Brazil Iguazu Falls Travel Guide: Best Tips for an Unforgettable Adventure
In early June 2024, I embarked on a breathtaking journey to Iguazu, Brazil, during the fall, and it was an absolute marvel. I highly recommend it!
1. Flights: My trip began with a flight from São Paulo to Iguazu. It was a national holiday in Brazil, making airfares pricier than usual. Fortunately, I managed to snag a round-trip ticket for just 1876 RMB. My colleague, who booked a few days later, had to pay over 3000 RMB! When booking, be sure to fly into IGU Foz do Iguacu International Airport—don’t accidentally end up in Argentina!
2. Hotel: I stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Foz do Iguacu, which was fantastic. A double room with breakfast for two nights cost 2888 RMB. The hotel is conveniently located next to a shopping mall, and since Iguazu is quite compact, you won’t have to worry about being far from the main attractions.
3. Transportation: For getting around, skip the taxis and avoid renting a car. Uber is your best bet; it’s the most affordable and convenient option for any destination.
4. Sightseeing: You can purchase tickets for all the attractions at the travel agency in the Hilton hotel lobby, at the same price as on-site. No need to hire a car; just buy the tickets and go.
4.1 The Bird Park and the waterfalls are just a stone’s throw away, across the street, about a 5-minute walk. You can easily visit both in one day.
4.1.1 Start your morning around 8 or 9 with an Uber ride to the Bird Park. It’s a delightful experience and well worth the visit. An hour should be enough to explore. The entrance fee is 80 reais.
4.1.2 Just across from the Bird Park, you can take a helicopter tour to see the waterfalls. It’s an awe-inspiring experience, even more impressive than the helicopter tours in Rio. I can’t recall the exact cost, but it’s definitely worth every penny!
4.1.3 The entrance to Iguazu Falls is a short distance from the helicopter boarding area. Once inside, a park bus (included in the ticket) will take you to the falls. At the start of the hiking trail, you’ll need to get off and walk. The waterfall is vast, so prepare for a bit of a hike to reach the main viewing area, where you’ll be up close and personal with the falls.
Be ready to get drenched, or if you prefer to stay dry, you can view it from a distance. I picked up a used raincoat from another visitor 😂. The ticket costs 120 reais.
4.1.4 After the waterfall, hop on the return bus to the Iguazu rafting entrance. They usually stop taking visitors after 3 PM, so plan accordingly. Rafting is a must-do; it’s thrilling and incredibly fun 😀. Raincoats are somewhat ineffective, but they help a little. Bring a change of clothes and flip-flops, as you’ll literally go under the waterfall 🤣. Although it’s within the park, you need a separate ticket for 380 reais.
4.2 On the second day, visit the Three Borders Landmark. Even if you haven’t heard of it, it’s a place that should be on your list. The ticket costs 47 reais.
While it may not be a bustling metropolis, visiting in the morning offers a serene and less crowded experience, perfect for sitting back, relaxing, and enjoying the stunning views of Argentina and Paraguay. The place is charmingly compact!
Key points:
1. Double-check to ensure you’re booking the correct airport!
2. For hassle-free transportation, rely on Uber for all your travel needs.
3. Purchase attraction tickets exclusively from the travel agency located in the hotel lobby; avoid other services.
4. Iguazu Falls Park closes at 5:00 PM, so plan to leave before then.
Iguazu is a quaint and cozy destination, and a three-day, two-night trip is more than sufficient. Arrive on Friday afternoon and depart on Sunday afternoon. Extending your stay won’t provide many additional activities, but it will allow you to savor the tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty a bit longer.
