When we decided to go to Brazil, Iguazu Falls was one of our must see stops along the way. These waterfalls sit on the border of Brazil and Argentina and can be seen from either side. For this trip, we opted to just do the Brazil side because we were limited on time, and the views did not disappoint!
Here is important info to help you plan your trip to Iguazu!
About Iguazu:
First, let’s talk about what makes Iguazu so iconic. This system of waterfalls is made up of 275 separate cascades, making it the largest chain of waterfalls in the world. It goes on for 1.7 miles (2.7 km), is nearly twice as tall as Niagara Falls, and is significantly wider than Victoria Falls. It is also one of the natural wonders of the world. We knew all of this going in, but seeing it in person is a seriously magical experience. The falls are beyond beautiful and the permanent rainbow they elicit make them even more mystical to behold.
Flights:
We flew from Rio de Janeiro (SDU) to Foz de Iguazu (IGU), landing in the morning on day 1 and leaving in the afternoon on day 3. This meant we only had one full day there and we had to make the most of it! Our round trip flights for two people cost about $450.00 USD, but if you plan ahead of time you may be able to find better deals!
Lodging & Transportation:
We stayed at the Selina Foz hostel in Foz do Iguacu. This hostel had a pool, restaurant, bar with free welcome drinks, and really cool facilities including outdoor and indoor common areas. It is also walking distance from a large grocery store and other amenities that make it super convenient! We got a private room that had a large private deck. We loved to sit out there for sunset and at night to watch the nearby city. This room cost about $220 total and included breakfast.
Another bonus of this hostel is that it is across the street from a bus stop. The 120 bus comes every 15 minutes and runs from downtown to the hostel, the airport, and the national park in which the falls are located. It cost $10 BRL for two of us one way, and was significantly cheaper than Ubers and taxis. We had originally planned to take an Uber, but despite the app saying the trip would only cost ~$20 BRL, the drivers would then message us demanding a flat fee of $60 BRL to complete the ride. This happened multiple times so we opted for public transportation instead and were so glad we did! It was quick, easy, reliable, and cheap!
Visiting Iguazu:
You first need to get to Iguazu National Park, and we highly recommend you take the bus to get to there and back. After that, you also need to book tickets on a bus within the national park that will take you from the entrance to the trails that wind alongside the falls. These buses have an open upper deck, so if there’s room, head up to the second floor for beautiful views of the lush wilderness on your way to the falls.
For those interested, there is even a luxurious hotel within the national park that looks gorgeous! It is definitely on the more expensive end, but it sits like a mansion on immaculate grounds on your way to the park and includes services like massages. It is also light pink which gives it a tropical feel. When we drove by it, we definitely wish we could have checked it out more closely!
Once you are dropped off at the falls, you will have stunning views of waterfalls the entire way. The paths are paved and there are plenty of signs to help you get where you’re going. The trails culminate at the “Devil’s Throat” (aka Garganta del Diablo) look out point, which you do NOT want to miss!! Just be prepared to get wet and have your camera ready. This is also where the most crowds tend to culminate.
Tips:
- Bring a raincoat / wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet. After you stand at the Devil’s Throat lookout you will look like you got caught in a rainstorm.
- Buy tickets for the national park bus ahead of time online, and opt for the first bus at 8:30 AM to beat the crowds. If you can’t make 8:30, go as early as possible, it really makes it such a more enjoyable experience to not have to wait in long lines at every viewpoint along the trails.
- Bring sunscreen! You will be out in the sun for much of this walk.
- Grab a pão de queijo at the court yard after you pass the Devil’s Throat. There is a nice sitting area with quick food options, or a restaurant if you’re looking for more of a meal. From here, you catch the bus back to the entrance of the park.
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Iguazu is seriously a bucket list destination, so make sure you don’t miss it if you have the chance to visit! We already can’t wait to go back to check out the Argentina side, but the views from the Brazil side were wildly beautiful, so it is well worth the trip even if you can’t do both sides!
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We hope this helps you get out there!
Summer & Jackson
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