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Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls travel guide

Waterfalls on the Iguazú River on the border of Argentina and Brazil

Things to do34 experiences
Best time to visitJuly
Nearest airportIGR · 4 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−3

About Iguazu Falls

The Iguazú Falls or Iguaçu Falls are waterfalls of the Iguazu River on the border of the Argentine province of Misiones and the Brazilian state of Paraná. Together, they make up the largest waterfall system in the world. The falls divide the river into the upper and lower Iguazu. The Iguazu River rises near the heart of the city of Curitiba. For most of its course, the river flows through Brazil; however, most of the falls are on the Argentine side. Below its confluence with the San Antonio River, the Iguazu River forms the border between Argentina and Brazil.

Places to visit in Iguazu Falls

  1. Iguazu Falls

    Iguazu Falls

    Nature

    A vast system of roughly 275 waterfalls on the Argentina–Brazil border, spread along nearly 3 km of cliffs. The Brazilian side offers the best panoramic views; expect to get soaked on the walkway near the bottom.

  2. Iguaçu National Park

    Iguaçu National Park

    Park

    The Brazilian park protecting the falls and the surrounding Atlantic rainforest. A park bus takes visitors to the main trail, which ends on a walkway over the river; keep food out of sight of the bold coatis.

  3. Devil's Throat

    Devil's Throat

    Nature

    The tallest and most powerful section of the falls, a U-shaped chasm where much of the river plunges at once. It is best seen from the Argentine walkway above the edge; bring a rain jacket for the spray.

  4. Parque das Aves

    Parque das Aves

    Zoo · 6 mi from centre

    A bird park beside the national park entrance, with walk-through aviaries of toucans, macaws and other Atlantic Forest species. Many of the birds are rescued animals; allow about two hours and visit before or after the falls.

  5. Itaipu Dam

    Itaipu Dam

    Landmark

    One of the world's largest hydroelectric dams, on the Paraná River between Brazil and Paraguay. Guided tours range from a panoramic bus ride to visits inside the plant; book the more detailed tours in advance.

  6. Iguazú National Park

    Iguazú National Park

    Park · 8 mi from centre

    The Argentine side of the falls, with longer trails that bring you close to individual cascades. Allow a full day, ride the small train to the Devil's Throat trail, and carry your passport for the border crossing.

  7. Buddhist Temple of Foz do Iguaçu

    Buddhist Temple of Foz do Iguaçu

    Religious · 18 mi from centre

    A Chinese Buddhist temple on a hill in Foz do Iguaçu, with a garden of more than a hundred Buddha statues. It makes a calm stop between other sights; dress modestly and remove your shoes where asked.

  8. Triple Frontier Landmark

    Viewpoint · 12 mi from centre

    The point where Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay meet at the junction of the Iguazu and Paraná rivers. Each country has a marker overlooking the confluence, and the Brazilian site puts on an evening light show.

Things to do in Iguazu Falls by type

34 tours, tickets and experiences across 7 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.

How long
  • 1-3 hours 4
  • Flexible 3
  • Over 6 hours 2
  • 3-6 hours 1
Good for
  • Youth 10
  • Couples 10
  • Families 10
  • Senior 9
  • Families with kids 3
Ways to go
  • Small group 5
  • Skip the line 1
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Top experiences in Iguazu Falls

Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 34 available.

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Where to stay in Iguazu Falls

Popular hotels in Iguazu Falls, out of 109 properties you can book.

