From Argentina to Brazil: Iguazu Falls

A local bus is the most convenient way of crossing the border. The bus will also take you to the immigration office to get your documents processed. However, remember to ask the bus driver to stop at the immigration center. 

The bus service takes around 2 hours to reach the other side of Iguazu. The round trip would cost under a dollar, which is very budget-friendly. 

You can also use a private transfer or an airplane service to move between the 2 countries. The prices, however, would be much higher depending on the hotel or airline you choose.

Iguazu Falls Brazil – Parque Nacional do Iguaçu 

Iguazu Falls in Brazil is where you can truly experience how big the waterfalls are. The view of the Devil’s Throat is better here than anywhere else, as you can get very close to the falls and experience it from both top and bottom.

The Iguazu National Park in Brazil can be visited from the nearby town called Foz do Iguacu. You can reach the entrance through the local bus service that leaves every half an hour from Foz do Iguacu town. A 1-way bus ride costs around 161 Brazilian reals ($32) per person. You can buy the first ticket at 9 a.m. 

The park stays open until 4 p.m.

How To Get Around Iguazu Falls, Brazil

There is only 1 trail in the Iguazu National Park in Brazil. Once you reach the park entrance, a bus will take you to the trail. 

The final stop will be the restaurant, located quite close to the Devil’s Throat. From here, you can walk to the Devil’s Throat and experience the stunning view of water hitting the river. 

There are 2 ways to experience the waterfalls. The first is from the top, where you can get the whole view of the waterfalls. The second is from the bottom, where you can only experience the waterfalls and get wet. 

Accommodations – Iguazu Falls, Brazil

The best place to stay near Iguazu Falls in Brazil is the town of Foz do Iguacu. 

Here are some of the best hotels in this town:

• Budget: Complexo Eco Cataratas Resort by San Juan

The hotel is around 2.8 mi (4.5 km) from the park’s entrance. You can get comfortable rooms with delicious food at the indoor restaurant here. 

• Mid-Budget: Wish Foz do Iguacu

For visitors who want a luxury experience at a low price, Wish Foz do Iguacu is an ideal choice. The distance of the hotel from the park is only 3.4 mi (5.5 km).

• Luxury: Sanma Hotel by Nobile 

Sanma Hotel is located only 0.3 miles (0.5 km) from the entrance of Iguazu National Park in Brazil. The hotel has everything you need, from the pool to parking to high-speed internet. 

For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.

Tours/Activities – Iguazu Falls, Brazil

• Birdwatching at Parque das Aves 

On the Brazilian side, Iguazu is quite famous for its bird varieties. You can spot birds such as hummingbirds, macaws, toucans, etc. 

• Jungle Jeep Adventure and Macuco Safari Boat Ride 

This adventure tour will allow you to get the whole experience of the Brazilian Iguazu. During the tour, you can experience canyons, views of waterfalls, and wild animals. The adventure will leave you wet or even soaked in water. 

• Helicopter Ride 

Nothing can beat the views of Iguazu from the top with a helicopter ride. You will be able to see all 275 waterfalls from the sky. 

• Itaipu Dam Tour 

The Itaipu Dam is the second-largest dam in the world. During this exciting dam tour, you will explore how the Iguazu River’s water is used to generate energy. 

Iguazu Falls Argentina vs. Iguazu Falls Brazil: The Verdict

Iguazu Falls Argentina	Iguazu Falls Brazil
Covers 80% of the falls	Covers 20% of the falls
Has more waterfalls and trails	Has the best views of the Devil’s Throat
Can get closer to the falls	Can’t get much closer to the falls
Larger area to explore	Comparatively smaller area to explore
Best for hiking and other activities	Best for wildlife and birdwatching
Less expensive	Comparatively more expensive

Best Time To Visit Iguazu Falls 

The best time to visit Iguazu Falls is between December and February. These are the months that receive the most rainfall, which makes the waterfall even more powerful. The climate conditions during these months are pretty warm, but high rainfall can discomfort some people. 

Tourists who want to enjoy themselves without crowds and rainfall can visit in the shoulder season (July to October and February to April). The national parks are open for tourists all year round; you can pick your months according to personal preferences. 

How Do the Iguazu Falls Compare To Other Famous Waterfalls? 

The Iguazu Falls have a total height of approximately 269 ft (82 m). This puts them higher than Niagara Falls, which stands at around 177 ft (54 m), and lower than Victoria Falls, which measures about 354 ft (108 m). Victoria Falls and Iguazu Falls have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The Iguazu Falls also boasts an impressive width and volume of cascading water. The falls span approximately 1.7 mi (2.7 km) and consist of about 275 individual waterfall sections, or tiers, all in one place. This abundance of tiers contributes to the breathtaking spectacle and unique character of the Iguazu Falls.

4 Expert Tips for Enjoying Iguazu Falls

To get the most out of your Iguazu Falls visit, here are the four expert tips that you need to follow:

• Please remember to bring mosquito repellent and sunscreen to protect yourself from harsh sun rays. 
• Bring a waterproof camera to capture your favorite moments.
• You will get wet quite often, so pack accordingly.
• While crossing borders, make sure to bring your passport.

How To Stay Safe During Your Visit In Iguazu Falls?

Visiting Iguazu Falls is an incredible experience, and ensuring your safety enhances the enjoyment. Here’s a short list of safety tips for your visit:

• Stay on Designated Paths: To avoid accidents, always follow the marked trails and respect barriers and signs.
• Wear Suitable Footwear: Choose sturdy, non-slip shoes as the walkways can be wet and slippery.
• Stay Hydrated: The heat and humidity can be intense, so carry water and drink regularly.
• Protect Against the Sun and Insects: Wear sunscreen, a hat, and use insect repellent to guard against mosquitoes.
• Beware of Wildlife: Do not feed or approach the wildlife, as the area is home to many animals.
• Check Weather Conditions: Weather can affect visibility and trail conditions, so check the forecast and plan accordingly.
• Consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Iguazu Falls Argentina and Iguazu Falls Brazil

Is Iguazu Falls in Argentina or Brazil?

Iguazu Falls are in Argentina and Brazil. The 2 nations share the area. 

Both of them offer unique experiences with various activities and tours. 

What Is Special About Iguazu Falls in Argentina?

The Argentine side of Iguazu Falls covers 80% of the falls. The place’s specialness is its never-ending trails and an amazing close-up look at the waterfalls. 

Can You See Iguazu Falls From Brazil?

Yes, you can see Iguazu Falls from Brazil. In fact, the views of the Devil’s Throat from here are considered the best of the 2 sides: Argentina and Brazil. 

Is it Worth Seeing Both Sides of Iguazu Falls?

Yes, both sides of Iguazu Falls offer a unique experience. Argentina offers the best activities, whereas Brazil offers the best views. 

Conclusion – Iguazu Falls Argentina and Iguazu Falls Brazil 

So, which country offers the best experience of Iguazu? 

Most travelers would prefer to visit Iguazu Falls from the Argentinean side, with its larger area to explore and closer proximity to the falls, which results in a more intense and visceral experience. On the other hand, Brazil’s Iguazu would give you a more panoramic, Instagram-worthy view of the Argentinian side of the falls. 

Since both have their own advantages and drawbacks, it’ll all come down to your preference, schedule, and budget. Of course, you can also cross over from either side. Whichever option you take, you will certainly not regret it. 

Hands down, this travel adventure is one for your ultimate bucket list!

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