Best things to do in Iguazú Falls
Find out more about those top places in Iguazú Falls
Iguazú Falls Travel Guide: Top Attractions, Sightseeing Tips, and Things to Do in Puerto Iguazú
If you’re searching for one of South America's most jaw-dropping places to visit, look no further than Iguazú Falls—a breathtaking natural wonder that straddles the border between Argentina and Brazil. Recognized as one of the top attractions in the world, these colossal waterfalls span more than three kilometers, with the powerful Rio Iguazú crashing over 250 separate cascades into the misty jungle below. At the heart of this spectacle is the Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat), a horseshoe-shaped chasm where millions of liters of water thunder over the edge every second, creating a roaring, otherworldly atmosphere.
Whether you're a nature lover, photographer, or simply someone craving an unforgettable experience, Iguazú Falls should be high on your travel bucket list. This travel guide will walk you through the top things to do, how to make the most of your trip, and why Puerto Iguazú—on the Argentine side—is the perfect base for your adventure.
Top Attractions at Iguazú Falls
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Garganta del Diablo (Devil’s Throat): The most iconic and dramatic section of the falls, this is the top attraction in any Iguazú Falls travel guide. A series of elevated boardwalks lead you right to the edge of this thunderous drop, where the sheer force and scale of the falls are nothing short of mesmerizing.
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Upper and Lower Circuits: These well-maintained trails offer two unique sightseeing perspectives—one from above, with panoramic views of the falls and jungle, and the other from below, where you can feel the power of the water crashing down around you.
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Boat Rides Under the Falls: For thrill-seekers, one of the most exciting things to do is hop aboard a speedboat that takes you up close—and soaking wet—to some of the falls. It’s an exhilarating way to feel the raw power of nature firsthand.
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Macuco Trail & Wildlife Watching: Beyond the waterfalls, the Iguazú National Park is a biodiversity hotspot. The Macuco Trail is a quieter walking path perfect for spotting toucans, monkeys, butterflies, and even the elusive jaguar if you're lucky.
Why Visit from Puerto Iguazú, Argentina
While both Brazil and Argentina offer stunning views of the falls, Puerto Iguazú—a charming town on the Argentine side—is widely considered the best place for a full, immersive Iguazú Falls travel experience. Here’s why:
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Closer Access: Argentina's network of elevated walkways and viewing platforms allows you to get much closer to the falls than on the Brazilian side, including direct access to the Garganta del Diablo.
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Immersive Sightseeing: The Argentine side provides a more intimate and natural setting, with boardwalks winding through subtropical rainforest, offering multiple places to visit and wildlife encounters along the way.
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Local Charm: Puerto Iguazú itself is a peaceful town with tree-lined streets, relaxed cafés, and boutique hotels. It’s the ideal place to unwind after a day of sightseeing and adventure.
Things to Do in and Around Puerto Iguazú
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Visit the Hito Tres Fronteras: This scenic viewpoint marks the meeting point of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. It’s a great spot for photos and understanding the region’s unique geography.
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Explore the Güirá Oga Wildlife Refuge: Located just outside town, this center rescues and rehabilitates local wildlife and offers educational tours—a meaningful stop for animal lovers.
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Try Local Cuisine: Puerto Iguazú has a strong culinary culture. Don't miss the chance to try Argentine parrilla, river fish like surubí, and refreshing yerba mate drinks at cozy restaurants around town.
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Take a Day Trip to the Brazilian Side: While Puerto Iguazú is the preferred base, it's worth crossing the border for panoramic views of the falls from Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil. Many travelers include both sides for the full experience.
Final Thoughts: A Hidden Gem in South America
Despite its jaw-dropping beauty, Iguazú Falls remains one of South America’s hidden gems, especially compared to the more tourist-saturated natural wonders around the world. With its blend of adventure, nature, and cultural charm, it offers travelers a rare chance to connect with one of the planet’s most awe-inspiring landscapes.
So if you're crafting your dream Argentina travel itinerary, make sure Puerto Iguazú and Iguazú Falls are right at the top. From thrilling boat rides and scenic hikes to wildlife sightings and stunning viewpoints, there’s no shortage of things to do and unforgettable moments waiting for you.
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Iguazú Falls
Iguazú Falls which can also be called Iguaçu Falls is undeniable the largest waterfall system in the world. They are waterfalls of the Iguazú River and can be found on the border of the Paraná, a state in Brazil and the Argentine province of Misiones. The river is divided into the upper and lower Iguazú as a result of the falls action.
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Parque das Aves
The Parque das Aves can be found very close to the Iguazú Falls with its exact location in Foz do Iguaçu. This privately owned zoo houses mainly different species of birds as well as butterflies and animals. With a land area of 16 hectares, the Parque das Aves which opened in 1994 gets lots of visitors and tourists.
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Ecomuseum of Itaipu
Brazil is known for being home to some of the largest facilities in the world such as the Itaipu Hydroelectric Dam. With an installed generation capacity of 14GW, the Itaipu Hydroelectric Dam remains the biggest hug energy producer in the world still operational. A tour of the facility is bound to leave you shocked at the immense size.
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Iguazú Falls Boat Ride
A boat ride tour of the Iguazú National Park exposes you to viewing this park from three entirely different perspectives. The full-day tour begins at Foz do Iguaçu, then a border crossing into Argentina and a quick shower at the Three Musketeers cascades with a walk along the lower and upper circuit.
