What Is Iguazu Falls?

Iguazu Falls is a chain of waterfalls on the Iguazu River, which forms the border between Argentina and Brazil. Together the falls make up the largest waterfall system in the world, and they are one of the most popular stops for Argentina group tours.

The best way to see Iguazu Falls on a first visit is to spend a full day on the Argentine side, which holds about 80 percent of the falls, and add the Brazilian side if your schedule allows. This page covers how to get there, which side to choose, the trails in the park and the wildlife to look for, for travelers who plan to visit Iguazu Falls as part of a trip to Argentina.

Where Is Iguazu Falls Located?

Iguazu Falls lies within Iguazu National Park, which was created in 1937 to protect the environment and biodiversity around the falls. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in 2011 the falls were named one of the New7Wonders of Nature, a list of natural wonders from around the world. The system includes 275 waterfalls, and about 80 percent of them are on the Argentine side.

La Garganta del Diablo, or the Devil's Throat, is also on the Argentine side. Water drops about 262 feet into the river here, and it is the park's best-known waterfall. For more on the geography, read where Iguazu Falls is and how to visit it.

How Do You Get to Iguazu Falls?

Flying from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazu is the quickest way to reach the falls. The flight takes about two hours, compared with a bus ride of roughly 20 hours. Puerto Iguazu is the closest town to Iguazu National Park and works well as a base for exploring.

When you book Iguazu Falls tour packages through a tour operator, the flight is often arranged for you. Our guide to vacation packages to Iguazu Falls explains what to expect from them.

Is the Argentine Side or the Brazilian Side Better?

Both countries offer views of the falls, but the two sides feel different. The table below compares what each one is known for.

	Argentine side	Brazilian side
Share of the falls	About 80 percent	The remainder
Nearest town	Puerto Iguazu	Foz do Iguacu
Known for	The Devil's Throat walkway, six park routes and boat rides under the falls	Panoramic views of the falls and Parque das Aves, a bird park near the entrance

If you only have one day, choose the Argentine side. If you have two, the Brazil side makes a good second day. Crossing the border takes some planning, so ask your tour operator how it is handled before you book.

What Is the Best Way to See Iguazu Falls in One Day?

Start on the Argentine side and ride the Ecological Train of the Jungle to the Devil's Throat walkway. Then walk the Upper and Lower Circuits, and add a boat ride if you want a closer view from the water. The sound of rushing water grows louder with every step, and the Devil's Throat trail ends at a viewpoint where you can watch the flow disappear into the mist.

The park entrance fee typically covers the trails and the train. Fees and park hours change, so confirm current entrance fees and opening hours before you go, and ask your tour operator what your tour includes. A tour guide can also help you choose routes that suit your pace. The park has six routes to choose from:

• Upper Circuit, also called the Superior Circuit: a panoramic route along the upper walkways, about one mile long and suitable for most fitness levels, with views of falls such as Dos Hermanas, Bosetti and Adan and Eva.
• Lower Circuit: a jungle trail with stairs to climb, past local flora and fauna, ending with a view of the Devil's Throat.
• Devil's Throat walkway: reached by the Ecological Train of the Jungle, on a flat path of less than a mile.
• Macuco Trail: about 4 miles to the Arrechea Waterfall, passing native plants and animals along the way.
• Ecological Train of the Jungle: carries visitors through the park without disturbing the forest, either to the Devil's Throat path or on a round trip.
• Green Trail: a short, flat walking path linking the visitor center to the Cataratas train station and to the Upper and Lower Circuits.

Which Animals Can You See Around Iguazu Falls?

The subtropical forest around the falls is home to coatis, toucans, capuchin monkeys, South American tapirs and yacare caimans, though sightings are never guaranteed. Native wildlife in Iguazu Falls is easiest to spot when you allow plenty of time on the park's routes.

• Coati: a member of the raccoon family and an expert scavenger that often begs for food. Please do not feed it.
• Toucan: a colorful, large-billed bird often seen in the trees along the Devil's Throat trail.
• Capuchin monkey: a small, agile monkey that lives in groups and is easy to spot in the trees.
• South American tapir: one of the park's largest animals, a peaceful herbivore that feeds on leaves, fruit and aquatic plants.
• Yacare caiman: a reptile between 5 and 8 feet long, seen floating in the Iguazu River or sunning on the shore.

If you have extra time, Parque das Aves in Foz do Iguacu, near the entrance to the Brazilian falls, is a conservation-focused bird park with bird species from Brazil and other parts of the world. It also has a butterfly house and a small reptile area.

Can You Visit Iguazu Falls as a Day Trip?

Yes, tour operators run a day trip from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls, and the flight makes it possible. An overnight stay in Puerto Iguazu gives you a slower pace and more time to enjoy the natural beauty of the park, including the Brazilian side if you want to see the falls from both sides.

How Do You Choose an Iguazu Falls Tour?

Look for a guided tour that gives you at least a full day in the park, and ask whether both the Argentine and Brazilian sides are covered. Some Argentina tours include time at the falls, while others treat it as an extension. Many travelers choose small group tours or a private tour, and a day tour works well when time is short. Our guide to finding the best tours to Iguazu Falls compares the options.

If Iguazu is one stop on a longer trip, our Patagonia and Mendoza adventure tour offers an Iguazu Falls pre-trip extension. Ask for current details, since itineraries can change. Travelers who want to go further afield can also read about less-visited waterfalls in Argentina.