Iguazu Falls in Argentina 2024-2025

Iguazu Falls straddle the border of Argentina and Brazil, close to the border of Paraguay. This massive natural wonder consists of almost 300 waterfalls and cataracts that disappear and reappear depending on the season. The width of Iguazu is also very impressive—it's estimated to be around 8,858 feet (2,700 m). The height of the tallest part—the so-called Devil's Throat—reaches up to 269 feet (82 m).

Iguazu is the most powerful waterfall in South America. During the rainy season, its flow rate can reach an impressive number of 13,000 cubic meters per second which is more than enough to fill five Olympic swimming pools. It's perhaps no wonder that in the native Guarani Indian language, "Iguazu," which is the name of both the waterfall and the river, means "big water."

Best Time to Visit Iguazu Falls

Summer, which lasts roughly from December to February, is the best time to see Iguazu Falls with the highest water levels. It's also the best period to explore the falls by boat. However, this is also the most humid and hot time of the year. Temperatures go up to the lower 30s °C (86°F) and many locals choose to travel during this time because of their vacations.

The shoulder periods from March to April and from August to September are much more pleasant times to visit the falls in terms of weather. Even considering that the waterfall volume may be smaller, the chances of rain during these times are rather low, and the air is cooler and drier. It's also less crowded, as most locals take their vacation during the summer. Just make sure to avoid the Easter holidays, as these times tend to be very crowded. Winter holidays in the second half of July are also not the best time to travel to Iguazu, as many locals come to enjoy the waterfalls.

Things to Do at Iguazu Falls

Boat tours to the falls, helicopter rides over Iguazu, and various trekking options are available both on the Brazilian and Argentinian sides. Iguazau Falls is a combination of two national parks on Brazilian and Argentinian sides. Explore Iguazú National Park on the Brazilian side, which offers a fascinating circuit that can take two hours to complete. The Macuco Trail is a perfect way to see the jungle with its unique flora and fauna. To complete your adventure, you can float down the river on an inflatable raft or take a shuttle to the beginning of a circuit.

Which Side to View Iguazu Falls From

There are two ways to see Iguazu—from the Brazilian side and from the Argentinian side. The first one offers a beautiful panoramic view, while the second allows you to experience the waterfall more intimately. It's on the Argentinian side, where you can get soaked while walking along the boardwalks in the clouds of mist, and where you can even take a speedboat and go right under the falls. So the decision is up to you.

How to Get to Iguazu Falls

The fastest way is to fly either to Foz do Iguaçu Airport (IGU) on the Brazilian side or to Cataratas del Iguazú (IGR) in Argentina. The Foz do Iguaçu Airport is situated approximately 9 miles (15 km) from the falls, while Cataratas del Iguazú Airport is around 27 miles (43 km) from the waterfalls. You can also take a bus leaving for the falls from Buenos Aires, but the trip takes about 18 hours.

Opening Hours & Cost

Iguazu National Park is open from 8 am until 6 pm on the Argentinian side and from 9 am until 6 pm on the Brazilian side. Admission is only allowed up until 4:30 pm. Tickets to the park on the Argentinian side cost around $39 for adults, $19 for children between 6 and 16 years old, and free for children under 6 years old. On the Brazilian side, admission costs around $39 and is free for children under 7 years old.

Where to Stay

There are plenty of lodging options in proximity to Iguazu Falls whether you are on the Brazillian or Argentinian side. For example, you can stay in the national parks surrounding the falls, but it is a really pricey option. There is just one hotel in Iguazú National Park in Argentina, Gran Melia Iguazu, offering stunning views of the falls right from your room window. Similarly, in Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, (located within the reaches of Iguaçu National Park of Brazil) you can marvel at a panoramic view of Iguazu Falls from your room.

If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can stay in Puerto Iguazú (Argentina) or Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil). Both cities have a variety of hotels in the center. You can pick accommodation close to a bus terminal, from where buses depart to Iguazu Falls.