South America is a paradise for nature lovers, featuring waterfalls, mountains, and forests. For many travelers, the continent is also home to the most iconic waterfalls on the planet. The Iguazu Falls feature 275 cascades stretching for almost two miles, which means it's wider than Niagara Falls. The place is recognized as the largest waterfall on the globe and offers multiple outdoor activities for tourists.

The Iguazu Falls are nestled on the borders of Argentina and Brazil, countries with a historic rivalry due to soccer, and tourists can explore the falls from both sides. Yet, one of the travelers' main questions while planning a visit to the Iguazu Falls (or Cataratas do Iguaçu for Brazilians) is which side is better.

Travelers with enough time should visit the Iguazu Falls in both countries, as each offers unforgettable experiences.

The Iguazu Falls - Argentina

Approximately 80 percent of the Iguazu Falls are in Argentina. The most famous spot on the Argentinean side is the Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat), its tallest fall measuring 262 feet. As this part also hosts the most significant part of the falls, there are more trails to explore.

Travelers should know it is not a day trip and they need at least two days to explore the region.

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How To Get There

Travelers visiting Buenos Aires can take one of the many daily flights to Cataratas del Iguazú International Airport (IGR) or Foz do Iguaçu Airport (IGU) in Brazil. The journey takes approximately two hours, and both airports are very close to the waterfalls and easy to navigate.

Another option is traveling by bus from Buenos Aires. The journey takes approximately 18 hours, and the ticket price starts at $32.

What To Do

Parque Nacional Iguazu is located on the Argentinean side, and it is possible to buy the ticket online, which gives access to the Superior and Lower Circuit.

  • Superior Circuit: Visitors have a panoramic view of the waterfalls, including on the Brazilian side. The trail is easy, and travelers willing to walk a few miles are rewarded with a magnificent view of Dos Hermanas, Chico, Ramirez, Bosetti, Adan and Eva, Mendez, and Mbiguá waterfalls.
  • Lower Circuit: Iguazu is surrounded by a forest, making the place even more impressive. On the lower circuit, visitors can go through the jungle and have an immersive experience until they reach a panoramic view. It is a short but steep trail, so some travelers might find it tiring.
  • Devil's Throat: It's arguably Iguazu's main attraction, and visitors stand only a few meters away from its tallest fall. What makes it even more impressive is the permanent mist created by the fall. Visitors need to catch a train inside the park to get there.
  • Macuco Trail: It's a trail with hardly any human intervention, and visitors can admire the forest and animals along the way. At the end of the trail, travelers can admire a 20-meter waterfall.
  • Ticket for the Parque Nacional Iguazu (Argentina): $15 (adults), $5 (children between 6 and 11). The entrance is free for children who are five years old or less.

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The Iguazu Falls - Brazilian Side

While the Argentinean side is home to the most significant part of Iguazu, the panoramic view on the Brazilian side is second to none. It is also home to the only hotel within the park so that travelers can have a permanent panoramic view of the park. Exploring the Iguazu Falls on the Brazilian side in a few hours is possible. Travelers can purchase their tickets online.

How To Get There

In Brazil, the falls are located at Foz do Iguaçu, and it has an international airport. The Foz do Iguaçu Airport (IGU) is only eight miles from the city center, making it the easiest option. Many daily direct flights leave Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Curitiba.

It's also possible to travel by bus. Although it is the most affordable option, travelers leaving São Paulo must spend 16 hours on the bus, and the ticket costs approximately $40.

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What To Do

This part of the tour has only one circuit, and visitors often take two or three hours to explore it. The best thing is that this trail has a permanent view of the falls, so it is a different experience. This trail is easy, and people of all ages can do it. To arrive at the circuit, travelers must take a bus that makes three strategic stops.

The first stop is at Macuco Safari, where visitors can purchase a tour to a trial inside the jungle and explore the waterfalls on a boat. For people looking for something with more adrenaline, it's also possible to go on their rafting tours.

The second stop is at the entrance of the circuit, where travelers can reach the Iguazu Falls through the trail. The final stop is at the end of the circuit, where travelers can catch an elevator and go directly to the viewpoint.

  • Ticket for the Parque Nacional Iguazu (Brazil): $18 (adults), $11 (children between 2 and 11). The entrance is free for toddlers.
  • Macuco Safari: Prices start at $35 (children and seniors) and $68 (adults)