Iguazu Falls: Day Trips and Tours from Buenos Aires

Day trips to Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires let you bask in the glory of the largest waterfall system in the world. There are over 250 individual waterfalls to see on the border of Argentina and Brazil (also accessible in Paraguay).

See for yourself why the Iguazu Falls have been named one of the new natural seven wonders of the world.

Scroll down for helpful tips and tricks about Iguazu Falls, one of the most magnificent day trips from Buenos Aires.

How to get to Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires?

Argentina is a long and narrow country, so the journey to Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires can take some time. You must reach Puerto Iguazu, the Argentinian city bordering the falls, by car, bus, plane or a guided tour.

From Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls by car

Driving from Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazu provides you with stunning views of Argentina along the way, but it will take you at least 15.5 hours to go just one way. The sheer length of the journey makes it impossible to do in just one day, so plan to stay overnight.

From Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls by bus

If you aren’t a fan of driving that far on your own, you can opt for the bus. Multiple companies operate the nearly 18-hour trip, and the tickets cost AR$17,680 to AR$23,580 (US$150 to US$200).

Taking the bus provides you with the same stunning Argentinian views without the hassle of driving for over 15 hours on your own. Since this journey takes even longer than driving, plan an overnight stay.

From Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls by airplane

The fastest way to reach Puerto Iguazu is by plane. You can either fly out of Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) or Aeroparque Internacional Jorge Newbery (AEP) in Buenos Aires, but you must fly approximately two hours into Cataratas del Iguazu International Airport (IGR).

Multiple airlines operate this route, and you can find tickets for anywhere between AR$11,790 and AR$35,370 (US$100 and US$300). It is best to plan in advance to try and save money on your ticket.

Guided tour to Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires

If you don’t want to deal with the logistics, you can book a guided day tour from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls. Taking a tour removes the stress of travel planning and helps you sit back and relax.

Iguazu Falls ticket prices

Iguazu Falls sit in the Iguazu National Park in Argentina, and visitors must pay a fee to enter. The price varies based on your country of origin. Most adult non-residents must pay AR$2,800 (US$24) to enter. Argentinian residents must pay AR$610 (US$5), and Mercosur residents must pay AR$1,680 (US$14).

If you want to partake in Walks in the Moon at the park, the rate jumps to AR$7,500 (US$64) for all adults. Your tour typically covers the entrance fee and transportation to the park, but make sure to confirm before booking.

Typical itinerary

The itinerary varies greatly depending on the type of tour you book. If you book a private tour, you can expect your tour operator to pick you up in Buenos Aires and take you to the airport. If you booked a day tour without airfare, you must make your way to Puerto Iguazu on your own.

Once you arrive in Puerto Iguazu, the tour operator will pick you up at the airport and transport you to the Iguazu National Park in Argentina. You will spend the day exploring the falls by foot and boat.

You can also take advantage of the other attractions in the park that are included with your entrance fee. At the end of the day, your tour operator will transport you back to the airport to make the journey to Buenos Aires.

Best Iguazu Falls tours

If you choose to make the jaunt to Iguazu Falls with a tour, there is something for everyone. Tour operators provide a wide variety of options, including private day trips, day trips, day trips with airfare and extended trips.

Private tour to Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires

Private tours are great options for people traveling in groups who only have one day to visit Iguazu Falls. The price varies based on the number of people in your group and the operator you select. They typically include hotel pickup and drop-off, airfare, a guide and transportation expenses to/from the falls.

Day tour to Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires

Day tours to Iguazu Falls typically include transportation to and from the airport and a guide to provide you with valuable information about the area. These tours do not include airfare to or from Buenos Aires, so make sure you schedule your flight accordingly.

Multiple day tours to Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires

Multi-day tours typically take place for three, four or eight days. On the three or four-day trips, you get extra time to see Iguazu Falls and the surrounding areas. On the eight-day tours, you typically visit other parts of Argentina like Buenos Aires and Mendoza.

Iguazu Falls tour prices

The cost of a day tour from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls varies depending on what the tour includes. Tours without airfare start at US$320, while tours with airfare jump to US$650.

You can book a private day trip with airfare for anywhere from US$1,100 to US$1,500. If you want to make the most out of your journey, you can take a longer tour (3, 4, or 8 days) for US$630 to US$3,300.

What to see and do in Iguazu Falls

While visiting Puerto Iguazu, the highlight of the day trip is the falls of course! You can spend time walking along the catwalks to get up close and personal, or you can venture out on the boats to see the falls from a different angle.

You can also spend time exploring the rest of the Iguazu National Park after you visit the falls. Your ticket also includes the Visitors Center, Ecological Train, Green Trail, Lower Walk, Upper Walk, Devil’s Throat and Macuco Trail.

If one day is not enough to visit the area, you can book an extended tour and have more time to explore. You can even make your way to the Brazil or Paraguay sides, depending on travel requirements.

When is Iguazu Falls open over the year?

The Iguazu National Park in Argentina is open 365 days a year. You can see the falls any day you wish!

Opening times

The opening times are subject to change, but the park currently opens for visitors from 8 AM to 6 PM.

Best time to visit Iguazu Falls

The falls flow year-round, but you should schedule your trip to Iguazu Falls based on a variety of factors. The falls have the heaviest water flow during the Southern Hemisphere's summer from December to February. Even though the water flow is heavier, the weather typically is hotter and more humid.

The dry season lasts from March to early June. This time of the year is known for sunshine, less humidity, less rain and more moderate temperatures. You can also find the same conditions from August to early October, just with a bit cooler temperatures.

You can’t go wrong when planning your visit, but March to early June and August to early October provide the best overall experience when visiting the falls.

Iguazu Falls tours from other cities in Argentina

• Iguazu Falls Day Trips from Foz do Iguaçu
• Day tours to Iguazu Falls from Puerto Iguazú

Travel tips

• Prepare to get wet! Bring waterproof clothing, shoes, and covers for your devices. You should also pack a change of clothes to have a dry journey back to Buenos Aires.
• Bring lots of sunscreen.
• If your schedule allows, plan for a multi-day trip.