Iguazu Falls: Day Trips and Tours from Foz Do Iguaçu

Foz do Iguaçu, located in the Brazilian state of Paraná, serves as the perfect base for those wanting to visit the world-famous Iguazu Falls. Made up of hundreds of tumbling cascades, the falls have been named one of the new Seven Wonders of Nature.

Iguazu Falls day trips from Foz do Iguaçu present a convenient way for you to experience this incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site that cannot be missed during your time in southern Brazil.

Here's all you need to know about Iguazu Falls, one of the most exciting day trips from Foz do Iguaçu.

How to get to Iguazu Falls from Foz do Iguaçu?

The Iguazu Falls, which are made up of 275 cascades, are located on Brazil’s Argentine border roughly 30 kilometers south of Foz do Iguaçu.

The falls are located within the Iguazu Falls National Park, and there is a shuttle bus service from the entrance of the park that drops you closer to the falls.

From Foz do Iguaçu to Iguazu Falls by car

If you plan on driving from Foz do Iguaçu to Iguazu Falls, you’ll find that the 40-minute drive is relatively straightforward. All you need to do is head out of the city, past the airport, and travel in a southerly direction along the Iguazu River until you reach the national park.

There are plenty of car rental services in Foz do Iguaçu that offer car rentals for between US$30 and US$40 per day.

From Foz do Iguaçu to Iguazu Falls by bus

Bus 120 departs from Foz do Iguaçu for the Iguazu Falls National Park around every 30 minutes, with the journey lasting around an hour. The bus leaves from Terminal de Transporte Urbano in Foz do Iguaçu and makes a stop at the airport before arriving at the falls.

As tickets only cost around US$1 per person, the bus provides an affordable way to get to and from the falls.

Guided tour to Iguazu Falls from Foz do Iguaçu

Travel to the Iguazu Falls with a professional guide, who will take care of all your travel arrangements on your behalf. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and you’ll make your way to the falls in a comfortable private vehicle.

These guided trips typically last between 2 and 9 hours, depending on the type of tour you choose.

How much does the entrance ticket to Iguazu Falls cost?

The entrance fee to visit the Iguazu Falls if you are entering from the Brazilian side is BRL70 (US$18) per person. Children up to the age of 11 years old pay BRL11 (US$3) each. You can pay by cash or card, and there are ATMs at the entrance for your convenience.

What is the typical itinerary?

While there is a wide range of different types of tours on offer, many of them follow a somewhat similar itinerary. In most cases, you’ll be picked up from your hotel in Foz do Iguaçu and make your way to the falls in a comfortable vehicle.

When you arrive at the falls, your guide will show you around the area and provide some fascinating information about its history and topography. Depending on the type of tour you choose, you may enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or canoeing.

Most tours include a walk through the national park, where you’ll get to see an array of breathtaking indigenous fauna and flora amidst the lush rainforests. From the Devil’s Throat observation deck, you’ll be able to see the thunderous falls in all their glory.

There will also be plenty of time allocated for relaxing, taking photos and chatting with your guide. After a fun-filled adventure at the falls, you’ll be transported back to your hotel in Foz do Iguaçu.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the Iguazu Falls?

When browsing the various Iguazu Falls day trips on offer, you’ll notice that there are a few different types of excursions including guided tours, private tours and trips that are additionally inclusive of nearby attractions.

Guided tours to Iguazu Falls from Foz do Iguaçu

Joining a guided tour to the Iguazu Falls is perfect for those looking to meet new people and enjoy the incredible experience alongside like-minded travelers. You may be picked up from your hotel or be asked to meet at a central meeting point before making your way to the falls.

There are many different types of guided tours available and you can choose between tours that focus on hiking, canoeing or boat rides among other activities. Guided tours are also typically more affordable than private tours and are great if you want to stick to a budget.

Private tour to Iguazu Falls from Foz do Iguaçu

If you’re looking for a more personalized experience, you may be interested in a private tour to the Iguazu Falls. Private tours provide you with roundtrip transfers and the opportunity to customize your itinerary to your liking.

