How To Visit Iguazu Falls (Argentina Side)

During my trip around South America, I decided I couldn’t miss the most famous waterfall on the continent, the Iguazu Falls. So let’s talk about how to visit the Iguazu Falls, Argentina side.

I’ve seen countless photos of this waterfall, and many social media influencers have bragged about seeing it every time they visit Argentina. 

I was already in Buenos Aires when I decided that I would go and see it too. 

In the beginning, I thought about skipping it because I didn’t understand how to plan my trip or how to get to Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina. 

In this article, I want to share my best tips for visiting the Iguazu Falls from the Argentinian side, including all the information that you need to make this trip successful and stress-free. 

Are the Iguazu Falls worth seeing?

Yes, the Iguazu waterfall system is truly spectacular and memorable. You won’t be able to confuse this waterfall with any other on Earth. 

There’s not just one waterfall but a system of waterfalls, some very large and others a bit smaller, and you can observe the raw force of nature from different angles and viewpoints. 

A visit to the Iguazu waterfalls is more of an easy trail through the jungle, making the entire experience magical. 

To top it off, you can choose to go on a water boat experience to feel the force of the waterfall for yourself. 

Iguazu Falls is a truly fascinating site for any nature-loving traveller. The place was included on Unesco’s list of World Heritage Sites in 1984, and it was declared one of the Seven New Natural Wonders of the Modern World in 2011.

The highlights of the Argentina side of Iguazu Falls

The park has everything you need to spend an entire day there. inside, you’ll find multiple restaurants and snack bars.

You can also go on a speed boat tour on the Argentinian side, if you want to live a more adventurous experience at Iguazu. The boat ride trips require separate tickets that can be bought at the entrance of the Iguazu Park, or inside, in the area where you take the train to take you to the start of the trails.

On the Argentinian side of Iguazu, you can explore three different walking trails inside the park:

• Upper circuit (great views from above with multiple sections that get you on top of the falls.
• Lower circuit (gets you more inside the jungle and to the side of the falls, and one of the highlights is the best panoramic view on the Argentinian side)
• Devil’s Throat (the highlight of the Argentinian Iguazu, which gets you on top of the largest waterfall and gets you wet. There’s an equivalent section on the Brazilian side, which has the same name).

After you enter the park, you will need to walk a bit, up to the train station.

There is a touristy train that gets you from close to the entrance up to the start of the trails. The train is free (included in your ticket), but you must wait your turn (it can delay your visit a bit if it’s a crowded day).

I had the misfortune to visit Iguazu Falls in Argentina when the Devil’s Throat was closed. So I only did the first two circuits. If all three circuits are open, then the first stop of the train is for the first two circuits and then the second stop is for Devil’s Throat.

Most recommend going directly to Devil’s Throat (if it’s open to the public) and then going back to do the rest.

However, I wasn’t that upset because I had enough time to stay a couple more days in Iguazu and also visit the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls, which has the Devil’s Throat section open.

How do I get to Iguazu Falls, Argentina?

Iguazu Falls is located on the border between Argentina and Brazil, so it can be visited from both sides. If you’re already there, you need to cross the bridge from the Brazilian side to visit the Argentinian side. 

I have a detailed guide on how to cross the border to/from Argentina to Brazil, if you want to visit both sides of Iguazu on your own.

If you are not already at the falls, you can take a direct 1-hour flight from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Aerolíneas Argentinas operate multiple flights per day. 

I also used their state-owned company, Aerolíneas Argentinas, to get to Puerto Iguazu (Cataratas of Iguazu International Airport—IGR), a small Argentinian town located next to the Iguazu Falls. 

After landing, you’ll exit the small airport. There’s a bus stop just in front of the airport that will take you to the centre of Puerto Iguazu if that’s where you’re staying. 

The end-stop bus is at the bus terminal in the centre of Puerto Iguazu. You can take a bus from there to the Iguazú National Park (Cataratas del Iguazú). 

Seeing both sides of Iguazu Falls in one day

If you want to see both sides of the Iguazu Falls (the Argentinian and Brazilian sides), it would be best to pre-arrange for a taxi driver to wait for you at the airport and drive you directly to the park entrance.

Private tours can also organise such activities for you.

Then he should wait for you to visit the Argentinian side. The duration of the visit depends on the crowds on that day, but I’d say at least 5 hours for all circuits. 

Then hurry back to the entrance, where the driver will take you to Brazil. You’ll have to stop at both borders, but it will be very fast if you have a driver waiting for you. 

