Boat Tours in Puerto Iguazú

The Iguazú Falls are located in northeastern Argentina, in a slice of paradise wedged between the countries of Paraguay and Brazil, easily accessible from Puerto Iguazú. The falls are the largest waterfall system in the world, making a boat tour to Iguazú Falls the perfect way to explore this natural wonder.

Iguazú Falls are located in Iguazú National Park, a multinational conservation area that is accessible from both Brazil and Argentina. Aside from the boat tours that give visitors an up-close view of these magnificent waterfalls, there is also an elaborate network of walkways — allowing you to enjoy the view without getting soaked. Whatever your choice, you can rest assured that you won't soon forget your visit to the largest waterfall complex in the world.

Here's all you need to know about boat tours, one of the most invigorating outdoor activities in Puerto Iguazú.

What are the most popular boat tours in Puerto Iguazú?

The most popular boat tours in Puerto Iguazú go to the famous Iguazú Falls. While there are a number of sightseeing tours to the Iguazú National Park, all of the boat tours to the Iguazú Falls are essentially the same. This is because they are operated by the park itself, so there are no small group or private boat tours available.

The main aspect in which the tours differ is the tour group size and activities enjoyed before and after the Iguazú Falls boat tour.

Group boat tour to Iguazú Falls

While you’ll be part of a larger tour party, this trip is the most affordable way of exploring the Iguazú Falls with a boat tour. The excursion starts with a convenient early morning pickup from your hotel in Puerto Iguazú, from where you’ll travel to the Iguazú National Park.

Allow yourself to be enveloped by nature as you arrive at the park, surrounded by lush jungle and the sound of thundering water. Board a train from the visitors center and travel to your first stop — the aptly named Devil’s Throat Canyon. To reach this cavernous sight, you’ll follow a 1000-meter-long walkway stretching across the Iguazú River.

Explore the upper trails of the park, before taking the train down to the lower section and the boat station. Here, you’ll board a large tour boat that will visit the waterfalls as they plunge back to earth. After braving the mist and waters from the falls up close, you’ll head back to shore and change into something dry — before heading back home.

Iguazú Falls small group boat tour

A small group boat tour to the Iguazú Falls presents the best balance between cost and overall experience. The trip is limited to 10 people, making it the ideal excursion for a group of friends or a family. Your party will enjoy a hotel pickup after which you’ll journey to the Iguazú National Park in an air-conditioned van.

Once at the park, your guide will help you explore it’s most popular sights — avoiding crowded viewing points, and circling back when the number of visitors has subsided. Explore the verdant jungle of the park’s lower region, keeping a lookout for toucans, coatis and colorful parrots.

Then, head to the upper circuit where you’ll enjoy an eagle-eye view of the falls, staring into the depths of the Devil’s Throat Canyon. Next, it’s time for a change of scenery as you travel to the boat station for a 30-minute tour of the falls. After getting within splashing distance of the waterfalls, you’ll head back to shore for a jeep tour and your journey home.

Private Iguazú Falls day trip with a boat tour

This private tour to the Iguazú Falls starts off in style with an air-conditioned vehicle picking you up from your hotel in Puerto Iguazú. From here, you’ll cross the border, entering into Brazil to explore the 1,900 square kilometers that the park has to offer.

Once you arrive at the park, your guide will provide a quick but comprehensive orientation session, granting you the lay of the land. Following this, you’ll head into the wilderness, your guide in tow, with you deciding where to go because it's a private tour.

Amble along beautifully maintained walkways, stumble on breathtaking sites and listen to your guide tell you more about this wondrous sight. If you’re ever unsure about where to go next, you just need to follow the clear signs or walk towards the sound of thundering water. Next, it’s time to give your tired legs a rest as you board an ecologically friendly train to take you to the Macuco boat station.

Here, you’ll board a large motor boat, that will take you within splashing distance of the falls. The boat tour of Iguazú Falls usually lasts between 30 and 45 minutes, enough to get you absolutely drenched. Change into your spare set of clothes and head back to the border for your journey back home.

How much do boat tours in Iguazú Falls cost?

Boat tours to Iguazú Falls usually cost between US$100 and US$150 per person. The main difference in the prices is usually due to the number of people joining the tour, with more crowded expeditions costing less money.

A group boat tour to Iguazú Falls will cost US$100 per person, making it the most inexpensive way to visit the falls. However, you’ll be part of a group of up to 15 people.

An Iguazú Falls small group boat tour will cost around US$130 per person, but this includes a 4X4 trek through the jungle. Your tour party will also be capped at a maximum of 10 people, adding even more value to the offering.

