Foz do Iguaçu, in the Brazilian state of Paraná, serves as the perfect jumping off point for those wanting to visit the world-famous Iguazu Falls. Stretching over nearly 3 kilometers, the Iguazu Falls are made up of hundreds of cascades and are one of the biggest waterfalls in the world.

A helicopter tour in Foz do Iguaçu is the ideal excursion for those wanting to see the falls from a different perspective. As you take in the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, you’ll get an idea of the true grandeur of the falls!

Here's all you need to know about helicopter tours, one of the most exhilarating outdoor activities in Foz do Iguaçu.

What are the best helicopter tours in Foz do Iguaçu?

Panoramic helicopter ride over the Iguazu Falls

See the impressive Iguazu Falls from a bird’s eye view when you book this panoramic helicopter ride. You’ll get to see the Brazilian and Argentine sides of the waterfall as you listen to your experienced pilot’s fascinating commentary.

Departures happen throughout the day, so you can choose a take-off time that best suits you. As the helicopter ride is limited to just seven people per tour, you’ll enjoy an intimate experience alongside other like-minded travelers.

This excursion provides the best way to see the falls and get incredible photos and videos as you make unforgettable memories alongside your travel companions. Make your trip to Foz do Iguaçu a memorable one when you book a helicopter ride.

Iguazu Falls helicopter ride with hotel transfer service

Begin your day with a convenient pickup from your hotel in Foz do Iguaçu and make your way to the helipad in a comfortable vehicle. Before you get in the helicopter, you’ll be given a safety briefing so that you know exactly what to expect.

Next, you’ll take to the skies and enjoy breathtaking views over the surrounding rainforests and waterfalls as your pilot provides commentary and points out various sites. This is undoubtedly the best way to see Devil's Throat and the San Martin Waterfall.

Don’t forget to bring your camera along with you as there will be unbeatable photo opportunities on offer. The maximum number of passengers is 4 per helicopter, ensuring the quality of your experience in the air.

Private helicopter tour over the Iguazu Falls with hotel transfers

Meet your multi-lingual tour guide outside your hotel in Foz do Iguaçu and make your way to the helipad in a comfortable private vehicle. You’ll fly over the Brazilian side of the falls and enjoy epic views of the thundering waterfalls and lush, green rainforests below.

The flight lasts between 10 and 12 minutes and your experienced pilot will provide engaging commentary throughout the duration of the experience. Take photos of the beautiful landscape below as you soak up this exhilarating experience.

Before you head back to your hotel, you’ll have the option to visit the nearby national park and go hiking along a short trail that will take you to an incredible viewpoint. As you and your travel companions will be the only participants on the tour, you’ll enjoy a more personalized experience.

Are there any combo available with helicopter tours in Foz do Iguaçu?

Macuco Safari, helicopter flight and Bird Park

Begin your full-day excursion with an exhilarating helicopter ride over the Iguazu Falls before heading to Macuco Safari to hike its trails that offer incredible views of the area’s natural wonders.

Next, you’ll board a comfortable boat ride that will take you to The Three Musketeers, where you’ll get a close-up view of the falls. End off the experience with a trip to the Bird Park, which is home to a diverse range of both indigenous and exotic birds.

How much do helicopter tours in Foz do Iguaçu cost?

Helicopter rides in Foz do Iguaçu usually cost around US$160 for a basic excursion with a maximum of 7 people per helicopter. Tours that are inclusive of hotel transfers and are limited to 4 people per helicopter cost around US$230 per person.

Private helicopter flights, in which you and your travel companions will be the only tour participants, usually cost around US$300 per person although this price can fluctuate depending on how many people there are on the tour.

Combination tours, which are inclusive of a helicopter flight, a boat ride, Bird Park tickets and a safari experience typically cost around US$390 for this full-day experience around the Iguaçu Falls.

What will you see and do?

Most helicopter tours in Foz do Iguaçu focus on the world-famous Iguazu Falls, which are nearly 3 kilometers in length and made up of hundreds of cascades. In 1984, the falls were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and since then they have been visited by millions of tourists.

As the falls are located on Brazil’s Argentine border, you’ll get to some of Argentina during your time in the air. You’ll also enjoy views over the rainforests and mountainous landscapes of the area surrounding the falls.

The waterfalls are fed by the powerful Iguazu River, which allows for thousands of liters of water to tumble down the 275 cascades. One of the falls’ major attractions is Devil’s Throat, which is a narrow chasm that provides excellent photo opportunities.

The subtropical rainforest that surrounds the falls is home to over 2,000 plant species as well as birds, butterflies and monkeys among other indigenous creatures.

What is included?

When you book a helicopter tour in Foz do Iguaçu, you’ll be provided with everything you need for a comfortable and safe flight, usually lasting around 10 minutes. The helicopter will be piloted by an experienced pilot who will provide interesting commentary throughout.

Certain tours are also inclusive of hotel transfers for those staying in Foz do Iguaçu. Food, drinks and gratuities are not included so you may want to bring along a little extra spending money to cover your personal expenses.

Where does it start?

Helicopter tours in Foz do Iguaçu usually begin at a helipad near the Iguazu Falls. You may be asked to meet at the helipad or nearby tour operator offices to begin your excursion. Make sure you arrive at least 30 minutes before your flight time.

Some tours are inclusive of a hotel pickup service, in which case you should be waiting in your hotel’s lobby around 10 minutes before the stipulated pickup time so that you don’t keep the driver waiting.

How long does it last?

The flight time of a helicopter tour in Foz do Iguaçu is usually around 10 minutes, giving you more than enough time to admire views of the Iguaçu Falls from above. However, the entire experience including transfers and safety briefings typically takes around 2 hours.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

While certain tour operators do offer wheelchair-friendly helicopter tours in Foz do Iguaçu, there are many tour operators that don’t — so it’s important to check specific accessibility details before making a booking.

Even if a helicopter tour is listed as wheelchair-accessible, you need to provide an indication if you are a wheelchair user when making a booking. This is so that the tour operator is properly prepared for your excursion.

Is it safe?

Helicopter tours are safe and are piloted by experienced and qualified pilots. Some tours may have weight restrictions, and it's important to check beforehand if you are in the limits.

Are children allowed?

Children are allowed on helicopter tours in Foz do Iguaçu, but infants are required to sit on laps. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

What happens in the case of bad weather?

If you encounter bad weather on the day of your flight, you will offered a full refund or an alternative date to complete your tour.

When is the best time for a helicopter tour in Foz do Iguaçu?

The best time for a helicopter tour over the Iguazu Falls is in spring (August to October) and autumn (March to May). During these months, the weather is typically pleasant, and the falls have a good flow of water.

Consider a morning or afternoon flight for the best lighting conditions for photography.

Travel tips

To ensure availability, it’s usually better to book your helicopter tour in advance.
Keep in mind that many helicopter tours require a minimum amount of passengers in order to operate. If they do not meet this minimum the flight may be canceled.
If you are planning to take photographs, consider a lens with image stabilization to counteract the vibrations of the helicopter.
Make sure to pack your passport as some tours will require it.
To access the helicopter tour locations, you may also need to enter either the Brazilian or Argentinian national park, which requires paying an entrance fee.

Helicopter Tours in Foz Do Iguaçu