Iguazu Falls is my favorite waterfall I’ve seen on this globe! It’s huge and powerful. Two countries share it: Brazil and Argentina. Some say the Argentina side is better.. others claim the reverse. I definitely recommend doing both sides! There are also boat excursions offered on both sides that carry you close to the falls, drenching the passengers. We didn’t do it this time, but I heard it is fantastic.
Brazil
We stayed at a hotel just 1 1/2 blocks from the bus station where we grabbed a $1 bus to Iguacu Nacional Park. It took around 45 minutes. Once there, we purchased tickets and got in a queue for another bus. This one drove for 20 minutes through the forest and we disembarked at the stop with the pink hotel. Down the trail a couple minutes, the first view of Iguazu Falls greets you! The falls are in the distance but already fabulous.
The Brazilian side is super easy to navigate and can be done in a couple hours. There is one trail you follow that leads you from these distant falls all the way up to the convergence of the largest falls.
There are a few lookouts along the way to take pictures. You just have to wait for your chance as everyone wants to pose at them. Also, beware that you may be in the shadow, so if you have a camera with a flash that may help so you aren’t too dark in the picture.
Watch for animals as you explore because there are couti all over. These raccoon/ferret like creatures aren’t scared of people, so you are likely to have one walk right by your feet. Monkeys are also in this area but we didn’t see any.
At the end of the trail is a long platform that takes you out over the water until you are staring at the waterfalls surrounding you. Mist splatters parts of the platform, so protect your electronics. The end of the walk is more shielded. Walking out to the middle of the falls was the highlight of Iguazu for me!
Once back on land, you can stand feet away from a huge waterfall for some pics and take an elevator up to get a view from just above the falls.
Argentina
Puerto Iguazu is the city on the Argentinian side. Once again we stayed near the bus station (1 block). The Rio Uruguay bus travels every 20 minutes to the falls and the sales people speak English. This time it cost about $7 but included a return ticket. It takes about 45 minutes to reach the falls here as well.
The park on the Argentina side is much larger, with a good deal of easy hiking to reach the views. There are 3 main trails. The lower circuit, the upper circuit, and the devil’s throat.
Devil’s Throat
We started with the “Devil’s Throat” (Garganta del Diablo). It takes a lot of walking along metal platforms over rivers, but finally you reach the top of the convergence of the biggest waterfalls. There was a lot of mist rising and spraying us so pictures were difficult.
Lower circuit
If you only do one trail on Argentina’s side, this is the one I recommend. We did the shortened version of it as we were trying to see all trails in one day.
This trail gives great panoramic views of the falls and had a lookout where you can get up close and personal to a large waterfall. Great picture spot if you can get it to yourself for a minute.
The upper circuit goes over the waterfalls. You see rivers pass below you and hover over cascades crashing down to the earth below.
There are even more coutis here and we finally did spot a few capuchin monkeys.
If you are returning the next day, you can get your ticket stamped for a discounted entrance. You must have your passport to do this and get it stamped before the park closes at 6 pm.
Next up: Uruguay
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