Know Before You Go: Visiting Iguazu Falls (From Both Sides)

When I solo traveled to Brazil, everyone told me I was crazy. And when i told people I was going to Brazil in early January, aka high season, people said I was even crazier. But guess what? My “crazy ideas” are often my best ones, because my time in Brazil was epic, to say the least–I saw my seventh and final world wonder in Rio, and down south, I visited Iguazu Falls. I learned a bit about visiting the falls during peak season, so, take a word from the wise and know before you go.

Pro-Tip: Don’t want to plan? Book a day tour that covers both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides here.

Flying into Brazil vs. Argentina

The first big lesson I learned about Iguazu Falls is the differences between the two airports in the area: the Brazilian side (Foz do Iguaçu–airport code IGU) and the Argentinian side (Iguazu Falls Airport–airport code IGR). If you can avoid the Argentinian side entirely when it comes to airport, that would be in your best interest! The Brazilian airport is much better equipped, plus, there’s generally more to do on the Brazilian side (more on that later). The Argentinian airport is one of the worse airports I have personally ever been to–there is one cafe, one small shop, and you can’t go through security and to your gate until about 30 minutes before your flight departs because it’s so small.

Where to stay

Regardless of which side you choose to visit, you’ll need a place to stay. I personally stayed in the proper city of Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil because I was coming from Rio and this just made the most sense considering my travel schedule. I am very happy with where I stayed, which was directly in the city of Foz do Iguaçu, however, it was the day I pulled up to the falls that I realized you can really live in lavish luxury here. There are a lot of great luxurious properties right within the park. Here are some options for all budgets on each side:

Brazil

• $: Iguassu Central Flats (where I stayed–in the city of Foz do Iguaçu)
• $$: Bourbon Thermas Eco Resort Cataratas do Iguacu
• $$$: Hotel das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel, Iguassu Falls (within the falls themselves)

Argentina

• $: Hotel Itavera
• $$: La Reserva Virgin Lodge
• $$$: Gran Meliá Iguazú (within the falls themselves)

Tickets and entry cost

The ticket cost depends on which country you reside in. I would highly recommend booking tickets ahead of time. This is the official site to buy tickets from (but make sure to choose the right side from which you plan to enter!). Otherwise, here are some tour options (please read the fine print of each tour to see if your ticket cost is covered):

• Full day Foz do Iguaçu Brazilian side tour
• Full day Iguazu Falls Argentinian side tour
• Tour of both sides of the falls (highly recommended!)

When to Visit

You can technically visit Iguazu Falls year-round, but peak season is December-February. I visited during the first week of January, which is PEAK season. The falls have very little barricades around them, and they were so crowded that I was surprised that many people were let in. However, it’s understandable why so many people choose to visit during this period, since it is prime for weather and easy to pair with a New Year’s Eve trip to Rio (one of the most popular NYE destinations).

Pro-tip: Despite how packed the falls were in January, the dramatic scenery still makes every photo worth keeping, especially if you plan to turn your travel memories into a customizable photo calendar.

How many days are needed

You might be surprised to know you can easily see both the Brazilian and Argentinian side of the falls in one day–it’s similar to visiting both sides of Victoria Falls. However, for a comfortable experience, I’d recommend booking two nights near Iguazu Falls, so that way, on your “half” or “lesser” days, you have time to do other things in the area.

Which side is better?

This is, of course, entirely subjective, but the general consensus is that the Brazilian side is much better for taking in the views. Devil’s Throat is on the Argentinian side, meaning, you can get a good glimpse of it from the Brazilian side. With that being said, Argentina’s side is generally perceived better for doing things like taking boat and safari tours, so each side has its perks, and is yet another reason why it’s recommended to do both.

What to do ASIDE from the falls

I think this part was my biggest surprise. There’s a pretty good amount to do in the area other than the falls themselves. However, I found that most of the more fun things to do were on the Brazilian side. For example, one of the coolest things I’ve ever done was walk from Brazil to Paraguay via The Friendship Bridge. If seeing an additional country is of interest, make sure to head to “The Triple Frontier.”

Aside from that, here are some fun activities to partake in while at Iguazu Falls National Park:

• Gran Aventura Boat Ride (Argentinian side)
• Jeep Tour around the Falls and a Boat Ride
• Macuco Boat Ride (Brazilian side)
• Boat ride of the falls (Argentinian side)
• Helicopter ride over the falls
• Grab a bite or cocktail (there are plenty of places all around the falls with food and drink options)

Luggage Storage

In the off chance you need somewhere to put your stuff (like I did!), either because you have a flight to catch or are switching hotels or for any reason under the sun, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to know there is luggage storage on both sides of the falls. I used the Brazilian side, which was located within the park right before scanning your entry ticket and felt secure with a personalized lock code.

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