Iguazú National Park comprises over a hundred waterfalls on the border of Argentina and Brazil. The views from both countries are equally spectacular yet entirely different. Discover how to visit Iguazú Falls from Argentina and Brazil in 1 day, with a full-day itinerary, tips on where to stay, top trails and scenic viewpoints.

Getting There

The majestic Iguazú Falls are located on the border of Argentina and Brazil. Both countries house an impressive national park that shows the waterfalls from a completely different angle. We flew from Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazú, the gateway to the Argentinian side of the Iguazú Falls. Several carriers offer multiple flights per day on the route Buenos Aires – Puerto Iguazú.

Our first stop was the small tourist office in Puerto Iguazú, where I booked a private guide to take us to both sides of the falls the next day. A private driver is the most convenient way to visit both national parks within the same day, as they make the border crossing quick and easy. Alternatively, you can book a small group tour to visit both sides in one day.

Stay

The province of Misiones is largely made up of lush rainforest. If you stay on the outskirts of the town Puerto Iguazú, you’ll have access to a jungle oasis. The sweltering humidity in this corner of the country asks for a pool to cool off after exploring. We stayed at Posada 21 Oranges, a simple hotel made up of wooden cabins, beautiful grounds and a pool.

Full Day Itinerary in Argentina & Brazil

Morning: Parque Nacional do Iguaçu, Brazil

Our guide picked us up at the hotel in Argentina around 8 AM. It’s only a 30-minute drive from Puerto Iguazú to the Brazilian side of the park. Private tour guides can handle the border crossing without hassle, making it very quick. We were at the entrance right when it opened at 9 AM, but there was already a long line to get in. From the entrance, a shuttle bus runs to the Path of the Falls, the only walking trail with waterfall views on the Brazilian side.

The one-mile trail leads to the main attraction of the park, passing many stunning viewpoints on the way. Because of the big crowds on the trail, it is more of shuffle than a hike. The Garganta del Diablo or Devil’s Throat is the headliner on both sides of the park, but the views from each country are a world apart.

The Brazilian walkway puts you right in the middle of the action, enclosed by the raging falls. You can take an elevator to the top of the falls, offering impressive panoramic views. The elevator ride also marks the end of the Path of the Falls trail. We found ourselves back at the main entrance in less than three hours, showing just how compact the Brazilian national park is. Only 20% of the falls is located on the Brazilian side, while Argentina contains 80%.

Afternoon: Parque Nacional Iguazú, Argentina

On the way back from Brazil to Argentina, passport control can get very busy. Our guide managed to maneuver past the long lines and got us at the Argentinian entrance in no time. The Argentinian side has shorter entrance lines and a much larger share of the park, to enjoy nature away from the crowds. The Jungle Train runs from the entrance to the main trailheads, or you can opt to walk and spot wildlife along the short Green Trail instead.

Argentina has three main waterfall trails: the Upper Trail, Lower Trail and the Devil’s Throat Trail. The Upper Trail brings you up-close with the waterfalls seen from a far on the Brazilian side. The impressive trail runs along the top of the waterfalls, right on the edge of where the water comes crashing down.

The Lower Trail goes down to the river level, offering amazing views of the series of waterfalls from below. From the Lower Trail, you can board the Boat Ride Under the Falls or Gran Aventura. On this exhilarating boat ride, you travel around San Martín Island and up close to the Garganta del Diablo to end up completely soaked.

Just like Brazil, Argentina has a trail that leads to the Garganta del Diablo. The Devil’s Throat Trail runs at the same level on the other side, approaching the circle of waterfalls from above. The amount and power of the water that comes crashing down leaves you speechless and soaked. The trail can only be accessed by taking the Jungle Train. The Devil’s Throat Trail often gets closed down when the water level in the river is too high, causing the walkway to flood.

With only one afternoon in the park, you have time to comfortably walk two of the main trails, or walk one trail and take the boat ride. To explore the three trails and board the Gran Aventura, you need a full day starting right when the park opens. On this visit, we chose the walk the Upper and Lower Trails.

It was my third visit to the Argentinian falls, but the first time I made it to Brazil. If I could only visit one side, I would definitely pick Argentina. The park in Argentina is more diverse and spread out, with a completely different viewpoint around every corner. There are several trails that take you right through the jungle, surrounded by wildlife rather than people.

Ruins of San Ignacio Miní

The well-preserved ruins of San Ignacio Miní are a UNESCO world heritage site, three hours south of Puerto Iguazú. There are many day trips leaving from Puerto Iguazú to the ruins, stopping at Wanda Mines on the way. Our private guide drove us to the town of San Ignacio, where we continued our trip by long-distance bus. The trip takes you through the red soils of Misiones, which cultivate Argentina’s signature drink. More than 85% of the country’s yerba mate is produced here.

The ruins of San Ignacio Miní are the remains of a Jesuit Mission. Founded in the 17th century, the mission was established with the aim of converting the native Guaraní people to Catholic religion. What makes the site stand out is the red sandstone, creating a beautiful contrast with the rainforest that has since taken over.

---

Related Posts