The Iguazu Falls, also known as the Iguassu Falls or the Iguaçu Falls, is an amazing spectacle of 275 individual waterfalls that is one of the top tourist attractions in both Brazil and Argentina.
Visitors can see and experience the power of the falls from Foz do Iguaçu in Brazil, Puerto Iguazú in Argentina or from Ciudad del Este in Paraguay.
As we were leaving Brazil and on route to Paraguay, it made sense for us to travel to Foz do Iguaçu and stay for two nights in order to visit the falls.
We like to avoid tours whenever we can as we prefer to do things on our own terms when possible. Finding out how to get to a destination and formulating a plan for the day is so much more interesting than having everything done for you, don’t you think?
Getting To and From
Before we left Rio, we knew that the falls was somewhere that we could explore ourselves as taking a tour is not necessary.
Getting to the Iguazu Falls is extremely easy – take the bus 120 from the municipal bus station in Foz do Iguaçu to the Iguaçu National Park. The buses run daily every 22 minutes and the journey should take approximately 30 minutes.
As far as I can remember, the entrance fee to the National Park is around $40, and includes unlimited access to the double-decker buses that shuttle visitors to and from the falls area.
How long do you need?
This answer solely depends on your own preference. Some people only need a few hours while others like to spend two or even three days exploring the different trails and getting their adrenalin juices flowing by partaking in activities such as river rafting, rappelling and speed boat and helicopter rides.
We opted to spend one day at the Brazilian side of the falls and it was a sufficient amount of time for us.
The day was thoroughly enjoyable, the falls were pretty damn incredible and we got some epic photos and videos that we will treasure forever.
Tips!!
**** Do bring a waterproof jacket with you or buy a poncho when you arrive, as you will get soaked through if you plan on getting right under the falls like we did. It was so much fun but you WILL get drenched!
**** Don’t bring your camera/phone on the bridges under the falls unless you have them in a waterproof casing.
**** Take your time in the park and enjoy the surroundings. The falls are a spectacular sight to behold so sit back, dry off, have a cup of coffee and take in the view of a 2.7 kilometre stretch of probably the most impressive waterfalls in the world.
Have you been to the Iguazu falls before? What side did you see them from if you did?
I saw Iguazu Falls from both sides (Brazil and Argentina) over a two day period. The Argentinean side contains 75% of the falls, has a few more scenic hiking trails, allows you to get much closer to the falls (you can take the pedestrian bridge right to Devil’s Throat, but it was washed out when I went – June 2014), and the Speed boat ride operates out of there — highly recommend taking it if any one goes to the Argentinean side!
As for the Brazilian side, you get way better panoramic view points. I managed to snap a few awesome photos with rainbows in them, which was much more difficult to do on the Argentinean side I found. And I think the best part – on either side of the falls – is the pedestrian bridge that takes you to the bottom of Devils Throat (or close to). I can’t imagine that you would get that kind of opportunity at any other waterfall in the world. Maybe Victoria Falls? But, I haven’t been there, so I can’t comment.
Overall, I would agree that if you only have one day to spend at the Falls, then do it from the Brazilian side – less crowded, better panoramic photo opportunities, tour guides unnecessary, and no need to pay for the Reciprocity fee in Argentina (if you are Canadian, American or Australian). And be prepared to get drenched!