Warning – This is going to be a hefty post. There is A LOT of information but I don’t want you to arrive without knowing the important stuff! So, bare with me.
Iguazu Falls is the worlds largest system of waterfalls. The junction of the water flow marks the borders of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. This is where three different countries meet, making it a tripoint! Ever wanted to be in three places at once? Here’s an astounding place to do so!
The falls are the result of a volcanic eruption that left a large crack in the earth. Although, legend has it, that the falls were created to separate two lovers that defied the gods. A god named M’Boy was to marry Naipi, a very beautiful woman that was also the daughter of the tribal chief. This woman canoed away with her lover, angering the god. The god was enraged and sliced the river, which not only created the falls, but condemned the two lovers to fall for eternity.
Harsh don’t cha think?
With around 275 waterfalls (some reaching 269 feet in height!), butterfly trails, helicopter rides, hiking trails, etc… This UNESCO World Heritage Site should definitely be on your bucket list!
What you need to know
Location: There are two main entrances to the Falls – Argentina (Puerto Iguazu) and Brazil (Foz do Iguaçu).
Visas: IMPORTANT. See below.
Entering from Argentina – A passport is all that’s necessary. There is no Visa required for U.S. citizens. However, Canadian and Australian citizens are required to pay a reciprocity fee PRIOR to arrival.
Entering from Brazil – Brazil has different visa requirements by country so check that ahead of time. American’s are required to arrange their visas in advance. The fee is $130 to enter the Brazil side of the falls (even just for one day) and they will NOT do this at border control. Plan ahead 😉
When: The falls are spectacular year round but visiting March-April and August-September comes with perks. The temperature is more comfortable, the risk of clouds and rain is smaller and although the falls aren’t at their peak, the rock faces peak through the water, which is beautiful to see!
Language: The main language of Brazil is Portuguese and the main language on Argentina is Argentinian Spanish. Both of these languages will be prominent of course but you can get all necessary information in English. Most of the people that work at Iguazu speak English as well.
Currency: Generally, around Iguazu Falls the Argentinean peso, Brazilian real and US dollar are accepted. There are safe ATM’s available at the Iguazu entrance on the Brazilian side. I can’t speak for the Argentinean side as we didn’t enter from there.
Supplies: SUNSCREEN, insect repellent (You’re going to be in a rainforest. You NEED this), comfy shoes, swimsuit, sunglasses, waterproof case for your phone & camera (It gets REALLY wet) and plenty of extra memory for pics!
BRAZIL SIDE OR ARGENTINA SIDE?
When a world famous stretch of waterfalls covers 1.7 miles and spans between two countries you might ask yourself, “Which side is better to view the falls from?”
Here are the deets people…
Argentina – This side encompasses a much larger portion of Iguazu Falls as far as area goes. The catwalks are longer in length, which leads you to getting nice and close to many of the giant waterfalls. There are also smaller waterfalls for viewing that are exclusive to the Argentinean side. However, the biggest bummer for this entrance is that you will only be able to view the Devils Throat (the most powerful component of the falls) from a top-down view.
Brazil – The biggest difference between the two entrances is that you will see more distant panoramic views from the Argentinean side and more up close views from the Brazilian side. The Brazil side is made up of shorter trails. There is a catwalk that leads right up to the Devils Throat fall, which is a big perk. The Brazil side is a bit more developed with helicopter rides and rafting river trips where as the Argentinean side tends to be more on the environmentally conscious end.
Basically, it depends on what you want for your trip. It is possible to do both! It’s relatively easy to get from one side to another. We entered from the Brazilian side and had a wonderful experience. It was safe, easy for us to get around and we experienced everything we desired. Regardless of what side you enter from, it will be a magical experience!
Yay, we got all the technical stuff out of the way! Below I’ll share with you my experience at Iguazu Falls. I hope the photos capture even a small amount of its magic!
When we were on tour in Brazil, we had a small show break for three days while the show was traveling from one city to another. We thought that since we had a little time off we should take advantage of it and see something cool. Iguazu quickly made it to the top of our list.
We flew into the small airport in Brazil serving Iguazu Falls, Foz Du Iguazu International, and stayed in the world’s tiniest hotel.
We took a bus (super easy to navigate) to the entrance of Iguazu. The national park has a visitor center with all the info you need – tours, helicopter rides, boat rides, park shuttles, maps, tickets, etc.
Once you’ve entered the park, a shuttle will take you to the different trail heads. Entering from the Brazil side, you will start at the top of the falls and work your way down. You get some really beautiful views from here!
As you make your way through the trails you will find lots of fun picture locations. When you get closer to the water there will be more mist in the air, which continually makes the most beautiful rainbows on top of the thundering water!
Garganta del Diablo! The Devil’s Throat is the centerpiece of Iguazu Falls and is made up of the tallest waterfalls this national park has to offer. The crashing of the falls creates a giant wall of mist. YOU ARE GOING TO GET SOAKED. Embrace it people! It’s a blast. Protect your camera!
We decided that the nature and water safari was necessary. We rode in a giant jeep through the beautiful forest of Iguazu National Park as a guide informed us about the foliage and animals friends that live there. There is a whopping 2,000 species of plants that live in the delta surrounding the falls!
Seeing the falls up close by boat is such a cool perspective. The boat will actually take you UNDER some of the small falls, which absolutely terrified me seeing as I’m an awful swimmer and felt like I was drowning. Please do it! It was such a blast and the videos of everyone (AKA me) screaming are priceless.
We spent two full days on the Brazil side of the falls. When I travel I always like to think that I’ll make it back to that same spot one day, but the truth is that isn’t going to happen for every place I visit. So, the second day at Iguazu was spent soaking up all of the beauty and magic it had to offer.
PS – I finally made it to the end of a rainbow. Its amazing 😉
Iguazu has been named one of the best places in the world to see butterflies. In the early morning you can find an abundance of different species of butterflies resting on the railings or flying about on the trails. They’re not afraid to say hello! They will hitch a ride with you as you walk by!
So… Why should you visit Iguazu Falls? Why SHOULDN’T you visit Iguazu Falls? This treasure, hidden in a South American rainforest, will no doubt be one of the most naturally beautiful places you’ve ever experienced. See one of mother natures most impressive and majestic masterpieces, do yourself a favor (I wouldn’t lead you wrong!) and put Iguazu Falls on your bucket list.
