The Iguazu Falls (Foz do Iguaçu, or Cataratas de Iguaçu) are certainly the star of the show in this Brazilian state. The Iguazu Falls are 2.7km wide and vary in height, between 60 to 82m. They’re twice as wide as Niagara Falls and taller too. Straddling the border of Brazil and Argentina, these thundering waters can be heard long before you see them.
There’s an endless debate around which side gives a better experience of the Iguazu Falls, Brazil or Argentina? The truth is, you should do them both – which means, get your visas sorted before you go.
If you have the time, allow two days to explore the falls – one day in Brazil, the other in Argentina. Brazil gives you the impressive, Instagrammable moments, the panoramic views of the falls, really allowing you to appreciate their majesty. Meanwhile, the national park on the Argentinian side is larger, with more opportunities to get closer to the falls and see them from multiple vantage points. As the name suggests, the upper trail allows you to see the falls from above, while the lower circuit gives the best views from its eight different lookouts.
Afterwards, make sure you allow time to walk or take the train to the Devil’s Throat station. From there it’s a 1.2km walk to the aptly named Devil’s Throat (pictured below), the heart of the falls. Visitors walk on elevated metal pathways with the swirling waters beneath their feet. The mist and the endless roar of the falls is really something to behold.
And if that wasn’t enough, there are also boat tours that will take you along the Iguaçu River, right up close to the thundering waters. Prepare to get wet! Bring a zip-lock bag for your passport and your camera!
When to visit Foz do Iguaçu?
This largely depends on what you want from your experience. The falls are at their peak volume during December, January and February, due to higher rainfall, but with this comes higher costs, as it is peak holiday season in Brazil. Also, high water levels could also prevent access to some pathways. Also, you may get some cloudy days – not great for photos! This time of year can also be hot and humid – which is great if you plan on getting wet by mist or from a boat ride.
The low season in Foz do Iguaçu is between March and June, as this is the dry season. The falls won’t be as powerful, but the weather will be nicer.
Weighing everything up, it is recommended to visit in March and early April, or in the cooler months of August and September.
In terms of visiting the Devil’s throat, we recommend visiting in the afternoon, when the sun will be behind you. However, if you want to beat the crowds, you’re best to visit in the morning. Also, you’re more likely to see rainbows if you visit in the morning light.
How to get to Foz do Iguaçu?
There are regular flights to Foz do Iguaçu International Airport (IGU) from Brazil’s major airports, including Rio Galeão, São Paulo Guarulhos and Congonhas airports.
To get to the Brazilian side of the falls from Foz do Iguaçu / Airport
Go to Terminal Transporte Urbano (TTU), which is located in downtown Foz do Iguaçu. The address is Vila Portes, Av. Juscelino Kubitscheck, 1385 – Vila Portes, Foz do Iguaçu – PR.
Pay for your ticket and enter the bus station. From here, you need to take bus number 120 which will be marked with a sign reading Parque Nacional/Aeroporto. The bus goes to the falls, but stops at the airport first.
Cost to enter the National Park are as follows:
- For Brazilians and Mercosul countries (Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, Venezuela): R$78 for adults, free for children aged (up to 6 years)
- For everyone else: R$86 for adults, free for children aged (up to 6 years)
To get to the Argentinian side of the falls from Foz do Iguaçu / Airport
It is less straightforward than getting to the Brazilian side. Buses still leave from the Terminal Transporte Urbano (TTU). However the buses leave from outside the station, not inside.
Buses leave every 25 minutes or so and travel as far as the Brazilian border. Here you need to get off, go through immigration, and then take the same bus company on to the Puerto Iguazu terminal in Argentina. Here you need to change buses again. Look for buses with signs reading ‘Cataratas’. They leave every 25 minutes and the journey takes about 40 minutes from the bus station.
Last updated: 26 Nov 2023
Photo: Zig Koch – MTUR