Visiting Iguazu falls is something that you be on everyone’s bucket list. A visit to Iguazu Falls is one of the top experiences in Argentina and a highlight of any South American trip.
The following guide will tell you everything you need to know about how to visit Iguazu Falls from Argentina.
Which side of Iguazu falls is the best to visit: Brazil or Argentina?
If you only have time to visit Iguazu falls from one side, then definitely choose Argentina!
You get the best experience of Iguazu falls from the Argentine side. There are excellent walkways that mean you can view the falls from different vantage points. You can get close enough to feel the spray from the falls and hear how loudly they roar. There are companies that offer the boat ride from either side but it is cheaper and more popular on the Argentina side.
If you have time do both, you should. You won’t be disappointed. The Brazilian side offers some great views of the falls and a lot less tourists than the Argentina side. It is worthwhile to visit both sides, but the highlight will undoubtely be viewing Iguazu Falls from Argentina.
How to get to Iguazu Falls from Puerto Iguazu, Argentina
The town closest to Iguazu Falls in Argentina is Puerto Iguazu which is the easiest place to stay to visit Iguazu Falls.
You can book the bus to Iguazu Falls National Park at the main bus terminal in Puerto Iguazu. The only company that goes directly to the Argentina entry of the national park is Rio Uruguay. They have an office on either side of the bus terminal and most staff speak basic English.
You can book tickets early or you can just show up on the day. Tickets are 3000 pesos each way and you can buy an open return ticket so you can just jump on any Rio Uruguay bus back when you finish at the park.
Tickets are cash only. They will accept USD but it needs to be in perfect condition. (We had our USD rejected because of an ink stain about a millimetre wide).
The first bus is at 7am. The park doesn’t open until 8am though, so the 7:30am bus is the best option. Buses run regularly, leaving every 20-30 minutes. The buses leave from Platform 11.
Buying entry tickets for Iguazu Falls National Park
You can’t buy entry tickets to the park in advance. Buy tickets on the day at the national park entry, where the bus will drop you off.
You can pay for entry with card or cash. As of February 2024, tickets were 20,000 pesos for foreign adults. As with all prices in Argentina, this is likely to change.
Things to do at Iguazu Falls
There are two main walking circuits at Iguazu Falls, the upper and lower circuit. Both are worth the effort and give different perspectives of the park.
The upper circuit takes you around to the tops of the falls. You get some nice view points but it can be extremely hot as a lot of the walkways are in direct sun.
The lower circuit was my favourite. There are better vantage points of the falls and you can take nicer pictures from this circuit. There are also more seating areas and shade which is nice because it can get very hot and very crowded.
Keep an eye out for monkey and coatis on both trails!
You can download an app and interactive map to help plan your visit here.
The best thing to do at Iguazu Falls: The Gran Aventura boat ride
I had an Uber driver in Buenos Aires that said if you go to Iguazu Falls but don’t do the boat ride, you were never really there. After doing the Gran Aventura boat ride, I have to agree with him.
Iguazu Falls are beautiful from wherever you look at them, but you don’t really understand their power until you are at water level watching them crash down. The boat will have you metres from the base of the falls. You will get absolutely drenched but it is just silly amounts of fun!
You can book the Gran Aventura through Iguazu Jungle inside the park. If you know you definitely want to do the boat ride, I would recommend booking in advance.
You can book directly on the Iguazu Jungle website here.
I found the website a little glitchy so opted to book in person. At the main bus terminal in Puerto Iguazu, a few offices down from Rio Uruguay near Platform 11, you will find a ticket office with a Iguazu Jungle sign. If you book here, you can secure your tickets early. They are currently 50 000 pesos per person, which is the same price as online and as buying them inside the park.
If you have pre-bought tickets for Gran Aventura, you will need to validate them at the Iguazu Jungle office inside the park. It is located just past the information centre and marked with a sign “Paseos Nauticos”.
A life vest and a dry bag are included in the tour to stop your things from getting wet.
La Garganta del Diablo: The Devil’s Throat
The Devil’s Throat is the most impressive part of Iguazu Falls. It is an area where many waterfalls converge and the largest quantity of water passes through. It is also the tallest of Iguazu’s 275 waterfalls.
Unfortunately due to an extreme weather event in October 2022, the Devil’s Throat trail is closed to visitors. There is currently no date for when it will reopen.
From the lower circuit and the Gran Aventura boat ride, you are still able to see the Devil’s Throat from afar. You can keep an eye on the National Park’s news page for updates.
Facilities at Iguazu Falls National Park (Argentina)
Iguazu Falls National Park is very well set up for the large number of tourists that it welcomes every day. There are toilets, restaurants, souvenir shops and kiosks located throughout the park.
There are a few places to fill up water, but they are sporadic and it gets very hot. Make sure you have what you need.
The trails are marked to indicate their accessibility levels. There is also a small tourist train included in your entry ticket that connects some parts of the park.
What to bring to Iguazu Falls
- Sunscreen, sun protection and a hat .There are large parts of the trails that get direct sun and it can get very hot!
- Insect repellent
- Poncho or raincoat – If you are doing the Gran Aventura boat ride, they recommend not bothering with a rain coat. You will get wet, so maybe bring a change of dry clothes instead. The sun is hot though so you it doesn’t take long to dry.
- Towel
- Dry bag
- Wear comfortable shoes
Getting back to Puerto Iguazu
When your visit to Iguazu Falls is over, return to the entrance of the park. To the right as you exit is where the Rio Uruguay bus will depart from. There are regular departures every 20 minutes. This is the current schedule (Feb 2024).
Visiting Iguazu Falls is a must while in Argentina! I hope this post has helped show how easy it is to visit Iguazu Falls from Puerto Iguazu.
Looking for more inspiration for travelling in Argentina?
Check out these posts:
How to cross the border from Argentina to Brazil at Iguazu Falls
