Iguazu Falls was one of the sights in South America which really lived up to the hype. They are absolutely incredible!
Argentina gives you a view of the falls; from below, above, opposite and close-up! From what we saw of the Brazilian side you just have a viewing platform. It does look as though it would be an impressive view, but it’s not the big day hike that you get from the Argentinian part.
We debated long and hard which side of the falls to visit. I guess the best answer is ‘both’, but time and funds forced us to choose. Research via internet and fellow travellers told us that Argentina was definitely the way to go, so please see below for our tips, based on the Argentinian side of this spectacular place…
GETTING TO THE FALLS | Buses run from the main bus terminal in Puerto Iguazu every 20 minutes. Buy return tickets from the ticket office there for 100 ARS / £4. You don’t need to walk all the way to the bus station if you are on the main route out of town (your hostel/hotel will advise you). The buses drive the main road out and there are many bus stops where you can get on. In this case you can pay on the bus but note during the popular morning departure times you’ll be standing if you get on here as the buses get busy.
(You can get a return bus to the Brazilian side from here very easily, just remember that you’ll be entering Brazil so check your visa requirements! Similarly, you can get a bus to the Argentinian side if you have opted to stay in Foz do Iguaco.)
NAVIGATING THE FALLS | We worked out what we thought was the best route around the park to avoid the people jams and also work your way up to the most spectacular views:
1 | Circuito Superior – view the falls from the top first. You’ll get a good oversight of them all and although this route is still very impressive you’ll be starting with what we deemed the least impressive first; ready to work your way up!
2 | Circuito Interior – this is probably the main circuit at the park. It has fantastic views and you get up close to the waterfalls. This is the part where you will get wet!
3 | Isla San Martin – is accessed within the Circuito Interior and is a FREE boat ride over to the park island, which gives you adjacent views of the most impressive part of the falls. The boat queue was suprisingly small compared to the amount of people in the park, so don’t miss this!
4 | Garganta del Diablo – in my opinion the Devil’s Throat was the best view in the park and one of the most spectacular views I have ever seen. Finishing the park with this view was fantastic. Also, by leaving the most popular sight until last the queue for the train, and then the viewing platforms, were much quieter.
Note: there are actually even more trails than this but these are the main ones to view the falls.
COST | Entrance fee is 260 ARS / £11. Payment on the Argentinian side is CASH ONLY and your passport is required.
You can return to the park the next day for half price, instead of paying full price admission again. If you think you might want to do this, get your ticket validated on the way out at the ticket office. Remember your passport again the next day!
TIPS | Pick up a map when you go past the tourist centre inside the park. We didn’t get one with our admission but it made nagivation so much easier. Plus, they are free.
If you find yourselves surrounded by people at a particular viewing spot just wait a few minutes. The tour groups don’t hang around for long and once they have dispersed it is a lot easier to get your photo.
The park is BIG. This is a good full day of walking to fit everything in so go early.
The San Martin island boat ride is included. I swear most people don’t realise this, hence minimal queuing time for the boat!
Food inside the park is quite expensive. We bought a picnic from the town and were able to sit at some impressive sights to have lunch and snacks.
Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife… we saw a toucans, coatis, monkeys, turtles, fish…. very impressive.
Bring some mosquito spray; it is very bitey.
GETTING BACK FROM THE FALLS | Simply wait outside the ticket offices the bus to come along, every 20 minutes. Just make sure you get on to a bus of the same company you came with. Easy!
STAY | Read my Puerto Iguazu post for information on staying in the town.