As you and your travel companions will be the only participants on the tour, you’ll enjoy a more intimate experience with plenty of time to chat with your guide and ask questions. You may also have some say over the departure time and itinerary.

Tour to the Argentinian side of the Iguazu Falls from Foz do Iguaçu

While most Iguazu day trips from Foz do Iguaçu visit the Brazilian side of the falls, there are also plenty of trips that visit the Argentinian side, thus allowing you to tick another country off your bucket list.

Your tour guide will handle all of the visa and travel arrangements so that you can just relax and enjoy the experience. The Argentinian side allows you to see the falls from a different perspective and there are also several hiking trails to explore.

Day trip to Iguazu Falls plus Bird Park from Foz do Iguaçu

Make the most of your day trip by choosing an Iguazu Falls excursion that also visits the nearby Bird Park. Parque das Aves is home to over 140 species of birds and gives you the opportunity to see these incredible creatures up close.

Begin your day with a trip to the magnificent Iguazu Falls and visit the Bird Park on your way back to Foz do Iguaçu. This provides you with an action-packed experience in which you’ll get to see some of the top attractions of southern Brazil.

How much does a day trip to Iguazu Falls from Foz do Iguaçu cost?

No matter how much you are looking to spend, there is an Iguazu Falls day trip to suit your budget. Guided tours that offer a shared group experience can range between US$25 and US$50 per person depending on which types of activities are included.

If you’re interested in a private tour, you can expect to pay around US$65 per person for a tour that visits the Brazilian side and roughly US$120 for a tour that visits the Argentinian side. The costs of private tours can fluctuate depending on the number of people in your group.

Tours that visit the Iguazu Falls in addition to the nearby Bird Park typically cost around US$150 per person for a half-day excursion with a private driver/guide.

What will you see and do?

The Iguazu Falls, which were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984, span over 3 kilometers in length and are made up of 275 cascades. This makes the Iguazu Falls one of the largest waterfalls in the entire world!

When you are visiting the Brazilian side, there is only one trail in and out. The trail is very scenic and allows for fantastic photographic opportunities. When you reach the end of the trail, you’ll see restaurants right on top of the waterfall!

The Argentinian side offers several hiking trails, numerous observation decks, and a variety of snack bars. While there is more to explore on the Argentinian side, it can be trickier to get to from Foz do Iguaçu if you don’t go with a professional guide.

When browsing Iguazu Falls day trips, you’ll notice that there is a diverse range of exciting activities that can be done at the falls. Whether you’re interested in an exhilarating helicopter ride or a leisurely hike through the rainforest, there is something for everyone!

Some of the other activities on offer include canoeing expeditions, cycling tours, guided safaris and boat rides. Opting for one of these outdoor activities can ensure that your day at the Iguazu Falls is a memorable one.

What are the opening times?

The Iguazu Falls are located within the Iguazu Falls National Park, which is open daily between 9 AM and 5 PM. Make sure that you don’t arrive too close to closing time, as you’ll want to spend at least an hour at the falls.

When is the best time to visit the Iguazu Falls?

The best time to visit Iguazu Falls, located at the border of Argentina and Brazil, is during the late spring to early fall months from September to November and March to April, the crowds are usually smaller than during the peak summer months.

During these periods, the water levels are optimal for viewing the falls in their full grandeur.

Travel tips

• Plan to begin your day early as the falls can get crowded, so arriving early allows for a more peaceful experience and better photo opportunities.
• Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy, comfortable footwear suitable for walking and exploring the falls and nearby trails. Also, consider bringing a rain poncho as mist from the falls can make the area wet.
• The walking trails can be long, so carry water and some snacks to keep you energized throughout the day. Staying hydrated is crucial, especially in the tropical climate.
• Follow designated paths and viewpoints, and respect the environment and wildlife. Do not litter and avoid feeding the wildlife to maintain the pristine beauty of the falls and its surroundings.