Iguazu Falls: Day Trips and Tours from Puerto Iguazú

The Iguazu Falls are among the most spectacular natural wonders in the world. Crossing the border of Argentina and Brazil, the Iguazu Falls span 2,700 meters and are made up of 275 gushing waterfalls.

Surrounded by indigenous rainforest, this collection of cascades is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Exploring this awe-inspiring display is made possible on a day trip to Iguazu Falls from Puerto Iguazú. You may get a little wet, but it’s the experience of a lifetime.

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

How to get to Iguazu Falls from Puerto Iguazú?

If you are traveling to Iguazu Falls from Puerto Iguazú in Argentina, you will most likely go the Argentinian side of the falls in Iguazu National Park. The park is located approximately 20 kilometers southeast of Puerto Iguazú and can be easily reached in under an hour.

From Puerto Iguazú to Iguazu Falls by car

If you are traveling by car to the Argentinian side of the falls, it’s a straightforward drive. From Puerto Iguazú, you’ll simply follow the RN12 out of the city and join the RN101. Then, turn left onto Acceso A Cataratas and head towards Iguazu National Park. The entire trip takes about 30 minutes.

From Puerto Iguazú to Iguazu Falls by bus

It’s possible to journey to the Iguazu Falls via bus from Puerto Iguazú, with buses running every 20 minutes to the falls. The journey will also take approximately 30 minutes.

Guided tour to Iguazu Falls from Puerto Iguazú

If you want to avoid the hassle of driving yourself or navigating public transport, book a guided tour that will organize your travel arrangements for you. Guided day trips to Iguazu Falls from Puerto Iguazú typically offer pickup and drop-off at your accommodation, and the services of a knowledgeable guide.

Some of these tours may even take you to both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides of the Iguazu Falls over two days, providing you with a comprehensive experience of Iguazu.

How much does the entrance ticket to Iguazu Falls cost?

The cost of an entrance ticket to Iguazu Falls depends on which side of the falls you are entering. The falls are divided between the Iguazu National Park in Argentina and the Iguaçu National Park in Brazil. The prices below apply to visitors who are not residents of Argentina or Brazil.

Iguazu National Park (Argentina):

• Adults (17 and above): ARS10,000
• Children (6-16):  ARS5,000
• Children (under 6): Free
• Persons with disabilities: Free

Iguaçu National Park (Brazil):

• Adults: BRL86
• Children (under 6): Free

What is the typical itinerary?

Guided day tours to Iguazu Falls from Puerto Iguazú vary in their included activities, but many follow a similar itinerary. Most day trips will begin with a hotel pickup in Puerto Iguazu, from where your guide will transport you to Iguazu Falls.

Most tours from Puerto Iguazú visit the Argentinian side of the falls in Iguazu National Park. Your guide will point out the variety of flora and fauna and assist you in finding the best vantage points for viewing the spectacular falls. Take the ecological train to see the Devil’s Throat, the largest and most famous waterfall here.

You may have free time to make use of the various footpaths or enjoy lunch. Some tours include a boat ride that will take you to the bottom of the falls, or a jeep ride through the rainforest.

Some tours will cover the Argentinian side and the Brazilian side of the Iguazu Falls over the course of two days, giving you a full perspective of the falls.

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

The majority of tours to Iguazu Falls from Puerto Iguazú will travel to the Argentinian side of the falls, but some may also cross over the border to the Brazilian side.

Half-day tour to Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls from Puerto Iguazú

To get the best views of Devil’s Throat, it’s recommended to travel to the Brazilian side of the Iguazu Falls. Half-day guided tours provide the opportunity to do just that, taking you across the border from Puerto Iguazú to Iguaçu National Park.

These trips last approximately 5 hours, during which time you’ll hike through the rainforest and see the waterfall from below as well as take an elevator ride to see the Devil’s Throat from above.

Some day trips may also include a visit to the Bird Park and Itaipu Dam.

Day tour to Iguazu Falls from Puerto Iguazú

On a full-day tour to Iguazu Falls, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonders of the park. The trip lasts a total of eight to 10 hours, giving you ample time to explore.

Walk along one of the hiking circuits, take the ecological train to Devil’s Throat and benefit from your guide’s thorough knowledge of the plants and wildlife. You’ll enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off, making for an easy journey.

Day tour to Iguazu Falls from Puerto Iguazú with boat ride

If you’d like to get up close to the epic natural show, choose a day trip that includes a boat ride to Iguazu Falls. After getting picked up at your hotel, you’ll travel to the park and board your boat for a thrilling journey beneath the falls.

