Description: Iguazu Falls are one of the great natural wonders of the world and I would suggest a must see for every visitor to Argentina or Brazil.
They are located on the borders of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay and can be viewed from both the Argentine and Brazilian side.
When we visited we stayed in Foz de Iguazu - the nearest town to the falls on the Argentine side. From here we visited the falls from both the Argentine and Brazilian sides.
How did we get there?
A flight from Buenos Aires to Foz de Iguazu. We were incredibly lucky it was an amazing sunny day and the pilot decided to show off his piloting skills by doing a scenic fly past of the falls themselves. He flew round and round allowing both sides of the aeroplane to get an amazing view and take some good pictures. Not only was this great fun but it saved us having to do a helicopter ride at the falls to see them from the air thus saving us lots of money.
Where to stay?
There are hotels in Foz de Iguazu to meet all budgets and the local tour companies will pick you up and take you to the national park containing the falls for day trips. If you have got lots of money stay at the Sheraton Hotel in the national park. You can sit on the verandah and watch the sun setting, listening to the rush of water and watching the amazing wildlife.
How long do I stay?
I would recommend at least two days. It is worth spending a day on the Argentine side of the border at the falls and another day on the Brazilian side as they are completely different experiences. You could also spend a day chilling out in town or at your hotel.
The Argentine side
We did this as a day trip and were picked up from our hotel and taken to the national park. On the Argentine side you get to see the falls individually. So you walk around trails, spotting wildlife as you go and getting wet from the spray. The trails take you very close to the falls and you have to be there to appreciate the sheer beauty and strength of the falling water.
You can walk right out along a walkway called the Devils Throat. This takes you out above one of the waterfalls and is completely exhilerating!
Additional options to just being in the park include paying extra for a jungle ride and a boat ride. We did both. The four wheel drive vehicles take you steaming through the jungle, you can spot all types of marsupials and other strange creatures including lizards and birds. This is fun.
We also took a power boat ride up to three of the falls. Prepare to be soaked to the skin and take your swim wear and wear it, otherwise you might be cold and damp afterwards! The boat takes you as close as you could possibly go to one of the most powerful waterfalls and was again an experience not to be missed. The boat is bumpy and I challenge you not to laugh, and scream when you think you are going to be dunked under the waterfall!
OVerall a fantastic, active day.
The Brazilian side
The next day we went over the border to Brazil, so remember to take you passport. If you go on an organised trip (booked in town) then it is very easy on the border.
Again you enter the national park and it is mainly a walking day. The big difference on this side of the park is that you get a panoramic view of the falls. Instead of walking around and seeing one at a time you get to appreciate the whole lot. It is a stunning contrast and I would definitely do both. Expect to see monitor lizards and humming birds too.
The trip included a fantastic lunch at a Brazilian barbeque restaurant before heading back to our hotel.
We had an amazing time at the falls and I cannot recommend them enough to anyone!
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