A private Iguazú Falls day trip with a boat tour will cost US$430 per person, but you’ll be the only persons on the excursion. You’ll also get to explore the Brazilian side of the Iguazú National Park, which is much larger and presents a greater chance to encounter wildlife.

What will you experience?

Iguazú Falls

The Iguazú Falls is a truly stunning waterfall complex in northeastern Argentina. When in full flow, the Iguazú Falls boast well over 200 waterfalls, measuring around 2,700 meters wide — making it the largest waterfall complex in the world.

According to legend, the Iguazú Falls were created when a god planned to wed a local beauty. However, she didn’t fancy an eternal commitment and instead fled with her mortal lover on a canoe. Enraged, the god sliced the river and their canoe in two, condemning them to an eternity of falling through the frothing waters.

One of the falls’ must-see attractions is the ominously named Devil’s Throat — a canyon in the middle of the jungle that’s just under 100 meters wide and 80 meters deep.

Iguazú National Park

The Iguazú National Park is home to the Iguazú Falls and includes parts of both Argentina and Brazil. The Argentinian side of the park covers around 700 square kilometers, while the Brazilian side is almost three times as large.

The park was created in 1934 to protect the pristine subtropical jungle and the magnificent falls. The park is home to a cornucopia of fauna and flora, with jaguars, tapirs, ocelots and the magnificent Harpy’s eagle calling the park their home. It also features a series of walkways and viewing points with an ecologically friendly train service to help weary travelers.

Devil’s Throat Canyon

The Devil’s Throat Canyon, or Garganta del Diablo in Spanish, is the highest point of the falls — and is arguably the most impressive sight in the Iguazú Falls system. You’ll reach this spectacular sight after walking on a 1-kilometer-long walkway that crosses the Iguazú River.

The viewing platform is perched precariously over the edge of the Devil’s Throat Canyon, granting visitors an immaculate view of one of the world’s wonders. Don’t worry if the sight causes you to give a good old-fashioned scream, the sound of the waterfall brooks no competition.

Hiking

A vast network of pathways crisscross their way over the Iguazú National Park, making it the perfect place to go for a hike before you head to the waters by boat. The paths are extremely well maintained and vary between different lengths making it ideal for hikers of any fitness level.

Hikers to the Iguazú Falls can choose from 5 trails, ranging from casual strolls to a 5-kilometer trek through the jungle. The less intense hikes still visit all of the park’s most scenic attractions, so you won’t miss out.

An added bonus is that there’s an ecologically friendly train available, perfect for when you need a well-earned break. If you want to test your mettle on one of the longer trails, you should consider bringing an extra set of clothes and sturdy shoes.

Jeep Tour

While not a jeep tour in the true sense of the term, these 4X4 tours combined with boat tours are a wonderful way to encounter the park’s wildlife. You’ll enjoy an hour-long drive in an open-top 4-wheel drive truck, with a knowledgeable local guide.

Learn more about the fascinating biodiversity of the jungle, while keeping your eyes peeled for toucans, or some of the even rarer residents. The pace of the tour is decidedly laidback, allowing you to luxuriate in the lush subtropical jungle, taking in all of your surroundings.

How long does a boat trip last?

While the boat tour part of the trip only lasts around 30 minutes, the entire excursion will usually last between 5 and 10 hours. The duration of your tour will depend largely on the number of activities included and the tour size.

Boat tours that explore the Brazilian side of the Iguaçu National Park tend to last significantly longer, because of the time spent going through border control. For these types of outings, you should set aside anything from 8 to 12 hours.

Where do boat tours leave from?

Most boat tours to Iguazú Falls depart from Puerto Iguazú, the nearby town on the Argentinian side of the border. This also includes tours to the Brazilian part of the Iguaçu National Park, and for these tours, you’ll need to take your passport.

Some tours offer a pickup and drop-off service from hotels in Puerto Iguazú, but it’s best to confirm this when making your reservation.

When is the best time for a boat trip to Iguazú Falls?

The best time for a boat trip to Iguazú Falls is either in March or from August to October, to avoid the peak tourist season and still experience the falls when they're at a good water level.

Which other outdoor activities can be done in Puerto Iguazú?

• Macuco Safari tours in Puerto Iguazú
• Bike tours in Puerto Iguazú
• Kayaking tours in Puerto Iguazú
• Helicopter tours Puerto Iguazú

Travel tips

• Tours can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons, so secure your spot in advance.
• Wear quick-drying clothes and secure water-resistant footwear. Avoid wearing denim or heavy cotton as they can become uncomfortable when wet.
• Protect your camera, phone, and other belongings in waterproof bags or containers.
• Apply waterproof sunscreen and wear a hat and sunglasses to protect against the sun.