The adventure continues with a 4x4 ride through the rainforest, providing an excellent opportunity to learn more about the environment. Spend more time exploring the walkways before heading back to your hotel, bringing your 12-hour trip to an end.

Two-day tour to the Argentinian and Brazilian side of Iguazu Falls from Puerto Iguazú

If you want to get the full experience of Iguazu Falls, consider going on a 2-day trip from Puerto Iguazú that visits both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides.

On day one, you’ll visit the Argentinian side of the falls and enjoy the various hiking circuits. On the second day, you’ll visit the Brazilian side for the best view of Devil’s Throat.

While this tour spans two days, it does not include overnight accommodation. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Puerto Iguazú is included.

Private Iguazu Falls day trip from Puerto Iguazú

Those looking for a more intimate experience can enjoy a private day trip to Iguazu Falls. These tours are designed for just you and your travel companions, giving you greater flexibility and choice in your itinerary.

You’ll enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off for this day tour that lasts eight hours. Spend your time exploring the wonders of the park, and include a boat ride as part of your tour if you wish.

How much does a day trip to Iguazu Falls from Puerto Iguazú cost?

The cost of a day trip to Iguazu Falls from Puerto Iguazú will range in price depending on the type and length of the tour, as well as additional activities. It’s important to note that most guided tours to Iguazu Falls do not include park entrance fees and you will have to pay for this separately.

A half-day tour to the Brazilian side of the Iguazu Falls will cost just US$20 per person for a maximum group of 10 people.

A full-day trip to Iguazu Falls costs from US$40 per person for a small group of just nine travelers. If you opt for a day trip that includes a boat ride, you can expect to pay from US$100 per person for a group of 15 participants.

A two-day tour of both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides of Iguazu Falls will cost US$40 per person for a maximum of 10 people in a group. A private tour to Iguazu Falls will cost upwards of US$140 per person for a group of two people. The price decreases as the number of participants increases, with a cap of nine.

What will you see and do?

The word "Iguazu" means "big water" in Guarani, and that's certainly what you'll see at the falls. In the rainy season, these waterfalls can flow at a rate of over 12,000 cubic meters per second. While the cascades are the main attraction of this region, there is much more to see and experience.

Boat ride to Iguazu Falls

One of the most thrilling experiences you can have is a boat ride at Iguazu Falls. While you won't go under the cascades, you'll get close enough for a feel of their raw power. Given the amount of water, you're likely to get sprayed — a worthy souvenir of your visit.

Devil’s Throat

The Devil's Throat is the largest waterfall in Iguazu, dropping from a height of 80 meters. It's arguably the main attraction, and can be admired from different vantage points on the Argentinian and Brazilian side.

On the Argentinian side, you can take an ecological train to the walkway of the falls, while on the Brazilian side, you can see the falls from a lower, more panoramic perspective or take an elevator for a higher view.

Fauna and flora

The parks encompassing Iguaza Falls abound in native wildlife and plants, making a journey through the rainforest a true immersion in nature. There are over 2,000 plant species and 400 bird species that call this region home. You may encounter toucans, monkeys and coatis, and even spot rare animals such as the harpy eagle, giant anteater, ocelot and jaguar.

Hike in the rainforest

There are numerous walking trails on the Argentinian side of Iguazu Falls, with the main ones being the Upper Walk and the Lower Walk.

The Upper Walk spans nearly two kilometers, and goes through the treetops to views of the falls from above. The Lower Walk is also about two kilometers in length but traverses through the jungle to see the falls from below.

What are the opening times?

The Iguazu National Park in Argentina is open every day between 8 AM and 6 PM.

The Iguaçu National Park in Brazil is open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM from Monday to Friday, and from 8:30 AM to 4 PM on Saturday and Sunday.

When is the best time to visit Iguazu Falls?

The best time to visit Iguazu Falls is in the rainy season from December to February. This is when the falls have the highest volume of water, however, this is also the peak tourist season.

If you want to skip the crowds but still see the falls in all their glory, consider visiting in the shoulder months between March and May or September and November when there is still a substantial amount of water flowing.

Are there any tours to Iguazu Falls from other cities in Argentina?

Yes, there are day trips to Iguazu Falls from Buenos Aires.

Travel tips

• If you're planning on staying in Brazil, check out day trips to Iguazu Falls from Foz do Iguaçu.
• Ensure you have the necessary visas or permissions if you cross over into Brazil from Puerto Iguazú.
• The region can be hot and humid. Carry water, wear sunscreen, and use insect repellent.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll be covering uneven terrain.
• A waterproof camera or protective gear for your equipment is recommended, especially if you plan to take boat rides or get close to the falls.