Paraná, on the border with Argentina · Brazil
A horseshoe of 275 waterfalls thundering into a rainforest gorge, with walkways to the very edge of the Devil's Throat, shared between Brazil and Argentina.
Iguazu Falls is a system of 275 waterfalls spread over almost 3 km of the Iguazu River, on the border between Brazil and Argentina. The name means big water in the Guarani language. The falls drop up to 80 metres over a basalt cliff into a gorge cloaked in subtropical rainforest, and the volume of water is greater than that of Niagara. UNESCO inscribed the national parks on both sides of the border, in 1984 and 1986.
The highlight is the Devil's Throat (Garganta del Diablo), a huge U-shaped chasm where about half of the river plunges in a roaring, misty cataract. Standing on a walkway over its edge is one of the world's great natural experiences.
The falls are best seen from both sides. The Brazilian side, with a 1.2-km walkway, offers wide panoramas and takes half a day, and the Argentine side has more trails, close-up views and a train to the Devil's Throat, and needs a full day. Foz do Iguaçu, the Brazilian gateway, and Puerto Iguazú in Argentina are both easy bases.
Why visit
Iguazu is one of the greatest waterfalls on earth, and an easy addition to a trip to Brazil or Argentina.
A wall of water more than 2.7 km wide, with spray visible from far away.
A thundering chasm where you stand right at the top.
Different experiences on the Brazilian and Argentine sides.
Coatis, toucans, butterflies and, if you are lucky, caiman and monkeys.
Airports on both sides and a border crossing in half an hour.
Main attractions
Give the Brazilian side half a day and the Argentine side a full day.
A clifftop trail with sweeping views of the Argentine falls, ending on a walkway that reaches the base of the Devil's Throat. Shorter and less crowded than the Argentine side.
Tip Go at opening time, and bring a raincoat.
More extensive, with the Upper and Lower Circuits, and the Devil's Throat platform, reached by a small train and a long walkway. You get closer to more falls.
Tip Allow a full day, and go early.
A jungle truck ride and a speedboat that takes you right beneath the falls, and soaks you completely.
Tip Bring dry clothes and a waterproof bag.
A sanctuary near the Brazilian entrance, with toucans, macaws, flamingos and parrots in large walk-through aviaries.
Tip Visit after the falls.
One of the largest hydroelectric dams in the world, shared by Brazil and Paraguay, with tours of the power station.
Tip Book a tour in advance.
Things to do
Iguazu is mostly about walking, looking and getting wet.
Feel the vibration of the water from the walkway.
Tip Go early to avoid the crowds.
Get soaked under the falls in a speedboat.
Tip Book the first boat of the day.
See the falls from below, with views of the gorge.
Tip Wear shoes with grip.
A short flight over the falls gives a panoramic view.
Tip Book in advance.
Walk through aviaries and see rare birds.
Tip Half a day is enough.
The point where Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay meet at the confluence of rivers.
Tip Go at sunset.
Local food
Food near Iguazu is a mix of Brazilian, Argentine and Paraguayan traditions.
Grilled meats served in endless rounds at Brazilian churrascarias.
Where to try it Restaurants in Foz do Iguaçu.
Fish from the Paraná River, grilled or fried.
Where to try it Riverside restaurants.
Cheesy cassava bread rolls from Paraguay and Argentina.
Where to try it Bakeries and street stalls.
Baked or fried pastries with meat, cheese or vegetables.
Where to try it Puerto Iguazú.
Herbal tea drunk hot or cold, a social ritual.
Where to try it Everywhere.
Accommodation
Stay near the falls for convenience, or in town for value.
Transport
Iguazu is in the far south-west of Brazil, and is reached by air.
Buses and taxis link the towns and both parks, and border formalities apply between sides.
When to go
Iguazu has a subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild winters, and rain all year. The falls are fullest in the wetter months.
Hot and humid, with big flows and crowds.
Warm, with good flow and fewer visitors.
Mild and drier, with lower flow. Some walkways can be busier.
Warm, with good flow and fewer crowds.
Worth planning around: January, when it is very hot and busy, and periods of extreme flooding, when walkways can close.
Itinerary
The Brazilian side and boat trip, then the Argentine side.
Panoramas and a soaking.
Close-ups.
Travel tips
A few tips make the visit smoother.
FAQ
The Argentine side has more trails and closer views, and the Brazilian side has better panoramas. Most visitors see both.
Two days, one for each side.
It depends on your nationality. Check the rules for both countries, and carry your passport.
March to May and August to October.
Yes, particularly on the walkways and on the boat. A poncho and a waterproof bag are useful.
No. High water can close the walkway to it.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Iguazu Falls, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Rio de Janeiro State, south-east Brazil, Brazil
Brazil's most famous city: Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, the Tijuca rainforest, Santa Teresa, samba and Carnival.
Don't miss Sunset from the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, as the city lights come on around the bay.
Explore Destination — Rio de JaneiroSão Paulo State, south-east Brazil, Brazil
Brazil's financial and cultural capital: Avenida Paulista and MASP, Ibirapuera Park, the Municipal Market, Beco do Batman, Liberdade and a spectacular food and nightlife scene.
Don't miss A mortadella sandwich in the Mercado Municipal, followed by an evening among the murals of Vila Madalena.
Explore Destination — São PauloMato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul, central-west Brazil, Brazil
One of the world's best places for wildlife: jaguars at Porto Jofre, caimans, capybaras, giant otters and hundreds of bird species, seen by boat, safari truck and horseback.
Don't miss A jaguar padding along the riverbank in the golden light of late afternoon, from a small boat on the Cuiabá River.
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