Brazil 🇧🇷 | Ultimate Practical Guide to Visiting Iguazu Falls in 2023

The majesty of Iguazu Falls is legendary, needing no further introduction. As the world’s widest waterfall, its breathtaking vistas are a top draw for South American travelers and an absolute must-see.

To reach Iguazu Falls, you can enter from either Brazil or Argentina. On the Brazilian side, your first stop should be Foz do Iguaçu, while on the Argentine side, head to Puerto de Iguazú (Iguazu Port).

We chose the Brazilian route, and flying is highly recommended. Most major cities in Brazil offer direct flights to Foz do Iguaçu. If you’re coming from Argentina, you can fly directly from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Port.

Upon landing at Foz do Iguaçu airport, you’ll likely encounter numerous drivers claiming to be “Uber” outside. It’s best to ignore them and use a legitimate Uber instead. Many of these unlicensed drivers have fast-running meters, which can be quite costly.

For the ultimate experience, consider booking a hotel in the southern part of Iguacu, as the falls are located in the southeast. The iconic Hotel das Cataratas, situated right across from the falls, offers a night’s stay for around 600 RMB. The views are unparalleled, and the experience is truly unique.

If you choose to stay in the city, rest assured that safety is not a concern. Both Uber and the local ride-hailing app 99 are widely available, making transportation a breeze.

Visiting the falls doesn’t require a tour. In the morning, take an Uber to the Parque das Aves bird park, where you can spend about 1-2 hours exploring. The bird park is conveniently located at the entrance to the falls. Afterward, head to the Visitor Center kiosk on the left side of the entrance to buy your tickets. The staff there speak English, so language won’t be a barrier.

Experiences: While the hydroelectric power station is skippable, the boat ride under the falls is a thrilling, must-do activity. The helicopter ride also offers a spectacular view. Remember, each activity requires a separate ticket, so keep them safe.

After purchasing your tickets, wait for the shuttle bus, which will take you to the falls, located over 10 km away. The bus will first stop at the Macuco Safari station for the boat ride, then at the starting point of the viewing trail, Trilha das Cataratas Brasil, right across from the famous hotel.

Feel free to get off at any stop along the way and catch the next shuttle to the next attraction. Buses run frequently, so you won’t have to wait long.

It’s recommended to start with the trail. Follow the crowd after getting off the bus and walk along the path all the way to the famous Devil’s Throat. The water spray here is intense, and you’ll likely get soaked, but raincoats (capa de chuva in Portuguese) are available for purchase everywhere. Wearing one is highly advised. The entire trail tour takes about 3 hours.

After your tour, make your way to the shuttle station located at the end of the trail. Hop on the bus heading in the opposite direction from which you arrived, and enjoy a scenic ride until you reach the boat ride station.