Visiting Iguazú Falls was Jazmin’s for the longest time and we finally made it happen. It was a quick visit but worth the effort and money. We stayed for three days and two nights and even though we saw everything, it did feel a bit rushed. We recommend to stay at least four days and three nights so you can go at a more relaxed pace and enjoy more of this adventure.
We started our journey in Buenos Aires, where we took a plane to Puerto Iguazu, Argentina. Steven was not able to visit the Brazilian side as he did not have a visa. Please make sure ahead of time if your nationality needs a visa for either country as you do need to pass through immigration.
It is really hard to see both sides of the falls in one day as the national parks in each country are not close to each other. It is best to first visit the Argentina side and then the Brazilian side. The Argentinian side is a longer adventure as you have 4 main paths to walk, while in the Brazilian side there is only one shorter path. Also, the panoramic views from the Brazilian side will leave you speechless and after seeing the falls from that Brazil the Argentinian side might not be as impressive, as you are on top of the falls.
What to do in Iguazu Travel Video:
How to get to Iguazu Falls from Argentina
The best way to see the Iguazu Falls from Puerto Iguazu, Argentina is by taking a bus from the Terminal de Omnibus that drops you off at the entrance of the national park. You could also take a tour that picks you up you the hotel and includes a guide around the national park.
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The National Park has many hiking paths and can take you about seven hours to complete. In some of hikes you will be walking on wooden walkways above the waterfalls. We recommend to start with the Sendero Verde trail to take the train to the Devil’s Throat path and then work your way back towards the exit to the next paths. The train drops you off to the start of each path.
At the end of the Lower Circuit path, walk down the stairs towards the boat tours. From the bottom you will get amazing view points of the waterfalls and it would be worth the extra walk. I did take the boat tour into the falls and it was amazing, I strongly recommend doing it as it is a one in a lifetime experience.
If you rather not spending your money that way, the views from downstairs are similar. The only difference is that in the boat you get closer to the falls and under one of them. The closer you get to the falls the fewer photos you can take as you will get soaking wet! The boat tours provide a waterproof bag for all your belongings.
Around 80% of the Iguazu Falls lies within Argentina and there are so many beautiful view points where you can take it all and enjoy the natural wonders around you.
How to get to Iguazu Falls from Brazil?
Jazmin had to wake up early to visit the Brazilian side as we were taking a flight back to Buenos Aires early that afternoon. We recommend to do it on your own if you have a tight schedule as you can go at your own pace and be the first one in the park.
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I made the mistake of taking a tour and was difficult to complete within a short period of time. When I get to the falls I had to jog along the path while snapping photos and shooting video.
People recommend to take a helicopter flight over the falls, but for what locals told us it is the worst thing you can do to the environment. So, we strongly discourage it. Even though it might be one of the most amazing experiences from all times, we need to take care of the environment and keep in mind that the sound the helicopter has had a negative impact on the bird populations around the falls.
At the end of the path there is this a boardwalk where you can get pretty close to the waterfalls, where you can spend hours enjoying this natural wonder. You can also go up an elevator to see the falls from above. There is a red bus that takes you from the national park entrance to the start of the trail and then at the you can take the same bus bacl to the entrance.
What to pack for Iguazu Falls?
Always pack light! Only what you need and leave the rest at home. If you are flying to the Falls you will most likely have to pay extra for your luggage, so make sure to pack enough for your time in Iguazu Falls.
We left most of our bags in Buenos Aires at the hotel where we were staying. They had no problem on holding our luggage for a couple of nights while we were gone. Just make sure to check if your hotel is that is allowed before hand, and NEVER leave your valuables unattended. If you do not have someplace safe to leave your bags, you have to take them with you!
We have made a list of essentials that you will need when visiting the falls:
Layers: Depending on the time of the year, bring the right layers for the weather. If it is winter you will need more layers and in the summer then you just need to wear shorts and a shirt! Do not wear jeans as they take forever to dry.
Walking and comfy shoes: There is so much to walk in the national parks and trust me you want to walk to every viewpoint, so pack a pair of shoes that are comfy to walk for miles.
Waterproof Jacket or Poncho: This is a must if you take the boat tours as you are going to get soaked when you get close to and underneath the falls.
Sun Protection and a hat: It is almost always sunny and the rays are pretty intense, so make sure to protect yourself from the sun. Most of the time, there is no coverage or shade. I recommend to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Camara and Cellphones: There are endless opportunities for photos and videos so make sure you charge your camera and do not forget your SD card and extra batteries. It might sound silly but that have happened before. So check all your stuff before leaving your hotel or hostel.
Water Bottle: No matter how heavy it can get you will definitely need water. You can buy water there but it will be pricy. They have water fountains where you can refill your bottles in some areas of the park.
⇟ More articles from Iguazu Falls that might interest you:
➳ Read More: The Complete Guide to Iguazu Falls in Argentina
➳ Read More: Important information for your visit to Iguazu Falls from Argentina and Brazil
➳ Read More: The Complete Guide to Iguazu Falls in Brazil
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