On the Brazilian side, you can buy the tickets at the entrance and then start your visit. The Brazilian trail is shorter, but there are many panoramic views along it. You should be able to do the entire trail in about 1.5 hours. 

Note that these approximate visiting durations are from my own experience, from visiting during shoulder season when there were almost no crowds, and I had no waiting time. 

Also, these do not include transportation within the park. 

If you want, you can also visit both sides of Iguazu with a guide. Normally, you would just randomly walk around, so a guide might actually point you in the right direction if you don’t want to do any research.

In Argentina, you have to take a cute train from the entrance up to the start of the trails. It doesn’t take long, but if it’s a crowded day, you might have to wait your turn to get on the train. 

In Brazil, there are buses taking tourists from the entrance to the start of the trail and then picking them up from the end of the trail, where there is a restaurant with a panoramic view. So it takes much less, and the buses are plenty.  

I wrote a detailed guide about visiting the Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls, where I included everything you need to know if you want to go there.

How long is the flight from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls?

The flight from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls (IGR) takes about 2 hours. But this doesn’t take into account the time it takes to wait for the flight in the airport, so plan accordingly. 

What city is closest to Iguazu Falls?

Iguazu Falls are located on the border between Argentina and Brazil. 

The closest cities are Puerto Iguazu, on the Argentinian side, and Foz do Iguaçu, on the Brazilian side. 

Regardless of what side of Iguazu Falls you pick to visit (or if you visit both), you can find plenty of hotel options.

Where to stay at Iguazu Falls in Argentina?

Here are a few hotels near Iguazu Falls in Argentina:

$$$ – O2 Hotel Iguazu, Hotel Saint George, Hotel Jardin De Iguazu, Bagu ÑAMANDU GUAZU

$$ – Posada del Angú, Uru Apart Iguazu, Grand Crucero Hotel

$ – Hostel Iguazu Falls, Hospedaje Los Vencejos, Steve’s House

And if money is no issue, then the absolute best luxury option is to stay right in the park at the Gran Meliá Iguazú. Guest can enjoy the best jungle view right from their private balcony and enjoy the spa and infinite pool of the hotel at no extra cost. 

What is the best time of year to visit Iguazu Falls?

You can visit Iguazu Falls all year round; the weather is good. However, from my personal research and experience, I found that mid-seasons are best because there are fewer crowds. 

If you want to avoid crowds, aim to visit outside December to February (summer holidays in South America) and July (winter holidays in South America). 

For instance, I visited in late April, and there were no crowds at all on either side, and the weather was great (hot and humid because it is in the jungle). 

How many days do you need in Iguazu Falls, Argentina?

You only need one day to visit the Iguazu Falls in Argentina. If you plan your trip carefully, hire a driver, and avoid high season, then you can be done visiting in half a day. 

How expensive is Iguazu Falls, Argentina?

Visiting Iguazu Falls isn’t an expensive experience at all. 

Here are some prices to expect when visiting the Iguazu Falls in Argentina: (updated November 2024)

• One-way flight from Buenos Aires: $40
• Bus rides to/from the airport and around Puerto Iguazu: $5
• Accommodation in Puerto Iguazu: from $25 (depending on your budget)
• Entrance ticket to Iguazú National Park: $ 35 

How much does it cost to go to Iguazu? You can check the latest price updates for the entrance at Iguazú National Park, on the Argentinian side, on the official website here: https://www.argentina.gob.ar/interior/ambiente/parquesnacionales/iguazu/tickets 

Do you need cash at Iguazu, Argentina?

Most places started to accept card payment. However, it;s best that you carry some cash with you. For instance, you will need cash if you travel by taxi. Also, the bus driver will ask for cash if you don’t buy your ticket from the bus terminal or the end stop at Iguazu entrance. 

Can you swim in Iguazu Falls?

No, you can’t swim. But you can go on a high-speed zodiac boat that will allow you to feel the raw force of the waterfalls. Or you can choose a more chill boat ride to observe the ecosystem. 

You can book your trip by boat in Argentina at the park’s entrance, or you can pre-book a boat tour with hotel pick-ups included (entrance to the park not included).

Is Iguazú worth it?

Yes. I loved it and I can’t believe that I was in doubt about visiting this amazing place. After seeing both sides of Iguazu Falls, this is one of the highlight of my 3 month trip in South America and I  don’t regret visiting it. 

I highly recommend visiting Iguazu Falls if you are mesmerised by natural beauty, love panoramic views, love the jungle and the vibes of a raw jungle and don’t mind the humid and hot climate. 

If you want to see more of the Argentina Falls of Iguazu, check out my video from there: