Brazil's Southern Region
The Ultimate Brazil Travel Guide: Iguazu Falls (Foz do Iguacu)
Breathtaking views of one of the greatest waterfalls in the world, bordering Brazil and Argentinal
The border of Brazil and Argentina is home to one of the most breathtaking natural wonders of the world, the Iguazu Falls. This massive waterfall system consists of approximately 275 individual falls, stretching over 2.7 kilometers (1.7 miles) wide, making it the widest waterfall system in the world.
The falls are part of the Iguaçu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its incredible biodiversity and eco-tourism activities. The nearby Bird Park, and the Itaipu Dam, one of the world's largest hydroelectric plants, are other key attractions in the area.
Iguazu Falls or Foz do Igua çu?
The name of the falls differs between languages: Portuguese, they are known as Cataratas do Iguaçu, and in Spanish, they are called Cataratas del Iguazú. The nearby towns that serve as gateways to the falls are Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil, and Puerto Iguazú in Argentina, each offering access to their respective national parks for visitors to explore.
Top 10 Things to See & Do in Foz do Iguaçu
Visit Iguaçu Falls, on both the Brazilian and Argentinian sides (Brazil tickets / Argentina tickets)
Take a boat ride under the falls (tickets)
Explore the Parque das Aves bird sanctuary (tour)
Visit the Landmark of the Three Borders (Marco das Três Fronteiras) at sunset (tour)
Visit Itaipu Dam, the world's largest hydroelectric dam (tour)
Go kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) (tickets)
Watch a Tango show on the Argentine side (tickets)
Enjoy a sunset dinner on a catamaran (tickets)
Take a bike tour to see three countries in one day (tickets)
Take a helicopter flight to see the falls from above (tickets)
Ready to plan your trip? Check out my detailed itinerary for How to Spend 3 Days in Iguazu Falls
Where to stay in Foz do Iguacu
Find cheap accommodation for your stay in Foz do Iguacu, or check out my personal recommendations:
Hotels
Hotel das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel - this luxury hotel is uniquely within Iguaçu National Park and provides after-hours access to the falls (see prices)
Las Hotel Boutique - luxury boutique hotel set in the jungle (see prices)
Aguas do Iguaçu Hotel Centro - a budget-friendly boutique hotel with outdoor pool (see prices)
Pousadas (Guesthouse)
Pousada Nanai - family-run guesthouse with outdoor pool (see prices)
Pousada Cris Garden - a simple bed & breakfast (see prices)
Backpacker Hostels
Hostel Quintal de Casa - best for backpackers (see prices)
Concept Design Hostel - a modern hostel with a swimming pool (see prices)
On the Argentine Side
Gran Meliá Iguazú - best luxury hotel (see prices)
Rincón Escondido B&B - best boutique hotel (see prices)
Hostel Iguazu Falls - best hostel for backpackers (see prices)
Where is Iguazu Falls, Brazil
Closest airport
Foz do Iguaçu International Airport (IGU)
Main bus terminal
Rodoviária Internacional de Foz do Iguaçu
N/A
Main ports
Check out my epic 3 day travel itinerary for Foz do Iguacu!
How to get to Iguazu Falls
Foz do Iguaçu, the Brazilian town nearest to the falls, has an small airport. It is connected with international flights from Santiago de Chile. There are direct domestic flights from several cities including Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Curitiba, Florianopolis, and other cities.
How to get to Iguazu Falls by bus
See all bus connections and find cheap tickets to Foz do Iguacu
By land, there are frequent bus connections available, including overnight busses, from Sao Paulo, Curitiba, Florianopolis, and other cities.
How to get to Iguazu Falls from Argentina
There are regular bus connections between Brazil and Argentina for those who wish to see both sides of the falls. The company Crucero del Norte runs a bus one per hour from 8am - 8pm, between Puerto Iguazu Bus Station in Argentina and the International Bus Station of Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil. The trip takes around 40 minutes, depending on traffic at the border crossing.
It is also possible to take a taxi across the international border, however Ubers cannot cross the border. It is not recommended to cross with your own car due to long wait times (taxis use a faster queue).
How to get to Iguazu Falls from Sao Paulo
The bus from Sao Paulo's Tietê bus terminal to Iguazu Falls takes 16+ hours. There is an option to take the bus overnight, ideal if you are short on time (tickets). Flights are an inexpensive alternative, and are cheapest if you are able to book in advance.
How to get to Iguazu Falls from Rio de Janeiro
The bus from Rio de Janeiro to Iguazu Falls is long, taking around 26 hours (tickets). Flights are an inexpensive alternative, and are cheapest if you are able to book in advance.
How to get to Iguazu Falls from Florianopolis
The bus from Florianopolis to Iguazu Falls takes around 15 hours, and the busses typically run overnight (tickets). Flights are also available.
Top tours around Iguazu Falls
How to get around Foz do Iguacu
The entrance to the Brazilian side of falls is through Iguacu National Park, located about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the city of Foz do Iguacu.
It is easy to reach the park entrance, from either the airport or the town center, by Uber, taxi or public bus. Call the Uber to Visitor Center Station. Note that it may be difficult to get an Uber back to town. You can also ask for the phone number of your Uber driver to call them directly for a ride back to town.
The public bus leaves from Terminal Transporte Urbano (TTU) approximately every 30 minutes, and costs R$5. Pay for your ticket in the terminal, then enter via the turnstile. Take bus Number 120, which will have a sign for Parque Nacional/Aeroporto.
Once you have arrived at the park entrance, there is shuttle bus service that takes you from the entrance to various viewpoints and trails.
Things to Know Before You Go to Iguazu Falls
Best Time to Visit: Iguazu Falls can be visited year-round, but the best time depends on what you want to experience. December to February is the rainy season, when the falls are at their most powerful. However, it can also be very humid and crowded. For a balance of good weather and water flow, consider visiting during March to May.
Park Entrance and Fees: The entrance to the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls is through Iguaçu National Park. The park charges an entrance fee, and tickets must be purchased in advance online. It is recommended to book well in advance in the high season as tickets do sell out.
Panoramic Views from the Brazilian Side: The Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls offers the most stunning panoramic views of this natural wonder. While Argentina has more walkways close to the waterfalls, the Brazilian side allow you to take in the scale and beauty of the falls from a distance.
Bring Rain Gear: You will likely get wet, even if you’re not taking a boat ride. The sheer force of the falls creates a constant mist, especially if you walk out on the boardwalks that get closer to the falls. Bring a rain jacket or poncho and a waterproof bag if you want to stay dry.
Wildlife in the Park: Iguaçu National Park is not just about waterfalls; it’s also home to incredible wildlife. Keep an eye out for coatis, animals that roam the park in search of food. While they are cute, don’t feed them as they can become aggressive. You may also spot colorful birds, butterflies, and if you're lucky, even a toucan.
Boat Rides: Tour companies offer an up-close experience with the falls. The boat tour takes you right into the Iguazu River and under some of the smaller falls. It’s an optional extra, but is a unique way to feel the raw power of Iguazu up close. Just be sure to bring a waterproof bag.
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