Buenos Aires
Argentina’s buzzing capital, Buenos Aires is worth exploring in depth, from cultural tours and foodie experiences to a taste of late night tango.
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Reasons to explore Iguazú Falls
- Gasp in awe at the mist, rainbows and earth-shaking thunder created by the world’s largest waterfall system
- Get skin-soakingly close to the action on the Argentinian side of Iguazú, on walkways to the Devil's Throat at the heart of the falls
- Enjoy the bigger picture with panoramic views from the Brazilian side of Iguazú Falls
- Be dazzled by the exuberant rainforest wildlife, from tropical birds and cheeky coatis to clouds of iridescent butterflies
- Connect with the rest of Argentina with easy flight connections through Buenos Aires
What are the Iguazú Falls?
Iguazú Falls is the largest waterfall system in the world – a chain of cascades stretching for nearly two miles (3 km) along the border of Argentina and Brazil (and just touching Paraguay for good measure. There are around 275 falls in total, with the tallest being some 270 feet (82 metres) high, making Iguazú taller than Niagara Falls as well as twice as wide.
Both sides of the falls are national parks: Parque Nacional Iguazú in Argentina and Parque Nacional do Iguaçu in Brazil. At its heart is the Devil’s Throat – a horseshoe-shaped cliff carrying the Rio Iguazú over 14 staggeringly powerful falls. This is Iguazú Falls’ widest curtain of water – and its most photographed. The bottom of the cliffs are perpetually hidden by a cloud of mist that rises heavenward.
The falls are surrounded by thick secondary growth rainforest. The diversity of life here is amazing, with more than 2000 species of plants, hundreds of different bird species and plenty of mammals – including jaguars and tapirs in the deepest parts of the forest, away from the main trails.
What to see & do at Iguazú Falls
Iguazú Falls from the Argentine side
Over 80% of Iguazú Falls are on the Argentine side of the border, and they offer the most visceral and close quarters encounters.
Two rainforest trails called the Upper Circuit (Circuito Superior) and Lower Circuit (Circuito Inferior), both offer great views of Iguazú Falls, from the tops of the cascades and the river bank. On the Lower Circuit in particular, be prepared to get wet from the spray and mist.
For the ultimate experience, a long suspended walkway leads you to the Devil’s Throat (Garganta del Diablo), where a viewing platform reaches towards the heart of the torrent, and you’ll be dumbstruck by the wild power of the falls. It’s Iguazú’s greatest highlight. Boats trips are also on offer here.
Iguazú Falls from Argentina
Iguazú Falls from the Brazilian side
The Brazilian side of Iguazú Falls is all about perspective, with the widest panoramic views giving a true sense of its epic scale – without getting your camera wet.
The rainforest walk to the falls teases with glimpses of the river and falls as it winds through the trees, before finally revealing the grand spectacle framed by the deep green of the jungle.
The popular Parque das Aves (Bird Park) is also close by. Dedicated to helping preserve rainforest species, it breeds rare species and cares for trafficked birds. The park is made up of a series of enormous aviaries in the forest reaching up to 30 m high – they're so large one is often deceived into thinking the boundaries aren't there at all.
Iguazú Falls from Brazil
Swoop says
Iguazú Falls is all about pure, glorious sensation: the rumble of the ground from the water, the deafening torrent of the cascades and the clouds of spray catching rainbows and soaking you to the skin.
Peter StanleyJones Patagonia Specialist
Rainforest wildlife
The rainforest around Iguazú Falls is absolutely teeming with life. One of the animals almost all visitors will see is the coati, a type of long-snouted South American raccoon. They have learned to scavenge from tourists (despite feeding being banned) and can be quite brazen when looking for a meal.
Birdwatching is rewarding anywhere around the falls, but the earlier you get up in the morning and the farther into the national parks you go, the more you’ll see. Toucans and parrots are among the most colourful birds, but the rainforest here is home to more than 400 species.
Look out for capuchin monkeys and listen for howler monkeys, which are more often heard than seen.
Plush-crested jay at Iguazú Falls
Gastronomy experiences
Argentina has a rich food culture, thanks to its long heritage of European (and particularly Italian) immigration, and its vast pampas that’s home to cattle and sheep ranching.
A great way to eat your way around the country at a single table is the Argentine Experience at Iguazú Falls. Over a series of courses, you can get a complete primer on the country’s cuisine, from the most tender steak to the sweetest dulce de leche desserts – and even get hands-on, learning how to make empanadas and chimichurri.
Everything is washed down with a selection of the best wines from across the country, plus a taste of the other great national obsession – yerba mate.
The Argentine Experience at Iguazú Falls
Swoop says
Since 2025, Brazil has required all visitors from the USA, Canada and Australia to have a visa. Online applications for eVisas are very straightforward, but it's essential to check requirements before arranging your trip.
What our customers think of Iguazú Falls
Where to stay at Iguazú Falls
As a major tourist destination, Iguazú Falls has a wide variety of hotels to suit all tastes and budgets.
While it’s possible to stay in the centre of Puerto Iguazu, our favourite hotels are all outside of the city: either next to the falls themselves or tucked into their own private slice of rainforest. These options allow you to spend your downtime unwinding by the pool while listening to the soothing sounds of the surrounding jungle, or get up early to enjoy the falls for yourself before the arrival of the day visitors.
Loi Suites at Iguazú Falls
How to get to Iguazú Falls
Iguazú Falls is served by two airports, one on each side of the international border.
Puerto Iguazu Airport (airport code IGR) is on the Argentinian side of the falls. It has direct daily flights to both Buenos Aires airports, Eziza International (EZE) and Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP). The flight takes two hours.
All flights to destinations in Patagonia are via Buenos Aires.
Foz do Iguaçu/Cataratas International Airport (airport code IGU) is the Brazilian airport for the falls. It has direct daily flights to Rio (GIG, two hours) and São Paulo (GRU, 90 minutes).
Arrival at Iguazú Falls aiport
Trips that visit Iguazú Falls
4.5 out of 5
Classic Iguazú Falls
Visit one of the largest—and possibly most beautiful—waterfalls in the world. The stunning Iguazú Falls, set in the verdant jungle and teeming with wildlife, offer rainbow-framed views that are hard to match. An unmissable add-on to any Patagonian adventure...…
- 3 Days
- $797
Base yourself in one of 14 luxury private villas immersed in and surrounded by the verdant Atlantic Rainforest. You can expect exceptional gastronomy, service and excursions. The Iguazú Falls are an otherworldly location, immense in scale with the visceral sounds…
- 4 Days
- $2,680
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