Misiones, north-east Argentina · Argentina
The closer, wetter side of the greatest waterfall system on earth: catwalks over the top of the falls, trails through the jungle and the Devil's Throat roaring below your feet.
Photo: Horacio Cambeiro · CC BY 4.0
The Argentine side of Iguazú Falls includes about 80% of the falls, more than the Brazilian side, and the trails and walkways bring visitors closer to the water. The Iguazú National Park, on the Argentine bank, was inscribed by UNESCO in 1984, and protects a large area of subtropical Atlantic rainforest as well as the falls themselves.
The park is organised into several routes. The Upper Circuit walks along the top of the cascades, the Lower Circuit descends to the base, and a small train, the Tren Ecológico de la Selva, runs to the start of the walkway that ends at the Devil's Throat, or Garganta del Diablo, the most powerful cataract of all. The park also has a Macuco jungle trail, boat trips beneath the falls, and wildlife including coatis, toucans, butterflies and, more rarely, caiman and monkeys.
Most visitors base themselves at Puerto Iguazú, a small town at the meeting of the Iguazú and Paraná rivers, near the point where Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay meet. The Brazilian side offers panoramas, and the Argentine side offers immersion, and a two-day visit lets you see both.
Why visit
The Argentine side is the more immersive way to experience Iguazú, with the closest views of the falls.
A walkway over the edge of the largest and most powerful fall.
Multiple circuits give different views over a full day.
Coatis, toucans, butterflies and monkeys in a lush park.
Thrilling trips beneath the falls.
A short bus ride to the entrance.
Main attractions
Allow a full day for the Argentine side, starting with the Devil's Throat.
A U-shaped chasm where much of the river plunges about 80 metres. A 1.1-km walkway takes you to a platform at the edge, in mist and thunder.
Tip Go first thing in the morning, when it is less crowded.
A flat walkway of about 1.7 km along the top of the falls, with views down into the cascades.
Tip Easy, with fine photo opportunities.
A trail of about 1.4 km with steps and walkways down to the base of the falls, including the Bossetti and Dos Hermanas falls, with rainbows in the mist.
Tip Bring a rain jacket.
A truck ride through the jungle and a speedboat that goes right under the falls, where you get drenched.
Tip Bring a waterproof bag.
A jungle walk of about 3.5 km to a natural pool and the Arrechea waterfall, popular with birdwatchers.
Tip Go early.
A UNESCO-listed Jesuit mission of the 17th century, in red sandstone and jungle, about 240 km south of Puerto Iguazú.
Tip A long day trip.
Things to do
Most experiences are in the park, but the region has other sights.
Feel the vibration and spray at the edge of the falls.
Tip Go early, and keep camera gear dry.
The small train links the visitor centre and the trails.
Tip Buy the ticket at the entrance.
A thrilling boat trip to the base of the falls.
Tip Bring dry clothes.
Watch for coatis, toucans and butterflies.
Tip Never feed the coatis.
On nights around the full moon, the park opens for a guided walk to the Devil's Throat.
Tip Book in advance.
The point where Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay meet.
Tip Go at sunset.
Local food
Food in Puerto Iguazú mixes Argentine, Paraguayan and Brazilian cooking, with river fish and beef.
Large river fish, grilled or in stews.
Where to try it Restaurants in Puerto Iguazú.
Cheesy cassava rolls, a Paraguayan and Misiones staple.
Where to try it Bakeries.
Argentine beef, grilled.
Where to try it Grill restaurants.
Hot and cold herbal infusions.
Where to try it Everywhere.
Simple meals for after the falls.
Where to try it Cafés.
Accommodation
Stay in Puerto Iguazú for value, or inside the park for early access.
Transport
Iguazú is in the far north-east of Argentina, bordering Brazil and Paraguay.
Buses and shuttles serve the park, and trails are on foot.
When to go
Iguazú is subtropical, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. The falls are impressive all year, with the greatest flow in the wetter months.
Hot and humid, with busy trails.
Warm, with good flow and fewer visitors.
Mild, with lower flow but pleasant walking.
Warm, with good flow and few crowds.
Worth planning around: January and July school holidays, and periods of flooding, when the Devil's Throat walkway can close.
Itinerary
The Argentine side on the first day, and the Brazilian side on the second.
The main circuits.
Panoramas.
Travel tips
A few tips make the visit smoother.
FAQ
The Argentine side is closer and has more trails. The Brazilian side has better panoramas. See both if you can.
A full day, from morning to late afternoon.
It depends on your nationality. Check the rules for both countries before crossing.
No. High water can close the walkway.
March to May and August to October.
Yes, on a long day trip or on the way south.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Iguazú, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
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