Planning A Trip To Iguazu Falls

Some of the best Patagonia tours for travelers who want to experience the beauty of Argentina can be found at Iguazu Falls! Iguazu Falls are a series of 275 waterfalls on the Iguazu River, which borders Argentina and Brazil. Together, these waterfalls make up the largest waterfall system in the world. The falls are a breathtaking sight to behold, with the powerful rush of water creating a mesmerizing display of nature's beauty for visitors from around the globe.

The waterfalls are located within Iguazú National Park (on the Argentinian side) and Iguaçu National Park on the Brazilian side. This major international tourist site is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is very important to the economy of both countries! With their breathtaking beauty and immense ecological significance, the waterfalls attract visitors from all around the world, contributing significantly to the local tourism industry and providing vital income for the surrounding communities.

How Do You Get To Iguazu Falls?

The easiest way to get to the Argentinian side of Iguazu Falls is to fly into Buenos Aires and then make your way to Iguazu Falls. Buenos Aires is 807 miles away from Iguazu Falls, so the quickest way to get to this amazing place is to fly. It takes just a little under two hours to cover the distance between the two locations However, seven airlines fly between Buenos Aires and Iguazu each day – all of which offer multiple flights!

If you want to take the scenic route, the bus is another option. This mode of transportation is also much less expensive than flying, but you have to be patient! The bus route from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls covers about 930 miles and takes anywhere between 17-21 hours. If you have the time to take at least a 3-day tour to Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires, a bus trip might be just the ticket for you.

The main city near the falls is called Puerto Iguazú. Puerto Iguazú sits 11 miles outside of Iguazu National Park, which is roughly a 20-minute drive from the falls. This border city has exploded in recent years as travel to Iguazu Falls has gained in popularity. Puerto Iguazu is a great place to set up your base camp to adventure if you are planning on taking a multi-day tour within the national park. It’s also  a great place to stay if you’re planning a 10 day trip to Argentina and are looking for reasonable accommodations!

The Best Time Of Year To Visit Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls is a major tourist attraction and is always bustling with tourists. However, some times of the year are better than others for visiting this amazing place. Here is a breakdown of when you should consider visiting:

• January and February –  the summer months in the Southern Hemisphere are some of the busiest times at the falls. This is when the majority of locals visit. If you plan to visit during these two months, be prepared to encounter many crowds! As an aside, Easter is also one of the busiest times at the falls.
• April to October – this time of year is the most comfortable in terms of temperature and humidity, so they are very popular with international tourists. However, from June until October the water flow at the falls dwindles a little bit. The falls are not as spectacular during this dry season as they might be earlier in the year.
• December to March – ah, the rainy season! During this time of year, the falls are certainly impressive. The rushing water cascades down the rocky cliffs, creating a mesmerizing display of nature's power and beauty. However, there is a chance that you may get caught in a monsoon or that you won’t be able to do very much on your trip if the rain is never-ending!

The best time of year to plan a 3-day tour to Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires, or even a 10-day trip to Argentina, is between April and May. During this period, visitors can fully enjoy the beauty of the natural surroundings without feeling overcrowded and can engage in various activities with ease. These two months strike the best balance between good weather, high water flow at the falls, comfortable temperatures, and fewer tourists than at other times of the year.

What Can You Do At Iguazu Falls?

The entrance to the National Park that houses Iguazu Falls is $30 a day per person. This is an amazing value for everything you can do and see inside the park. Some of the best Patagonia tours make it a point to include Iguazu Falls on the itinerary because it is such a great value. Here are some of the things you can experience if you visit the park yourself:

• Visit the Devil’s Throat – this steep pool is right in the middle of the Argentine and Brazilian sides of Iguazu Falls. This natural feature is accessible by an open-air train, and is one of the most amazing sights to see in the park!
• Go on safari – take a ride in an open-top Jeep with a guide to learn about the flora and fauna found beside the falls. Your guide will point out various native plants and animals as you make your way through the lush surroundings, enhancing your understanding of the delicate ecosystem that exists there.
• Stay at a luxury resort – The Gran Melia Resort sits on the Argentinian side of the falls. If you have booked a multi-day tour at Iguazu National Park, consider splurging on a night or two on this property. The views are amazing, the food is phenomenal, and the infinity pool is absolutely incredible!
• Explore Selva Misionera Forest – go on a four-hour eco-adventure through the Selva Misionera forest. Trek, zipline, and rappel among the rainforest’s 400 species of birds and 2,000 varieties of plants. And at the end of the day, you can jump into a natural freshwater pool to relax.
• Stand in three countries at once! Visit the Golden Triangle – that is, the place where Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil meet. From the viewing platform at this location, you can see where the Iguassu and Parana rivers meet and all three countries come together.
• Bike through a rainforest – if ziplining is not your thing, you can opt for a bike tour through the Paranaense Rainforest. This 25-mile trek will take you along one of the most bio-diverse environments in Argentina. (Don’t worry – shorter tours are also available!)
• Go kayaking – get out on The Parana River, the second longest river in the world, after the Amazon. This serene river is the perfect place to take in the beauty of Argentina and take a short swim in the calm waters.
• See wildlife – head to the Guira Oga Wildlife Refuge to see more wildlife than you’ve ever dreamed of. From toucans and parrots to Capuchin monkeys and capybaras to other native mammals. The Refuge is a rescue, so most of the birds and animals inside were brought there to be rehabilitated after being injured.

Multi-Day Tours At Iguazu Falls

While it is possible to fly into Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires on a day trip, there is so much to see and do that it is worth considering a multi-day tour! Some of the best Patagonia tours will incorporate a trip to the Brazilian side of the falls, too, but you need to budget a minimum of three days to see both sides of the park. 3 day tours to Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires are very popular with many travelers, so there are plenty of tour operators who can design a trip just for you.

Of course, to make your time at Iguazu Falls even more special, a 10-day trip to Argentina is truly the best option!  Explore the vibrant city of Buenos Aires, savor the famous Argentine steaks, and witness the breathtaking beauty of Patagonia on an unforgettable journey. With a multi-day trip, you’ll have a chance to explore this natural wonder without feeling rushed and enjoy a night or two in Buenos Aires for a unique cultural experience.