Where: Combining the Falls with surrounding countries
Why: Spanning 1.7 miles the thundering Falls are actually a combination of more than 270 smaller cascades that occupy a dramatic location on the border of Brazil and Argentina amid stunning, lush surroundings.
Top trends
Air Europa will launch a route from Madrid to Puerto Iguazu on the Argentine side of the Falls on 1 June, the first service from Europe into
the airport.
All about
Served by the towns of Puerto Iguazú in Argentina and Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil, each with its own airport, the two sides of the Falls offer supremely different experiences and most opt to view them from both. Brazil’s side is known for offering stunning views. Accommodation options include the luxurious Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, which occupies a prime spot next to the Falls and offers even better views from its scenic helicopter flights. Helisul’s flights, meanwhile, leave from the local visitor centre.
With the lion’s share of the water cascading down into Argentina, this side has the best options for getting up close, from longer walkways and trails to boat tours and the free train to Devil’s Throat (Garganta) Station serving the Devil’s Throat vantage point. Accommodation options on the Argentinian side include the delightful Awasi Iguazu, with good options removed from the hubbub including Hotel Puerto Bemberg, a 30-40-minute drive away.
While a year-round experience the impressiveness of the Falls fluctuates throughout the year according to the water volume.
Andean Trails recommends visiting in spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May), offering strong water flow without oppressively hot temperatures.
Pair it up
The Falls dovetail nicely into all manner of regional itineraries, not least those linking Rio de Janeiro with Buenos Aires. Air Europa’s new Puerto Iguazu route, meanwhile, offers a nice entry point into tours of Argentina, including Buenos Aires and other northern highlights such as Salta and the Ibera Wetlands.
How to do it
Andean Trails offers three-day tours of the Falls from £413 per person, alongside longer options such as its 10-day Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls & Rio tour from £2,277 per person, excluding international flights. As it’s a tailor-made, option shorter or longer stays can easily be arranged.
Q&A: Jack Brooker, Latin America Product Manager, Rainbow Tours
What makes the Iguazu Falls such a must-see attraction?
The setting is a huge part of what makes Iguazu Falls so impressive — right on the Argentinian and Brazilian border in the heart of thick, remote jungle. The Garganta del Diablo (‘Devil’s Throat’) is incredible, of course, but the park as a whole boasts an amazing array of flora and fauna, as well as other smaller falls dotting the landscape.
How to get the most out of a visit?
We always ensure travellers have time to see the Falls from both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides to get the best of both. We recommend staying at least two days to explore properly.
