As backpackers we are used to looking for the cheapest option, sorting transport directly and mixing with the local way of life. This is basically impossible to do in the tourist town of Puerto Iguazu, but please read on for some tips to make your stay a little less painless than ours. For information on the falls themselves please read my post on the Argentinan side; here.
PUERTO IGUAZU VERSUS FOZ DO IGUACO | We were under the impression that you had to stay in the town of the side you were visiting however this is not the case; both towns offer buses to both side of the falls. We chose Puerto Iguazu because it is looked like a nicer little village to spend a couple of days in, however, in hindsight, the larger town of Foz may have better options for the budget traveller.
FACILITIES | The town has a few good supermarkets within walking distance of wherever you stay, although very limited budget food options (plenty of expensive restaurants though!). Therefore, try and find a hostel with cooking facilities.
STAY | Finding a hostel with a kitchen is easier said and done in this town! We stayed at Hostel El Guembe Suites. 522 ARS / £22 for a double room, breakfast included.
GETTING THERE | We travelled to Iguazu from Buenos Aires for 767 ARS / £33. We bought our tickets directly at the Retiro bus station. Staff told us that the tickets were much cheaper to go mid-week and that was very true.
GETTING OUT | Although you can access both sides of the falls from whichever side you choose to stay, I recommend you exit from whichever country you are carrying on to. For example, if you are continuing through Brazil, travel to Foz and buy an onward ticket rather than trying to buy a Brazilian desintation from Puerto Iguazu. This is because they will sell you Brazilian tickets on the Argentinian side (and vice versa) but it will include a more expensive taxi transfer to the other side first. Buses between each side are cheap and frequent and you will have much more options doing it this way.
TIPS | Be aware of the tourist information offices. This is a very touristy town and they are trying to sell you ‘help’ at high prices.
Puerto Iguazu is really just a stopover town for the falls. You won’t need to be here longer than it takes you to see them.
