Highlights of Iguzu Falls
In Portuguese, it is ‘Iguaçu’; in Spanish it is ‘Iguazú’ In native Guarani, Iguazu means ‘big water’ I thought I’ve seen the most amazing waterfalls in the world already when I was in Iceland during winter time. However, when I arrived in Iguazu Falls I was left completely mesmerised by their natural beauty and ferocity- This is a MUST go bucket list destination.
I didn’t plan too much as all my trips. I just pick a location and explore it as it comes. If you go during the autumn and winter months (April to August) you are less likely to encounter rain. Meaning that the water flow of the waterfalls also decreases. Essentially, it’s up to you whether to go during the dry or wet seasons since both will have their charm.
I just wanted to make the most of this experience in four days before flying to Rio de Janeiro. I decided to Explore Iguazu Falls by Foot, Boat and Plane, trust me it’s worth it.
Where to stay and itinerary
Well, the Argentinian side of Iguazu Falls offers a bit more than the Brazilian side. So, Why I decided to pick the Brazilian side first? well, because the flights were cheaper from Sao Paulo to Foz do Iguaçu.Here is a great recommendation for where to stay near on the Brazil side.
Concept Design Hostel & Suites – $80/3 nights (ensuite room). The place offered air conditioner, that’s important due to the humidity of the area, Built-in restaurant and bar, and located in the quiet area of the city.
Fortunately, I connected very well with Karol one of the receptionist from the hotel, she was really welcoming and helped me to arrange the whole itinerary properly. It’s important to get advice from locals, they know better the weather conditions, good prices and how to travel safe if you are a solo traveller like me!
Three Border Landmark: (Hito de las tres Fronteras) The entrance costs around $7 USD. The three borders means the meeting point between the borders of three countries: Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina. I had the opportunity to met the Guarani people, an indigenous population (Makas) native to Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil, and parts of Bolivia.
Helicopter Ride Over the Iguazu Falls Tour. For a 10 minutes ride, it’s around 120 USD per person, expensive but there is no better way to really grasp the scale of Iguazu Falls. This was the first time I had ever been in a helicopter, so this alone was exciting, but looking down and seeing how vast the falls are and how extensive the rainforest is that surrounds them was just spectacular.
By boat, Being alone at such a huge and powerful natural wonder had an eerily yet amazing feel; it was so peaceful with just the sounds of the crashing water and wakening of the rainforest. in this case, I would recommend you to take the boat in the Argentinian side, it’s more impressive and cheaper due to the currency exchange from Pounds or dollars to Argentinian pesos.
Gran Aventura boat Iguazu Argentinian side tours: click here
Iguazu: both sides
For the Argentinian side, the entrance ticket to Iguazu Falls is 700 ARS (18 USD) per person as of 2019 and you can buy it from the Visitor Center by either cash (Argentinian Pesos only) or via credit cards.
For the Brazilian side, the entrance ticket to Iguazu Falls is 68 BZR (18 USD) per person as of 2019 and you can either buy it online from Iguazu Official Website or from the Entrance by either cash or via credit cards.
The Brazilian side: The park is accessible by car (uber) from my hotel to the park was like 7km and paid ($4 USD each trip). This side offers a panoramic view of the waterfalls, you get it on the Brazilian side and not the Argentinean side because 70-80% of the falls are on the Argentinean side, you really can’t see the scale of them from the Argentinean side. On the Brazilian side, you see everything. Also, if you get in the afternoon, you are more likely to get the sunset. It was almost empty.
Argentinian side: The best way to get from the hotel from the Brazilian side to the Argentinian falls is by car or taking a guided tour Loumar tourimo guide tour click here
Once you get to the park you can take the forest train through the park to the various stops. There are many walking trails and viewing platforms to explore!
Here are a lot of walking paths on the Argentinean side of the falls and if it’s a nice day you could spend 7+ hours walking around the park. There is a train that makes 3 stops from the beginning of the park all the way to the top of the park. Take your time exploring the upper and lower trails.
La Garganta del Diablo aka Devils Throat. This is the main attraction of the Argentina side and absolutely my favourite. Take the free train to the Devils Throat Station and walk the 1.2 km walk to the edge of the Devils Throat. This lookout gives the best opportunity to watch the water rush from the river and down an 80 meter (262 feet) high sheer drop. Don’t forget to cover your cameras and valuables, you will get wet! also, it can be crowded.