Iguazu Falls: Brazilian or Argentine side?

On the border between Brazil and Argentina, the Iguazu River plunges over several hundred waterfalls in the heart of the Atlantic Forest. Each country protects its own bank in a national park, and the two visits complement each other perfectly.

The Brazilian side: the big picture

From Brazil, you take in the falls as a panorama. The main trail, the Trilha das Cataratas, follows the gorge through the vegetation, from one viewpoint to the next, up to a walkway that juts out facing the Garganta do Diabo (Devil’s Throat). This is the side for sweeping views and wide-angle photos.

A visit to the Brazilian side generally takes half a day. It pairs very well with the Parque das Aves, a conservation center near the park entrance devoted to the birds of the Mata Atlântica.

The Argentine side: in the heart of the falls

On the Argentine side, a network of walkways lets you get as close as possible to the falls and see them from many angles. The high point of the visit is the Garganta del Diablo, where you stand above the chasm amid the roar and the spray, when that trail is open.

Plan on a full day there, with quite a bit of walking. A boat ride to the foot of the falls can be added as an option for the more adventurous.

Brazil Vip tip: Visiting the Argentine side means crossing the border: a valid passport is essential. Entry requirements depend on your nationality, so be sure to check before departure.

How much time to plan?

Two nights in Foz do Iguaçu are ideal: a full day for the Argentine side and the Parque das Aves, then a morning on the Brazilian side before catching your flight. That’s the pace we suggest in most of our tours.

• The experience — Brazilian side: Panoramic view of all the falls — Argentine side: Walkways right next to the water
• Visit time — Brazilian side: Half a day — Argentine side: A full day
• Highlight — Brazilian side: The walkway facing the Garganta do Diabo — Argentine side: The Garganta del Diablo seen from above
• Formalities — Brazilian side: None — Argentine side: Passport and border crossing

When to go?

You can visit the falls year-round. Their flow varies with the rainfall in the river basin: more spectacular after heavy rains, more modest in dry periods. Some trails or walkways may close temporarily depending on water levels and safety conditions.

Brazil Vip tip: Bring a light rain jacket and quick-drying clothes: near the falls, the spray soaks you in no time.