Explore South America’s Best Travel Season: Discover Iguazu Falls Now!

Many people first encountered the name Iguazu in Wong Kar-wai’s film “Happy Together.” In the movie, the male protagonist finally reaches the breathtaking Iguazu Falls, which straddle the borders of Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina.

The Iguazu Falls are a must-see natural wonder in South America. So vast and impressive are they that both Brazil 🇧🇷 and Argentina 🇦🇷 have established national parks to protect and showcase this marvel. If you have the chance, be sure to explore both sides for a complete experience.

⭕ Travel Time
The best time to visit is from September to April of the following year, which coincides with the spring and summer seasons in South America.

⭕ Transportation
On the Brazilian side, you can fly into Foz do Iguacu (airport code IGU) or take an overnight bus from São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro. On the Argentine side, flights land at Cataratas del Iguazu (airport code IGR).

⭕ Duration of Visit
It’s recommended to spend at least two days and one night, ensuring you visit both the Brazilian and Argentine sides. The Brazilian side offers simple trails that provide a stunning panoramic view of the falls, while the Argentine side boasts upper, middle, and lower trails, allowing you to get up close and personal with the falls from multiple angles. Additionally, the Argentine side offers a variety of water activities, such as thrilling speedboat rides.

⭕ Accommodation
If you stay on the Argentine side, you can choose accommodations in the town and use the scenic bus service to travel to and from the park. On the Brazilian side, it’s advisable to stay near the park. I stayed at the 📍Hotel San Martin & Resort, located near the airport, which was just a short walk from the Brazilian side of the Iguazu Falls and the bird park.

The local security in the tourist town is excellent, so there’s no need to worry.
For a more luxurious experience, consider the 📍Belmond Hotel De Cataratas, a Portuguese-style hotel right next to the falls inside the Brazilian park. This historic retreat, once a favorite of the Portuguese elite, is pricey but offers exclusive access to the falls early in the morning and late at night.

⚠️ Don’t hesitate—visit both the Brazilian and Argentine sides! The Brazilian side provides grand, distant, and panoramic views, while the Argentine side lets you get up close and feel the power of the cascading water, even venturing deep into the heart of the falls!

⚠️ Be sure to wear non-slip shoes, as the trails can be very slippery. A raincoat won’t be much help; the sheer volume of water will drench you regardless.

⚠️ How to move between the parks of Brazil and Argentina:
There are cross-border buses available at the entrances of both parks that will take you directly to the other park. You’ll need a passport with visas for both countries, and passports are checked when crossing the border. Bus schedules are limited, so make sure to check the return timetable ❗

⚠️ Both countries offer speedboat and rafting activities, but due to exchange rate differences, these activities are about 30% cheaper in Argentina. Therefore, allocate more time on the Argentine side to fully enjoy the trails and water adventures ❗

(📸 Images 1-13 capture the breathtaking views from the Brazilian side, while photos 14-18 showcase the stunning landscapes on the Argentine side)