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Best time to visit Iguazu Falls

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Iguazu Falls is July, when average daytime highs are around 71°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 72° – 90° 14
Feb 74° – 91° 15
Mar 72° – 89° 12
Apr 67° – 82° 14
May 61° – 76° 10
Jun 58° – 73° 10
Jul 53° – 71° 6
Aug 56° – 75° 8
Sep 62° – 82° 11
Oct 65° – 83° 11
Nov 68° – 86° 11
Dec 69° – 86° 15

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Iguazu Falls weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 82° 66° 72%
  • Thu 22 Oct 75° 65° 82%
  • Fri 23 Oct 85° 67° 86%
  • Sat 24 Oct 81° 70° 97%
  • Sun 25 Oct 80° 61° 69%
  • Mon 26 Oct 82° 59° 10%

Know before you go

Currency
Brazilian real (BRL)1 US dollar ≈ R$5.05
Language
Portuguese
Calling code
+55
Driving
On the right
Time zone
America/Sao_PauloUTC−3
Capital
Brasília

Upcoming public holidays in Brazil

  • All Souls' DayDia de Finados
  • Republic Proclamation DayProclamação da República
  • Black Awareness DayDia da Consciência Negra
  • Christmas DayNatal
  • New Year's DayConfraternização Universal
  • Good FridaySexta-feira Santa

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Iguazu Falls

These are the airports closest to central Iguazu Falls. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • IGR Cataratas del Iguazú International Airport4 mi (6 km) from the city centre
  • IGU Foz do Iguaçu International Airport7 mi (12 km) from the city centre
  • AGT Guaraní International Airport30 mi (49 km) from the city centre
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Getting around Iguazu Falls

On the Argentine side of the park there's a small train leaving about every 30 minutes from near the entrance going all the way to the beginning of the trail to the Garganta del Diablo.

Between the countries

From Foz do Iguaçu to Puerto Iguazu: there is a bus that leaves from just outside the bus terminal, at the corner of Rua Mem de Sá and Rua Tarobá. It costs R$4 or AR$8. The bus may or may not stop at the Brazilian border checkpoint but typically will stop at the Argentine border checkpoint, where your passport will be stamped.

Iguazu Falls travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Iguazu Falls?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Iguazu Falls is July, when average daytime highs are around 71°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.

What is the weather like in Iguazu Falls?

February is usually the warmest month in Iguazu Falls, with average highs of 91°F (33°C). July is the coolest, with average lows of 53°F (12°C). The wettest month is typically December, with about 261 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Iguazu Falls?

Cataratas del Iguazú International Airport (IGR) is the closest airport, about 4 miles (6 km) from the centre of Iguazu Falls. Other nearby airports include Foz do Iguaçu International Airport (IGU, 7 mi) and Guaraní International Airport (AGT, 30 mi).

What currency is used in Iguazu Falls?

Iguazu Falls uses the Brazilian real (BRL). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ R$5.05.

What time zone is Iguazu Falls in?

Iguazu Falls uses the America/Sao_Paulo time zone (currently UTC−3). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Iguazu Falls?

On the Argentine side of the park there's a small train leaving about every 30 minutes from near the entrance going all the way to the beginning of the trail to the Garganta del Diablo.

What are the best places to visit in Iguazu Falls?

Top sights in Iguazu Falls include Iguazu Falls, Iguaçu National Park, Devil's Throat and Parque das Aves. A vast system of roughly 275 waterfalls on the Argentina–Brazil border, spread along nearly 3 km of cliffs. The Brazilian side offers the best panoramic views; expect to get soaked on the walkway near the bottom.

What are the top things to do in Iguazu Falls?

Popular experiences you can book in Iguazu Falls include Transfer in and out Foz Airport, Shopping Tour in Paraguay and Duty free shop, 1 Day in Foz: Brazilian Side Water Falls, Macuco Safari and Lunch in Porto Canoas and Iguazu Falls by bike - Private Tour. Destina Holidays offers 34 tours and activities here.

What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Iguazu Falls?

The most popular types of experiences in Iguazu Falls are zoo, aquarium & nature (12), day trips & excursions (6), gastronomy & nightlife (6) and city tours (5). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.

Where should I stay in Iguazu Falls?

Popular areas for hotels in Iguazu Falls include Foz do Iguazu. Well-reviewed options include Sanma Hotel and Grand Carima Resort e Convention Center.

How many hotels can I book in Iguazu Falls?

Destina Holidays currently lists 109 properties in and around Iguazu Falls, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.