The Complete Guide to Iguazu Falls, Argentina: Everything You Need to Know in 2026
Iguazu Falls sits at the border of Argentina and Brazil, where 275 individual waterfalls cascade across a 2.7-kilometer crescent of subtropical jungle. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, and — I'll save you the suspense — significantly more impressive than Niagara Falls in every measurable way.
This guide covers the Argentina side, which is where you should spend the majority of your time.
Overview
The falls are located in Misiones Province, northeastern Argentina, about 1,300 kilometers from Buenos Aires. The nearest town is Puerto Iguazu (population ~85,000), a sleepy border town that exists almost entirely because of the falls.
The Iguazu National Park on the Argentina side offers four main trail systems, a boat ride, and nocturnal visits during full moons. You need a minimum of two days to see everything properly. One day is rushed. Three days is ideal if you want to include the Brazil side and the jungle trail.
Best Time to Visit
March to May and August to October are the sweet spots. Water flow is moderate (impressive enough for great photos but not so heavy that catwalks close), temperatures sit between 20-28°C, and crowds are manageable.
November to February is the rainy season — the falls are at maximum power, which is dramatic, but it also means higher humidity, more mosquitoes, occasional trail closures due to flooding, and temperatures pushing 35°C.
June to July is winter — cooler (15-22°C), driest, and least crowded. The falls have less water volume but the weather is pleasant. Pack a jacket for early mornings.
Getting There
By Air: Fly to Cataratas del Iguazu International Airport (IGR). Aerolineas Argentinas operates 3-4 daily flights from Buenos Aires Aeroparque (1h45m). FlyBondi, the budget carrier, often has fares under $50 one way if booked early. The airport is 20 minutes from Puerto Iguazu town by taxi (~$15 USD).
By Bus: Long-distance buses from Buenos Aires take 16-18 hours overnight. Companies like Via Bariloche and Crucero del Norte run semi-cama (semi-reclining) for about $40 and cama (fully flat) for $65-80. It's long but comfortable, and you save a night's hotel.
From Foz do Iguacu (Brazil): Cross the Tancredo Neves International Bridge. Buses run regularly. Immigration takes 30-60 minutes depending on queues. US citizens need a Brazil e-visa ($80, apply 72+ hours ahead) to cross from Argentina into Brazil, but not the reverse.
Where to Stay
Budget ($20-40/night): Hostels in Puerto Iguazu like Hostel Park Iguazu or Bambu Hostel. Clean, social, pools. 20 minutes by bus to the park.
Mid-Range ($50-120/night): Boutique hotels and apart-hotels in the town center. Hotel Saint George, Posada La Sorgente, and Iguazu Jungle Lodge offer good value. Most include breakfast.
Luxury ($200-500/night): Gran Melia Iguazu is inside the park with direct trail access — you can be at Devil's Throat before any other visitor. Loi Suites Iguazu is a jungle lodge with pools and spa. Both are excellent but you pay for the location.
Park Entry and Logistics
Foreign park entry is approximately $30 USD (paid in Argentine pesos — bring cash or a card, both accepted). Argentine residents and Mercosur nationals pay less.
Two-day discount: Get your ticket stamped at the exit on day one, and day two entry is 50% off. This is the single best deal in the park and you should absolutely take advantage of it.
Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM). The park is open every day of the year.
The ecological train runs from the entrance to the trail heads (Estacion Cataratas for Upper and Lower Circuits, Estacion Garganta del Diablo for Devil's Throat). Included in park entry. Runs every 20 minutes. Lines can be 30+ minutes midday — another reason to arrive early.
What to Do
1. Devil's Throat (Garganta del Diablo)
The main event. A 1.1 km metal catwalk over the river leads to the viewing platform above the most powerful section of the falls — an 80-meter U-shaped chasm where 14 falls converge. The mist is permanent and soaking. Allow 2-3 hours including the walk and waiting time. Go first thing in the morning.
2. Upper Circuit (Circuito Superior)
A 1.7 km elevated walkway above several falls, giving you bird's-eye views over the edges. Wheelchair-accessible for most sections. Less dramatic than Devil's Throat but beautiful for photography, especially in morning light. Allow 1.5 hours.
3. Lower Circuit (Circuito Inferior)
A 1.4 km trail with stairs descending to the base of the falls. Face-to-face with the cascading water. You will get soaked. This is arguably the most immersive experience in the park. Allow 2 hours.
4. Gran Aventura Boat Ride
$50 USD. A zodiac ride directly under the falls. Twelve minutes of absolute chaos — water pounding from above, everyone screaming, the driver grinning. Departs from the Lower Circuit area every 15 minutes, 9AM-4:30PM. Worth every peso.
5. San Martin Island
Free boat shuttle from the Lower Circuit (water level dependent). Secluded viewpoints and a natural swimming pool at the base of San Martin Fall. Often overlooked. Allow 1-2 hours.
6. Macuco Trail
A quiet 7 km round-trip jungle hike to the Arrechea waterfall. Excellent for birdwatching — toucans, swifts, coatis, and occasionally capuchins. Free with park entry. Allow 3 hours. Almost no other tourists.
7. Full Moon Walks
Five nights around each full moon, guided nocturnal walks to Devil's Throat. Lunar rainbows in the mist. Tickets ~$40 USD, book well in advance. Duration: 2 hours. An unforgettable experience.
Food
Inside the park, options are limited to the Fortin restaurant (overpriced, mediocre buffet, ~$25 USD) and a few snack stands. Pack your own lunch.
In Puerto Iguazu:
La Aripuca — grilled meats and regional dishes in a giant log cabin. Mains $10-18 USD.
Aqva Restaurant — upscale river fish and steak. Mains $15-25 USD.
Color Restaurant — solid pizza and empanadas. Budget-friendly at $6-10 USD.
La Feria — street food market with empanadas ($1 each), choripan (sausage sandwich, $3), and local craft beer.
Budget Breakdown (Per Day)
Category
Budget
Mid-Range
Luxury
Accommodation
$20-40
$50-120
$200-500
Park Entry
$30
$30
$30
Meals
$15-25
$30-50
$60-100
Activities
$0-50
$50-100
$100-200
Transport
$4-10
$15-30
$40-80
Daily Total
$69-155
$175-330
$430-910
Safety
Coatis will steal food from your hands and bags. Never feed them. Bites require hospital visits.
Trails are slippery — wear shoes with grip, not flip-flops.
Sun protection is essential even on cloudy days. The mist creates a false sense of coolness while UV reflects off the water.
Mosquitoes are present year-round but worst November-March. Bring DEET repellent.
The park and Puerto Iguazu are generally safe. Standard precautions apply.
Useful Phrases
English
Spanish
How much?
¿Cuanto cuesta?
Where is...?
¿Donde esta...?
The check, please
La cuenta, por favor
Thank you
Gracias
Beautiful
Hermoso/a
Waterfall
Cascada/Catarata
The Bottom Line
Ignore anyone who says "if you've seen one waterfall, you've seen them all." Iguazu Falls is not a waterfall. It's 275 waterfalls arranged in a jungle amphitheater that makes every other waterfall you've ever seen feel like a leaky faucet. Two days on the Argentina side is the minimum. Bring waterproof everything. Arrive at 8 AM. And book that full moon walk.
